Babies

Commonly presenting issues:

  • “Flat Head” or plagiocephaly
  • Torticollis or “wry neck”
  • Neck preference - my baby seems to turn their head only one way
  • Restlessness or irritability – my baby appears uncomfortable
  • The effects of a difficult or traumatic birth
  • Feeding and latching issues – my baby doesn’t open their mouth widely
  • Turned in feet
  • Lack of movement in arms or legs
  • Congestion – my baby sounds noisy when they breathe
  • Constipation – my baby is grunting and uncomfortable trying to poo or pass wind
  • Shoulder dystocia – after the head is delivered vaginally the shoulders are restricted in the mothers pelvis
  • After medical care eg my baby appears stiff after wearing a brace for feet, hips, head

The mechanical process of birth often can be difficult for mother and baby. Moulding of the head and face may occur. Instruments like vacuum extraction & forceps can increase the physical pressure  on the body. Babies in a breech position may have increased instability on hip joints. *See reference list below *

Our osteopaths will take a thorough case history including pregnancy and birth history.  After history taking, detailed assessment, diagnosis and treatment plan is discussed prior to treatment.

Consider bringing your maternal and child health record or birth history to your appointment.  Your osteopaths will commonly work and liase with other health professionals in the care of your baby. Your maternal and child health record includes information about your baby’s birth and growth history.

 

References for Text on Babies 

Andersson, J. & Oden A (2007) The breech presentation and the vertex presentation following an external version represent risk factors for neonatal hip instability. Acta Paediatrica 
https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1651-2227.2001.tb02453.x 

Chaturvedi. A, Chaturvedi. A, Stanescu. L, Blickman. J & Meyers. S. (2018) Mechanical birth-related trauma to the neonate: An imaging perspective Insights Imaging (2018) 9:103–118 https://doi.org/10.1007/s13244-017-0586-x

Gauthaman N., Walters S., Tribe I-A., Goldsmith, L. & Doumouchtsis,S. (2016) Shoulder dystocia and associated manoeuvres are risk factors for perineal trauma.  Int Urogynecol J (2016) 27:571–577
DOI 10.1007/s00192-015-2863-x 

Goss, P 2002, Successful screening for Neonatal Hip Instability in Australia. Journal of Paediatrics and Child Health 
https://doi.org/10.1046/j.1440-1754.2002.00020.x

R.J. Lapeer & R.W. Prager (2001) Fetal head moulding: finite element analysis of a fetal skull subjected to uterine pressures during the first stage of labour. Journal of Biomechanics 34 (2001) 1125–1133

Linder., N, Linder., L , Fridman. E, Kouadio., F, Lubin. D, Merlob. P., Yogev. Y, and Nir Melamed. N. (2013) Birth trauma – risk factors and short-term neonatal outcome J Matern Fetal Neonatal Med, 2013; 26(15): 1491–1495 ! 2013 Informa UK Ltd. DOI: 10.3109/14767058.2013.789850

Parente MP, Natal Jorge RM, Mascarenhas T, et al. Computational modeling approach to study the effects of fetal head flexion during vaginal delivery. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2010;203:217.e1-6. 

Quan, Kent & Carlisle (2013) Breech preterm infants are at risk of developmental dysplasia of the hip. Journal of Paediatrics & Child Health 
https://doi.org/10.1111/jpc.12250