A preferred posture in a baby means that the baby looks or lies to one side more often.
It may be that the baby can also turn the head to the other side. Or that you as a parent can do that for the baby, but you see that invariably the head is still turned back to the same side in sleep or during waking periods.
This preferred posture can lead to a flattening of the skull on that side or other discomfort. Fortunately, the osteopath can help with this.
What is osteopathy?
Osteopathy is a form of alternative medicine that focuses on restoring balance to the body. It assumes good mobility as a prerequisite for the body’s self-healing ability. Gentle techniques are used to relieve tension and loss of movement in the body. This is especially important for babies, whose bodies are still developing.
Read more about the background of osteopathy as a treatment method here.
How does it work?
When you make an appointment for your baby, the osteopath will send a link for you to fill out an intake form. This form will ask questions about brief medical history including pregnancy, childbirth and problems being experienced at this time.
At the first consultation, following this form, a conversation will take place about the current situation, the course of the pregnancy, the delivery and any medical history of your baby. Next, the osteopath will do a gentle physical examination. This is a careful process in which the osteopath looks at the mobility of the structures of the neck, back and head. But also of the abdominal contents and the rest of the body. Following the movement losses found, treatment is instituted.
This treatment itself consists of gentle techniques that restore mobility all over the body. All of this can help relax the muscles around the neck and shoulders, allowing the baby to move more freely. The goal is to ensure that your baby is more comfortable and has less tendency to look or lie to one side.
Benefits of osteopathy for preferred posture
Osteopathy can offer several benefits for babies with preferred posture:
1. Improved movement: By relieving tension, your baby can more easily turn his or her head and adjust posture.
2. Less discomfort: Treatments can help reduce pain or discomfort associated with the preferred posture.
3. Prevention: Early treatment can help prevent further problems, such as a crooked skull or other postural problems. The baby can then continue to develop freely.
Is it safe?
Yes, osteopathy is safe for babies. The techniques osteopaths use are gentle and careful. It is important to go to an experienced and registered osteopath who is affiliated with, for example, NRO and NVO. Furthermore, it is wise to go to an osteopath who specializes in treating infants. Sander Sprong completed the training in “osteopathy for children” immediately after completing the recognized basic training in osteopathy. This continuing education is a two-year part-time study provided by“Pro Osteo,” a continuing education institute specifically for osteopaths. He has gained extensive experience treating pregnant women as well as babies and children over the past more than 12 years.
Get in touch
Want to make an appointment? You can easily make an appointment 24 hours a day through the online calendar. If you want to ask some questions first, feel free to contact us! The easiest way is via email, SMS or whatsapp. Because I don’t answer the phone during treatment, I am unfortunately not so easy to reach by phone. If you leave a message on voicemail or send a message via SMS, whatsapp or mail, I will try to respond the same day.
