Written by: Niels Tuijl, baby osteopath Amsterdam.
"Sleepless nights and a crying baby where nothing seems to help: many parents in the Netherlands encounter this and do not feel heard. Because a baby cannot yet talk, the cause of the restlessness often remains a mystery. Osteopathy looks further. By detecting blockages in the body, I find out why your baby is restless"
Birth is an intensive process that demands a lot from both mother and child. Not every baby is born the same way; Sometimes a birth proceeds quickly, other times it involves a lengthy process or a caesarean section. All these forces influence the anatomy and development of your baby and can cause tension in various parts of the body.
In practice I often see that this tension accumulates around the cervical vertebrae and the skull. Because a baby cannot yet name these physical discomforts, the restlessness manifests itself in other ways: frequent crying, poor sleep, restless and even inconsolable. As an osteopath I help find and resolve these deeper tensions.
As a parent you may recognize the following complaints in your baby:
- Inconsolable and prolonged crying
- Preferred posture or asymmetry, like it KISS syndrome, a bent or banana position or a flattened head (plagiocephaly)
- Movement restriction, for example when turning the neck
- Torticollis (misalignment of the head and neck due to muscle tension)
- Bladder, intestinal or abdominal cramps
- Reflux or the baby spits up excessively
- Feeding problems or sucking and swallowing problems
- Poor sleep or waking up a lot and/or feeling restless
- Difficulty burping, frequent hiccups
- Delay in motor development such as difficulty rolling over or crawling
- overstretch
What can an osteopath do for your baby?
As an osteopath I look for the cause of the unrest. I investigate blockages, movement restrictions or tensions in the skull that may have arisen during birth. Because babies are still very flexible and in full development, they often respond surprisingly quickly to treatment. Sometimes you see an immediate improvement in sleep or relaxation, in other cases this effect gradually builds up in the days after the appointment.
I view your baby as one coherent whole. A consultation therefore always starts with an extensive conversation about the pregnancy, delivery and development so far. This is followed by a gentle physical examination of the skull, neck, back and abdomen.
During the treatment I only use gentle and safe techniques. Babies often experience this as pleasant and relaxing. Parents are of course present all the time; I think it is important to explain everything calmly, so that you understand exactly what I am doing and why.
A visit to the osteopath is a new experience for a baby. To make it as relaxing as possible, here are some tips:
- Location: You are welcome on the Herengracht or in Amsterdam East. My tip: Are you coming with the stroller? Then schedule your appointment in Amsterdam East. This practice is on the ground floor and therefore easier to access.
- Comfort: Bring a favorite cuddly toy, a pacifier or a cloth that is familiar to the baby.
- Feeding: Provide extra food and a clean diaper. It is no problem to feed during or after the consultation.
- Clothing: Dress your baby in clothes that are easy to put on and take off.
Do you want to know whether osteopathy can help your baby?
Feel free to schedule an appointment or contact us by telephone without obligation if you would like more information first.