It has been said that no journey in life is as challenging as the one that brought us into it. The birth process is a powerful one, with a huge amount of physical force being exerted onto the baby. Many newborns retain some degree of trauma in their systems, often affecting the vulnerable bones of the skull. Craniosacral Therapy is a way of giving the infant a helping hand with the disengagement of any such restrictions.

Possible indicators of unresolved birth trauma: 
Excessive crying; Sleeplessness; Feeding difficulties; Colic; Vomiting; Unresponsiveness.

Craniosacral Therapy works by honouring the journey the baby has made, and releasing any shock effects from what might have been a very lengthy and difficult process. It is a therapy widely regarded by midwives and health visitors as being beneficial.

Using an exceptionally light touch to evaluate any compression to the baby’s tissues, a craniosacral treatment can often bring about change very swiftly. The tiny body readily responds to the offer of help. The baby does not need to stay awake... he or she can be treated whilst asleep, cradled in mum's arms, or whilst feeding. Due to the strong bond between the two, it can be very useful to treat mum and baby at the same time.

 
Areas which often need attention in newborns: 

Sacrum/ Pelvis (to balance asymmetry) 
Occiput/ Sacrum (to relieve torsions along the spinal column) 
Occiput/ Atlas (to release condylar compression where the bones are 'wedged' together) 
Cranial base (to evaluate mobility and the effectiveness of the sucking reflex) 

Once any physical problems have been resolved, and the effects of shock released from the system, a baby may move into ‘birth process’ positions during craniosacral sessions, as a way of recreating and 'resolving' the experience. This has been described and photographed beautifully in a gorgeous little book by Etienne and Neeto Peirsman:  'Craniosacral Therapy for Babies and Small Children'. I have a copy which I make available for parents to view when they bring their child to see me... it makes it easier to understand the very deep levels at which craniosacral therapy works.