Registered osteopaths are recognised by the NHS as Allied Health Professionals alongside paramedics and nurses.

Osteopaths must hold an undergraduate degree and require regular mandatory training for continuing professional development.

Osteopaths are regulated by the General Osteopathic Council, who hold the motto ‘safe in our hands’.

Paediatric osteopaths

Paediatric osteopaths are registered osteopaths that have undertaken postgraduate training in the treatment of babies and children.

Cranial osteopathy, also known as bodywork, is the specialism of gentle osteopathic techniques specifically tailored for treating babies and mums.

Cranial osteopathy/bodywork is used to bring long-term relief of pain and discomfort by diagnosing & treating underlying strains and tensions (musculoskeletal issues).

Using gentle yet effective methods osteopaths help the body relax and restore to a balanced state. If needed, tailored exercise and rehabilitation plans are created to complement treatment.

When there is pain or tension in one area of the body, the body often compensates which can lead to further tension and discomfort.

Osteopaths gently feel for tension and strain patterns throughout the whole body using a highly skilled sense of touch.

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Each case is unique, so we draw upon relevant movement techniques to provide individual treatment.

Specialised osteopathic treatment alongside infant feeding support may help babies experiencing breastfeeding and bottle-feeding problems including:

• reduced feeding ability

• tongue-tie

• reflux

• unsettled baby

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An assessment and diagnosis from an experienced cranial osteopath can help to treat the root cause of the problem, such as underlying tensions and strains.

Cranial osteopathy compliments support from a lactation consultant to help you and your baby feed comfortably.

No cranial osteopathic treatment shouldn't hurt. The techniques we use are very gentle and do not involve forcing a baby's body to move.

There are many factors that affect how a baby's body responds to treatment. Relief may be experienced straight away, though sometimes it can take a little longer as their body adjusts.

The overall aim is to bring long term relief by addressing the underlying causes of a problem.

• history of instrumental deliveries such as forceps, ventouse and caesarean section that might be impacting feeding ability and cause discomfort and tension for the baby and birthing parent

• history of prolonged suboptimal fetal positions in pregnancy and labour such as breech, twin pregnancy, prolonged engagement of head, posterior position, prolonged pushing stage

• where tongue-tie is suspected but there are other soft tissue tensions present

• where a surgical release of a tongue-tie is required and there is concern about adapting to the increased mobility

• where there is neck and jaw tension affecting the ability of a baby to feed effectively and comfortably

• babies with reflux, colic and wind issues affecting feeding