Supporting Your Baby’s Wellness with a Gentle, Hands-On Approach
The first few months of your baby’s life are a time of incredible growth and bonding. But for many families in Middleton and across the Treasure Valley, they can also bring challenges like feeding difficulties, unexplained fussiness, and sleepless nights. As a parent, you want to find the most gentle and effective solutions to help your little one thrive. Craniosacral Therapy (CST) is a soft-touch, non-invasive approach that can provide profound relief and support your infant’s overall well-being from the very beginning.
At the Center for Orofacial Myology, we understand the interconnectedness of the body. We offer Craniosacral Therapy as part of our integrated approach to care, helping address the root causes of discomfort and promoting optimal development for your child.
What is Craniosacral Therapy?
Craniosacral Therapy is a gentle, hands-on therapy that focuses on the craniosacral system—the membranes and fluid that surround and protect the brain and spinal cord. The journey through the birth canal, and even positioning in the womb, can create tension and restrictions in a baby’s delicate body. These subtle imbalances can sometimes interfere with the function of the central nervous system.
A trained therapist uses a very light touch, often no more than the weight of a nickel, to detect and release these areas of tension. The goal is to improve the flow of cerebrospinal fluid and release restrictions in the fascia (the body’s connective tissue), allowing your baby’s body to relax, self-correct, and heal naturally. It’s a deeply calming experience for most infants.
How Can Craniosacral Therapy Help Your Infant?
Because CST influences the central nervous system, it can have a wide range of benefits for many common infant concerns. Parents often seek this therapy for support with:
Breastfeeding and Latching Difficulties
Tension in an infant’s jaw, neck, or head can make it difficult to achieve a deep, comfortable latch. CST can release this tension, improving tongue mobility and coordination for more effective nursing. This is especially beneficial for babies who have had an infant tongue-tie release, as it helps the muscles and tissues adapt and function optimally post-procedure. We often work closely with families receiving lactation support to create a comprehensive care plan.
Colic, Reflux, and Digestive Discomfort
Unsettledness from colic or reflux can be linked to tension affecting the nerves that regulate digestion, such as the vagus nerve. By gently releasing restrictions around the base of the skull, spine, and diaphragm, CST can help calm the nervous system, ease digestive distress, and reduce excessive crying.
Torticollis and Plagiocephaly (Head Shape)
Torticollis (neck tightness on one side) and plagiocephaly (flat head syndrome) often stem from in-utero positioning or birth trauma. Craniosacral therapy can help release the underlying fascial strain in the neck and skull, encouraging balanced movement and allowing the head to round out naturally as the baby grows.
Sleep Issues and General Fussiness
When an infant holds tension in their body, it can be difficult for them to fully relax and enter a state of deep, restorative sleep. CST promotes a profound sense of calm and relaxation, helping to soothe a fussy baby and improve sleep patterns.
What to Expect During a Session
A Craniosacral Therapy session for your baby is a peaceful and nurturing experience. Your baby will remain fully clothed and can be held in your arms, lie on a comfortable treatment table, or even nurse during the session. Our skilled therapists create a calm environment, allowing your baby to feel safe and secure. Using gentle, targeted touch on the head, spine, and body, the therapist will listen to the body’s subtle rhythms and encourage the release of tension. Sessions are tailored to your baby’s needs and can last from 15 to 45 minutes.
Did You Know?
- The pressure used in Craniosacral Therapy is extremely light—about the weight of a nickel.
- CST can help release tension that originates from the birthing process, whether the birth was long, fast, or via C-section.
- The therapy is so gentle and safe it can be performed on infants just days after birth to address potential issues early on.
A Holistic Approach for Middleton Families
At the Center for Orofacial Myology, we believe in a whole-body approach to wellness. For families in Middleton, Star, Eagle, and the greater Boise area, craniosacral therapy is a key component of our integrated care model. It doesn’t just address symptoms; it helps rebalance the nervous system, which is foundational to healthy development.
This therapy beautifully complements our other expert services. For a child struggling with communication, it can support their progress in speech therapy. For a picky eater or a baby with oral motor challenges, it can enhance the benefits of feeding therapy. And for babies with torticollis or other musculoskeletal imbalances, it works hand-in-hand with our specialized physical therapy programs. Our collaborative team of experts works together to ensure your child receives comprehensive, effective care.
Ready to Support Your Baby’s Well-Being?
If your infant is struggling with feeding, fussiness, or other developmental challenges, a gentle touch can make a world of difference. Discover how Craniosacral Therapy can support your baby’s health and bring more peace to your family.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Craniosacral Therapy safe for newborns?
Yes, CST is considered extremely safe for infants, including newborns, due to its incredibly gentle and non-invasive nature. It’s essential to seek a practitioner with specific training and experience in pediatric craniosacral therapy.
Does Craniosacral Therapy hurt?
No, CST is not painful. The touch is very light and is designed to be relaxing. Many babies find the sessions deeply calming and may even fall asleep.
How many sessions will my baby need?
The number of sessions varies depending on the individual needs of your baby. Some infants experience significant improvement after just one to three sessions, while others with more complex issues may benefit from ongoing support.
How does CST support recovery after a tongue-tie release?
After a frenectomy (tongue-tie release), there can be residual tension in the jaw, tongue, and neck. CST helps release this tension, promotes optimal healing, and encourages new, functional motor patterns for effective feeding and swallowing.
Glossary of Terms
Craniosacral System: This system consists of the membranes and cerebrospinal fluid that surround and cushion the brain and spinal cord, running from the cranium (skull) to the sacrum (tailbone).
Fascia: A web-like connective tissue that surrounds and holds every organ, blood vessel, bone, nerve fiber, and muscle in place. Tension in the fascia can restrict movement and function throughout the body.
Torticollis: A condition also known as “wryneck,” where neck muscles cause the head to twist or tilt to one side.
Plagiocephaly: Often called “flat head syndrome,” this is a condition characterized by a flat spot on one side or the back of an infant’s head.
Frenectomy: A minor surgical procedure that releases a tongue-tie (ankyloglossia) or lip-tie by clipping the restrictive band of tissue (frenulum).