Mother’s comment after a session of craniosacral therapy and nutritional suggestions that I make is from one session to another “He is another baby!”
Colic, Reflux and Craniosacral Therapy for Babies
For the past 17 years, I have had the privilege of working with babies using craniosacral therapy. I have always loved working with infants, and it is an honour to support families during what can be a challenging time.
Many of the babies I see experience excessive crying, colic, reflux or appear unsettled. These difficulties can begin within the first few days after birth or develop during the first six weeks of life.
Every baby is different. Some babies may have experienced a difficult or traumatic birth, while others are simply adjusting to life outside the womb as their digestive and nervous systems continue to develop. Both breastfed and bottle-fed babies can experience colic and digestive discomfort.
A high-pitched cry can sometimes indicate that a baby is in distress or discomfort. In my clinical experience, some babies who cry persistently also appear to have digestive issues such as constipation, trapped wind or reflux. While there can be many possible causes, I believe it is important that persistent crying or signs of pain are assessed by an appropriate healthcare professional to rule out any underlying medical conditions.
The early weeks with a newborn can be emotionally and physically exhausting. Many parents I have worked with describe feeling overwhelmed, sleep deprived and anxious about taking their baby out in public in case they begin crying uncontrollably. Some parents gradually withdraw from social activities because they worry they will be judged. This can become an isolating experience at a time when support is needed most.
My aim is to provide a calm, gentle space where both baby and parent can relax. Many families report that their babies appear more settled and comfortable following craniosacral therapy, and that the sessions help support the bond between parent and baby. While experiences vary from family to family, I believe that supporting the baby’s nervous system can be a valuable part of a holistic approach to care.
If you would like to explore whether craniosacral therapy may be suitable for your baby, you are welcome to book an appointment. I also offer a donation-based 20-minute drop-in clinic in Crouch End during school term time for families who would like to experience a short introductory session.
Nutritional Considerations
As a Registered Nutritional Therapist, I believe that nutrition plays an important role in supporting both mother and baby during the early months. Every baby is unique, and while there is no single diet that prevents colic or reflux, optimising maternal nutrition can help support both maternal wellbeing and breastfeeding.
If you are breastfeeding and suspect that certain foods may be affecting your baby, it can be helpful to keep a simple food and symptom diary for two to three weeks. This may help identify any consistent patterns. Before eliminating foods from your diet, I recommend discussing this with your midwife, health visitor, GP or a registered nutritional therapist to ensure both you and your baby continue to receive all the nutrients you need.
Some babies may be sensitive to proteins that pass into breast milk, such as cow’s milk protein, although this is different from lactose intolerance and should only be investigated where symptoms suggest this may be the case. If a food sensitivity is suspected, it is important to seek professional guidance before making significant dietary changes.
I encourage mothers to eat a varied, nutrient-rich diet that includes quality protein, healthy fats, colourful vegetables, whole grains (where tolerated) and adequate hydration. Looking after your own nutritional status is just as important as caring for your baby, particularly during periods of sleep deprivation and recovery from birth.
Specific nutrients that are important for new mothers include omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin D, iron (where required), iodine, choline and B vitamins. These nutrients support maternal health and contribute to your baby’s development during breastfeeding.
Some families choose to use infant probiotics. Research into probiotics for infant colic is continuing, and certain probiotic strains have shown promise for some babies, particularly those who are breastfed. If you are considering probiotics, choose products specifically formulated for infants and discuss their use with your healthcare provider or nutritional therapist to ensure they are appropriate for your baby’s individual needs.
For babies who are formula-fed, feeding technique, teat flow, avoiding overfeeding and ensuring the formula is prepared correctly can also make a difference. If symptoms persist, your GP or health visitor can advise whether a specialist formula or further assessment may be appropriate.
Nutrition is just one piece of the puzzle. Alongside appropriate medical care where needed, I believe that combining nutritional support with gentle craniosacral therapy can help support both baby and family during this important stage of development.
Supporting Babies with Reflux
In my practice, I often use craniosacral therapy to help babies relax and release tension throughout the body. Many parents tell me they notice improvements in their baby’s comfort and settling after treatment, although individual results vary and further research is needed into the effectiveness of craniosacral therapy for infant reflux.
There are also some practical measures that may help some babies:
- Burp your baby thoroughly during and after feeds.
- Hold your baby upright for a period after feeding if advised by your healthcare professional.
- Always follow safe sleep guidance. Babies should be placed flat on their backs to sleep on a firm, flat mattress. Current safe sleep recommendations do not advise raising the head of the cot or placing pillows underneath the mattress because this can increase safety risks.
If your baby’s reflux is severe, they are not gaining weight, have green or bloody vomit, are unusually sleepy, or you have any concerns about their health, please seek advice promptly from your GP, midwife, health visitor or paediatrician.
To book a consultation with me or a treatment email me or call me: esposito_m@yahoo.co.uk (sometimes email go into spam, do call me or text me if you do not hear from me)
Tel. 07956662954