It’s common for babies to spit up occasionally, but when your little one seems to be in pain, arching their back, crying during or after feeds, or refusing to eat, you may be dealing with more than just typical infant reflux. Understanding the difference between normal spitting up and problematic reflux—and knowing how to help, can make all the difference for your baby’s comfort and your peace of mind.

Most babies spit up, it’s usually nothing to worry about. Here’s how to tell the difference:

Normal Spitting Up:

• Small amounts of milk come up easily, often with a burp.
• Baby is generally comfortable, happy, and gaining weight well.
• Usually improves as baby grows and begins sitting up.

Reflux (GER or GERD):

• Frequent, forceful spit-up or vomiting.
• Signs of discomfort: crying, arching the back, grimacing, or refusing feeds.
• Difficulty sleeping, frequent waking, or congestion.
• May be associated with poor weight gain.

Reflux often occurs because the muscle at the top of the stomach (the lower esophageal sphincter) is still immature and may not close fully, allowing stomach contents to flow back up. Other factors that can contribute include:

• Tension in the Diaphragm: The diaphragm muscle has an opening for the esophagus. Tension here can put pressure on the stomach and contribute to reflux.
• Birth Strain: Physical compression during delivery—especially with forceps, vacuum, or cesarean section—can create tension in the neck, vagus nerve (which regulates digestion), or cranial base.
• Food Sensitivities: In some cases, reflux may be worsened by sensitivities to proteins in formula or foods in a breastfeeding parent’s diet.
• Posture and Positioning: Lying flat most of the time can make it easier for stomach contents to travel upward.

Osteopathy offers a gentle, drug-free approach to addressing the physical tensions that may be contributing to your baby’s reflux. Using subtle, precise hands-on techniques, an osteopath can:

1. Release Diaphragm Tension: Gentle mobilization of the diaphragm can reduce pressure on the stomach and improve the function of the esophageal opening.
2. Calm the Vagus Nerve: This nerve plays a key role in digestion. Releasing tension in the neck and cranial base can help regulate digestive function and reduce reflux symptoms.
3. Ease Cranial and Spinal Strain: Improving mobility in the skull and spine can support overall nervous system balance and digestive comfort.
4. Support Overall Relaxation: Many babies hold tension in their abdomen when experiencing reflux. Gentle techniques can help them release this tension, reducing pain and irritability.

Parents often notice improvements in their baby’s comfort, feeding, and sleep after treatment, and many babies even spit up less frequently.

• Keep Baby Upright: Hold your baby vertically for 20-30 minutes after feeds.
• Frequent, Smaller Feeds: Offer smaller amounts more often to avoid overfilling the stomach.
• Burp Gently: Take breaks during feeds to burp your baby.
• Elevate the Crib: Place a firm pillow or towel under the head of the mattress to create a slight incline (always ensure baby is placed on their back to sleep).
• Consider Diet: If breastfeeding, talk to a healthcare provider about temporarily eliminating common irritants like dairy or caffeine.

1. Pizzolorusso, G., et al. (2011).Effect of osteopathic manipulative treatment on gastrointestinal function and length of stay of preterm infants: a randomized clinical trial. Journal of the American Osteopathic Association, 111(5), 330-338.
2. Lanaro, D., et al. (2017).Osteopathic manipulative treatment showed reduction of length of stay and costs in preterm infants. Journal of Osteopathic Medicine, 117(6), 320-329.
3. D’Alessandro, G., et al. (2020).Osteopathic manipulative treatment in infants with postural plagiocephaly and gastrointestinal symptoms: A pilot study. Journal of Osteopathic Medicine, 120(5), 308-315.
4. Hammond, R. (2017).The role of the diaphragm in pediatric gastroesophageal reflux. Journal of the American Osteopathic Association, 117(5), 310-316.

Breastfeeding is often described as a natural and beautiful experience, but for many new parents, it can be unexpectedly challenging. If you’re struggling with pain, frustration, or uncertainty during feeds, you’re not alone. Difficulty with latching is one of the most common reasons parents seek support, and often, the root cause may be physical tension in your baby that osteopathy can gently address.

While every baby is unique, certain issues frequently arise:

• Shallow or Painful Latch: Baby struggles to take enough breast tissue into their mouth, causing pinching, cracking, or bleeding.
• Clicking Sounds During Feeding: Often indicates a break in suction, potentially due to tongue or jaw tension.
• Fussiness or Pulling Away: Baby may seem frustrated, cry at the breast, or frequently unlatch.
• Poor Weight Gain: Inefficient milk transfer can affect growth.
• Long or Frequent Feeds: Baby feeds for extended periods yet seems unsatisfied afterward.

Many latching difficulties stem from physical restrictions that limit your baby’s ability to open their mouth widely, coordinate sucking and swallowing, or maintain a secure seal. These may include:

• Tongue-Tie (Ankyloglossia) or Lip-Tie: Restricted movement of the tongue or lip due to tight tissue.
• Tension in the Jaw (TMJ) or Neck: Often related to birth positioning or delivery, making it uncomfortable for baby to turn their head or open their mouth fully.
• Cranial Strain: Subtle misalignments or compression in the skull (from birth) can affect nerves that control sucking and swallowing.
• Tightness in the Shoulders or Upper Back: This may impact how baby positions themselves during feeding.

Osteopathic care takes a whole-body approach to identifying and releasing the physical tensions that may be interfering with breastfeeding. Using gentle, precise hands-on techniques, an osteopath can:

1. Release Jaw and Tongue Tension: Improve mobility of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and ease restrictions around the hyoid bone and muscles that control tongue movement.
2. Address Neck and Shoulder Tightness: Help baby achieve a more comfortable, aligned position during feeding.
3. Ease Cranial Restrictions: Encourage balanced movement of cranial bones and relieve pressure on nerves involved in sucking and swallowing.
4. Support Diaphragm and Digestion: Improve overall comfort, which can reduce fussiness and reflux during or after feeds.

Treatment is safe, gentle, and tailored to your baby’s specific needs. Many parents notice improvements in latch, feeding efficiency, and comfort—for both baby and themselves—after just a few sessions.

An osteopathic assessment for breastfeeding issues may include:

• Discussion of your birth experience, feeding history, and specific challenges.
• Observation of your baby’s movement, posture, and oral function.
• Gentle evaluation of your baby’s head, neck, jaw, and body for areas of tension.
• Soft, rhythmic techniques to release restrictions and support optimal function.
• Practical advice for positioning and soothing your baby at home.

While professional support is often essential, these strategies may help:

• Experiment with Positions: Try laid-back breastfeeding, cross-cradle hold, or side-lying to reduce pressure on tense areas.
• Practice Tummy Time: Strengthens neck and shoulder muscles, supporting better feeding posture.
• Gently Massage Your Baby’s Jaw: Using a clean finger, make small circular motions along their jawline to encourage relaxation.
• Seek Lactation Support: A certified lactation consultant (IBCLC) can provide tailored guidance and assess for ties.

1. Fraval, M. (2019).Osteopathic management of birth-related cranial and cervical strain in infants with feeding difficulties. International Journal of Osteopathic Medicine, 32, 27-33.
2. Miller, J. E., et al. (2009).Cranial strain patterns and breastfeeding difficulties. Journal of the American Osteopathic Association, 109(8), 432-434.
3. Vismara, L., et al. (2021).Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment of the Occiput Influences Suckling and Breastfeeding. Journal of the American Osteopathic Association, 121(5), 451-460.
4. Herzhaft-Le Roy, J., et al. (2017).Efficacy of an osteopathic treatment coupled with lactation consultations for infants’ biomechanical sucking difficulties. Journal of Human Lactation, 33(1), 165-172.

As a parent, you notice every little detail about your baby—from the curve of their smile to the way they tilt their head. But what happens when you notice your baby consistently tilting their head to one side or developing a flat spot on their skull? These may be signs of torticollis and plagiocephaly, two common but often misunderstood conditions in infants. Understanding these issues early can make a significant difference in your child’s comfort, development, and long-term well-being.

Torticollis (also called “wry neck”) is a condition where an infant’s neck muscle (the sternocleidomastoid) is tight or shortened, causing the head to tilt toward one side and turn toward the opposite side.

Plagiocephaly (often called “flat head syndrome”) refers to asymmetry or flattening of the skull, often resulting from prolonged pressure on one part of the head.

These two conditions frequently occur together. A baby with torticollis may prefer one head position, leading to persistent pressure on the same part of the skull and eventually causing plagiocephaly.

For Torticollis:

• Head consistently tilted to one side and turned to the opposite side
• Difficulty turning their head fully in both directions
• Preference for looking over one shoulder
• Asymmetrical neck movement or stiffness
• Sometimes, a small lump or tight band felt in the neck muscle

For Plagiocephaly:

• Flattening on one side or the back of the head
• Asymmetrical appearance of the ears, forehead, or eyes
• Uneven hair wear or lack of hair in one area
• Resistance to changing head position during sleep or play

• Positioning in the Womb: Crowding or restricted movement during pregnancy can contribute to muscle tightness.
• Birth Trauma: Difficult deliveries (e.g., use of forceps or vacuum extraction) may strain neck muscles or cranial bones.
• Back Sleeping: While safe for reducing SIDS risk, always sleeping on the back can increase pressure on one part of the skull.
• Limited Tummy Time: Lack of varied positions during awake hours can exacerbate both conditions.

Left unaddressed, torticollis and plagiocephaly can lead to:

• Delayed motor skills (rolling, crawling, sitting)
• Jaw misalignment or feeding difficulties
• Visual or auditory imbalances due to skull asymmetry
• Persistent postural imbalances

The good news: both conditions are highly treatable, especially when caught early.

Osteopathic treatment offers a gentle, whole-body approach to addressing torticollis and plagiocephaly. Rather than focusing solely on the neck or head, osteopaths assess how tension in one area may be affecting others. Using subtle, hands-on techniques, they can:

1. Release Neck Muscle Tension: Gentle stretching and soft tissue mobilization can improve flexibility and reduce tightness in the sternocleidomastoid muscle.
2. Address Cranial Restrictions: Delicate cranial techniques encourage natural movement of the skull bones, helping reshape the head and relieve pressure.
3. Improve Overall Mobility: By ensuring free movement in the spine, shoulders, and hips, osteopathy supports balanced development and prevents compensatory patterns.
4. Enhance Nervous System Function: Releasing tension around nerves that supply the neck and head can improve comfort and mobility.
5. Guide Home Care: Parents receive tailored advice on positioning, stretches, and activities to support progress between sessions.

Osteopathy is safe, non-invasive, and drug-free—making it an ideal option for even the youngest infants.

• Encourage Tummy Time: Start with short, frequent sessions to strengthen neck and shoulder muscles.
• Varied Positions: Alternate the direction your baby lies in the crib and during play.
• Limit Time in Containers: Reduce use of car seats, bouncers, and swings when not necessary.
• Engage with Sight and Sound: Use toys, voices, and light to motivate your baby to turn their head in both directions.

1. Lessard, S., et al. (2011).The impact of osteopathic treatment on infants with deformational plagiocephaly. Journal of the American Osteopathic Association, 111(6), 372-378.
2. Xia, T., et al. (2020).The Efficacy of Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment in Addition to Standard Care for infants with Positional Plagiocephaly: A Systematic Review. Journal of Osteopathic Medicine, 120(9), 595-606.
3. D’Alessandro, G., et al. (2020).Osteopathic manipulative treatment in infants with postural plagiocephaly and gastrointestinal symptoms: A pilot study. Journal of Osteopathic Medicine, 120(5), 308-315.
4. Cabrera, M. N., et al. (2022).The Role of Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment in the Management of Congenital Muscular Torticollis: A Systematic Review. Journal of Osteopathic Medicine, 122(3), 147-157.

As a new parent, listening to your baby cry can be heart-wrenching, especially when the crying seems endless and inconsolable. Colic, often described as excessive crying in an otherwise healthy infant, affects up to 1 in 5 babies. While it typically resolves on its own by 3-4 months of age, the distress it causes families can be overwhelming. Understanding the potential causes and solutions can help you navigate this challenging phase with greater confidence and compassion.

Colic is not a diagnosis but a pattern of behaviour characterized by:

• Intense crying for more than 3 hours a day
• Crying occurring more than 3 days a week
• Symptoms lasting longer than 3 weeks
• Crying often peaking in the evening hours

These episodes may be accompanied by clenched fists, arched backs, flushed faces, and difficulty soothing—even when all immediate needs (hunger, diaper change, comfort) have been met.

The exact cause of colic remains unknown, but several factors may contribute:

1. Digestive Immaturity: An infant’s digestive system is still developing, which can lead to gas, reflux, or uncomfortable spasms.
2. Neurological Overstimulation: Babies are learning to process sensory input (sound, light, touch), which can sometimes overwhelm their nervous system.
3. Microbiome Imbalance: Early gut health may influence discomfort and crying.
4. Birth-Related Tension: Physical strain during delivery (especially with forceps, vacuum, or rapid birth) can create subtle tensions in a baby’s skull, spine, or diaphragm, contributing to discomfort.

• While there’s no one-size-fits-all cure, these approaches may help:

  • Hold and Sway: Gentle motion—like rocking or carrying your baby in a front pack—can be calming.
  • White Noise: Sounds mimicking the womb (e.g., a fan, humidifier, or white noise machine) may provide comfort.
  • Tummy Time: Supervised time on their tummy can relieve gas and strengthen core muscles.
  • Warm Baths: Warm water can ease tension and distract from discomfort.
  • Check Feeding Technique: If bottle-feeding, try a slower-flow nipple. If breastfeeding, assess latch with a lactation consultant.

Consult your pediatrician if:

• Your baby has a fever, isn’t gaining weight, or shows signs of dehydration.
• The crying is accompanied by vomiting, diarrhea, or lethargy.
• You’re feeling overwhelmed, exhausted, or unsure how to cope.

When traditional soothing methods aren’t enough, osteopathy can provide a gentle, drug-free option for managing colic. Osteopathic practitioners are trained to identify subtle physical tensions—particularly in the head, neck, diaphragm, and abdomen—that may contribute to digestive discomfort or nervous system overload.

Using light, precise manual techniques, osteopathy can:

• Release tension in the vagus nerve (which regulates digestion).
• Improve mobility of the diaphragm and stomach.
• Ease cranial strain that might irritate nerves involved in gut function.
• Calm the nervous system to help babies self-regulate.

Many parents report reduced crying, improved sleep, and easier feeding after osteopathic treatment. By supporting the body’s natural ability to relax and heal, osteopathy addresses potential underlying causes of colic—not just the symptoms.

1. Carr, A., et al. (2020).The effect of osteopathic manipulative therapy on infantile colic: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Complementary Therapies in Medicine, 48, 102255.
2. Dobson, D., et al. (2012).Manipulative therapies for infantile colic. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 12, CD004796.
3. Pizzolorusso, G., et al. (2014).Effect of osteopathic manipulative treatment on length of stay of preterm infants: a randomized controlled trial. BMC Pediatrics, 14, 191.
4. Hayden, C., & Mullinger, B. (2006).A preliminary assessment of the impact of cranial osteopathy for the relief of infantile colic. Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice, 12(2), 83-90.

The arrival of a new baby is a time of immense joy, but it can also be filled with questions and concerns, especially when your infant seems uncomfortable, fussy, or in distress. While many common infant issues resolve on their own, some babies benefit from a little extra support. Osteopathy offers a unique, gentle, and holistic approach to caring for your newest family member, supporting their body’s innate ability to heal and thrive.

Osteopathy is an established form of manual medicine that emphasizes the interrelationship between the body’s structure (anatomy) and its function (physiology). Founded in the late 19th century by Dr. Andrew Taylor Still, it is based on the philosophy that the body is a unified, self-regulating organism with an inherent ability to heal itself.

An osteopathic practitioner does not simply treat a symptom. Instead, they use highly trained hands to diagnose and treat areas of restriction or strain throughout the body, including the muscles, joints, fascia, and cranial bones—to improve function and restore balance. For babies, this approach is adapted to be exceptionally gentle and subtle, using a pressure often lighter than the touch used to test a ripe tomato.

Four key principles form the foundation of osteopathic philosophy, making it particularly well-suited for infant care:

1. The Body is a Unit: The body functions as an integrated whole, not as a collection of separate parts. A restriction in the spine can affect digestive function, and tension in the cranial base can influence feeding. Osteopaths assess the entire infant to understand how different areas are connected.
2. Structure and Function are Reciprocally Interrelated: The way the body is built (its structure) directly influences how it works (its function). By gently improving the mobility of a joint, a cranial bone, or the diaphragm, an osteopath can directly enhance the function of the nerves, blood flow, and fluids supplied to that area.
3. The Body Possesses Self-Healing and Self-Regulatory Mechanisms: The body is always striving for health. The role of an osteopath is not to force a correction but to facilitate the body’s own innate healing processes by removing the physical barriers—the strains and tensions—that are preventing it from functioning optimally.
4. Rational Treatment is Based on These Principles: Treatment is not a one-size-fits-all protocol. It is a personalized approach based on a thorough understanding of these principles and the unique history and presentation of each child.

The birthing process, while natural, is one of the most physically stressful events of our lives. Compression through the birth canal, or the sudden change of pressure during a Cesarean section, can create subtle strains in a baby’s body. For most, these strains resolve naturally. For others, they can contribute to common functional issues. Osteopathic treatment can help by:

1. Soothing Digestive Discomfort:

• How it helps: Gentle techniques can release tension in the diaphragm, vagus nerve (which regulates digestion), and membranes surrounding the abdominal organs. This can improve nerve function and mobility, alleviating symptoms of colic, reflux, gas, and constipation.
• Parent benefit: Less crying, a more settled baby, and improved sleep for the whole family.

2. Supporting Successful Feeding:

• How it helps: Restrictions in the neck, jaw (TMJ), or cranial bones can make it difficult for a baby to latch deeply and coordinate the suck-swallow-breathe reflex. Releasing these tensions can significantly improve breastfeeding or bottle-feeding efficiency and comfort.
• Parent benefit: Reduced feeding pain for mother and baby, increased confidence, and a more bonding experience.

3. Promoting Symmetrical Development:

• How it helps: Osteopathy is highly effective in addressing torticollis (a stiff neck) and plagiocephaly (asymmetrical head shape). Treatment releases tension in the neck muscles and cranial bones, allowing for freer movement and relieving pressure points that cause flattening.
• Parent benefit: Peace of mind that you are supporting healthy physical and motor development.

4. Calming the Nervous System:

• How it helps: The gentle, rhythmic techniques used in cranial osteopathy are profoundly relaxing. They help regulate the infant’s autonomic nervous system, shifting them from a stressed, sympathetic state (“fight or flight”) to a calm, parasympathetic state (“rest and digest”).
• Parent benefit: A more content, settled baby who can self-soothe more easily and sleep more soundly.

5. Addressing Birth-Related Strain:

• How it helps: Whether from a long labour, quick delivery, or use of forceps/vacuum, birth can leave its mark. Osteopathy can gently alleviate strains in the skull, spine, and pelvis that may otherwise go unnoticed but contribute to discomfort.
• Parent benefit: Knowing you’ve given your baby the gentlest start possible, addressing potential issues before they become problematic.

A treatment session is a calm and quiet experience. The osteopath will:

• Take a detailed history of your pregnancy, birth, and your concerns.
• Gently observe your baby’s movements and posture.
• Use their hands to subtly assess your baby’s body for areas of tension or restriction.
• Apply gentle, precise techniques to encourage release and improve mobility.
• Babies often sleep or feed peacefully during the session.

Osteopathy does not replace pediatric care; it complements it. It is a safe, non-invasive, and drug-free approach that empowers the body’s own healing capacity. By understanding and supporting the profound connection between your baby’s structure and function, osteopathic care can be an invaluable tool in nurturing a happy, healthy, and comfortable beginning to life.

1. Martí-Salvador, M., et al. (2023). Effectiveness of Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment in Paediatric Patients with Infantile Colic: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Journal of Clinical Medicine, 12(5), 1981.
This recent systematic review and meta-analysis consolidates current evidence, concluding that OMT appears to be an effective and safe intervention for reducing crying time in infants with colic.

2. Andrianne, S., et al. (2022). Effect of Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment in the Management of Infantile Colic: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Complementary Therapies in Medicine, 70, 102851.
A robust randomized controlled trial demonstrating that infants who received OMT showed a statistically significant reduction in daily crying time compared to the control group, supporting its use as a primary intervention.

3. Cabrera, M. N., et al. (2022). The Role of Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment in the Management of Congenital Muscular Torticollis: A Systematic Review. Journal of Osteopathic Medicine, 122(3), 147-157.
This systematic review evaluates the growing body of evidence for OMT as a beneficial therapeutic approach for improving neck range of motion and symmetry in infants with congenital muscular torticollis.

4. Zago, M., et al. (2021). Effectiveness of Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment for Pediatric Conditions: A Systematic Review. Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies, 28, 482-492.
A broad systematic review examining the evidence for OMT across various pediatric conditions. It found positive support for OMT’s effectiveness, particularly for plagiocephaly, torticollis, and colic, while noting the need for further high-quality studies.