Pregnancy and the first months with a baby come with many challenges and even more questions. Many parents seek support when their child has digestive issues, sleeps poorly, or simply cannot settle. Expecting mothers are also increasingly advised to undergo osteopathic treatment – either to prepare for childbirth or to relieve physical tension. But how exactly does osteopathy work in this area? And what role can it actually play?
Osteopath Caroline Peters specializes in treating pregnant women and infants. In a conversation, she gave us insight into her work: “I found osteopathy fascinating during my studies, especially in relation to babies. But I must admit, at first, I had a lot of respect for this field – these are such small and fragile beings.” Today, with many years of professional experience and three children of her own, this specialty has become an integral part of her daily practice.
What Happens During an Osteopathic Treatment?
An osteopathic session always begins with a detailed medical history. For a pregnant woman, not only is her current condition considered, but also whether previous pregnancies, accidents, or specific health issues might play a role. “We often see in posture how the body tries to compensate for changes. The center of gravity shifts, ligaments are stressed differently, and many women develop related issues such as back pain or pelvic tension.” The goal is to address these problems with gentle techniques to support the body structurally rather than just symptomatically.
With infants, the treatment is even more subtle. “They cannot tell us what they feel, but their posture, movements, and reactions to gentle touches reveal a lot.” Often, it is about tensions that arise during birth – especially after a difficult delivery involving a vacuum extraction or a cesarean section. “We often see babies who always turn their heads to one side or struggle to feel comfortable in a baby carrier. These are signs that the body’s tension distribution may not be optimal.”
Colic, Reflux, and Sleep Problems – Can Osteopathy Help?
Many parents turn to osteopathy when their baby suffers from colic or sleeps poorly. Caroline Peters emphasizes that osteopathy is no miracle cure but can make a difference in some cases. “Colic, as we often call it, is more complex than just ‘stomach pain.’ A baby is constantly developing, learning new things every day, and is highly sensitive to its surroundings. Often, constipation or digestive issues are a factor, but sometimes it’s simply an adaptation to life outside the womb.”
This leads to the question: When is osteopathy truly appropriate, and when does a baby simply need time and rest? Caroline Peters is straightforward: “I always tell parents not to come just because ‘someone told them to.’ But if they genuinely feel that something isn’t right, that their baby seems restless, unhappy, or tense, then treatment can be worthwhile.”
Preventive Treatment or Only When Problems Arise?
Many parents wonder whether they should take their baby to an osteopath as a precaution. Caroline Peters responds with nuance: “Not every baby needs osteopathic treatment. If the birth was uncomplicated, the baby drinks well, sleeps soundly, and seems content, there is no immediate need.” However, in certain cases – such as a difficult birth, breastfeeding issues, or when a baby always turns its head to one side – a preventive session can be helpful.
Science or Instinct? Where Does Osteopathy Stand?
“I believe that experience and empathy play a major role. Osteopathy does not follow a fixed protocol but is an individualized approach that considers the whole body. This makes it difficult to standardize in the same way as conventional medical treatments.”
Conclusion: A Personal Decision
Osteopathy offers a gentle, non-invasive method that many parents see as support – whether during pregnancy or in the first months with their baby. However, it is important to have realistic expectations and to view treatment as part of a holistic approach. “Parents have a strong instinct. I always encourage them to trust their intuition, observe their baby carefully, and only consider an osteopathic session if it truly feels necessary.”
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