Cranial Sacral Therapy for Babies

Cranial Sacral Therapy for Babies

Cranial Sacral Therapy (CST) has been known for years in the midwifery profession. Its popularity has reached new parents because it’s a non-invasive treatment that helps babies achieve the rapid-paced developmental milestones that happen in the first few months of life.

What is Cranial Sacral Therapy (CST) & How does it work?

CST is a type of bodywork that involves the application of extremely gentle touch to support movement and function throughout the body, including: gross motor tasks like the movement of head, neck, and spine; smaller motor skills like the effective use of the tongue; and micro-movements like those of the cranial nerves, all of which in combination help baby master the skills required for eventual crawling.

Babies seem to recognize cranial touch as somehow similar to the subtle movements they experience in the womb, and respond by instinctively moving to cues provided by the therapist’s hands, exploring what it feels like to create space in areas of their bodies holding tension.

How can Cranial Sacral Therapy (CST) help my Baby?

Birth, under the best of circumstances, is a huge life event. CST can help to integrate the nervous system while baby transitions to functioning outside the womb. Some babies need support to latch securely. They may have tight necks and shoulders that inhibit comfortable breastfeeding. Others may hold tension in the throat and mouth where the tongue connects. For those infants who need a tongue tie revision, CST can help both before and after the procedure to enhance its success. CST can also help to mold flat head spots. For babies with digestive challenges or those who are who are uncomfortable on their tummies, CST helps them discover more space along the front of their bodies. Gentle cranial touch can also help soothe newborns who experience difficulties with sleep or relaxation.