Most babies I see need and are able to get bodywork. Most are babies with oral ties, sometimes with head preference, torticollis, plagiocephaly and more. Body tension related to ties is the most common reason parents and providers think of bodywork, but what other reasons could a baby (or dyad) benefit from bodywork?
NICU admission! This is huge. Babies in the NICU have a very strict schedule of feeding, diapers, meds, etc. Much fo the time they can’t be held, or only at certain times. They are alone in a bed or incubator, without human touch much of the time. While many try to dim the lights at times, there are also noises. Lots of overstimulation during a time that baby is either supposed to be either in or on parent’s body. Then there are the tubes, wires, procedures and pain. Yes, these are life-saving treatments and I am thankful that NICU’s exist and there are so many skilled providers to help babies thrive. That doesn’t mean they aren’t stressful on the nervous system. When I see babies that have been discharged from the NICU frequently, they are overstimulated, difficult to soothe, stressed with and without physical contact, and feeding is usually tough too. These babies (and their parents) really need some neuro calming bodywork. CST is a wonderful option to help get everyone’s nervous systems calm and able to handle life again.
Medical conditions. Whether it’s a heart defect, kidney issues or a genetic difference, this means the body is working harder to do basic tasks. Most of the time, this also means the nervous system is also working overtime. A stressed body stays in fight or flight more, rather than moving into rest and digest. Slower weight gain can also happen when the body is working too hard.
Pain is another good reason for skilled bodywork. While it can be harder to tell if baby is in pain, since they can’t tell us in words, they show us in other ways. Bodywork is very helpful for pain, tension and limited range of motion. Tension and limited range of motion can cause pain. For example if your baby can’t turn their head to the left, it’s most likely painful or at least uncomfortable for baby to try and turn their head.
Sleeping trouble, not pooping, stress, trouble feeding, and many more reasons for your baby to have skilled bodywork. It’s gentle, safe, effective and a very low risk intervention to try. With a knowledgeable provider, who works with babies often, bodywork is one of the best and lowest risk options to help your baby feel better!!!
So tell me, have you tried bodywork for your baby yet? I can’t wait to hear all about it.