Baby Mathias’ parents brought him to the clinic when he was only four weeks old. He had been crying non-stop since birth, and could only fall asleep if he was held by one of his parents. However, this wasn’t the only reason for Mathias’ parents to be worried.
Like many other babies, here are some of the troubles he was experiencing:
- Colicky and gassy at night
- Lots of spitting up after feedings (or even hours after)
- Trouble sleeping (often needs to be held to fall asleep, or he wakes up often and very early)
- Lots of hiccups
- Crying all the time
- Uncomfortable laying on his back, or when put in the car seat
- Trouble latching (in order to be breastfed)
After further investigation during our talk with his parents, we also noticed that he looked as if he was starving all day: he was arching his back and throwing his head back. When Mathi was put on the table, it was quite obvious to me that he was also side-bending from head to toe to the right, like a crescent moon. This is an important pattern to treat for a baby as it can lead to Plagiocephaly (a flat spot on their head). When it isn’t treated early on, this position will make babies lay on one side of their head more often.
This dramatic story really isn’t as bad as it sounds! In Mathi’s case, the quick delivery after the Doctors broke the water, was a bit too sudden for his body to
move smoothly through the birth canal. This can lead to some dysfunctions.
We started working on his diaphragm to allow better back mobility (its attachments are in the lower dorsal region and some within the lumbar spine), and helped pressure regulation, which allowed him to lie down on his back more comfortably.
This assists the connection between the esophagus/stomach going through the diaphragm, which improves spit ups and hiccups.
Then we helped the structures pulling him laterally.
There is nothing more rewarding as a practitioner to see a baby’s health improve, and the joy and rest of his parents can have when it gets better. After four treatments, Mathias looked as if he had always been a happy, well-fed, calm baby. We hope he stays this way for a very long time!
Would you like to book an appointment for your baby to see one of our talented Osteopaths? You can do so here!