Poor Mary! She pushed for 3 hours and delivered a 9 pound 8 ounce baby! And Susie had a 48 hour labor ending in a C-section.

Sound familiar? We all know someone who ran the marathon of birthing a child.

Childbirth can certainly be a challenge for Mom, but the birth process can also be extremely hard on baby. The compressive forces of coming through the birth canal or the abrupt change in pressure when being pulled from the womb by Caesarian Section can cause strain and torsion in baby’s tissues and potential long-term effects for baby. Fortunately, there is a way to soothe your baby’s transition into this world. It's a gentle form of compassionate touch called Craniosacral Therapy (CST), and it can help foster a lifetime of good health.

CST is a holistic healing approach using sensitive hands-on-bodywork to enhance the body’s natural healing capabilities. The Craniosacral system extends from the bones of the skull and face (cranium), down to the tailbone (sacrum). It consists of membranes and cerebrospinal fluid that surround and protect the brain and spinal cord. Like the cardiovascular system, the Craniosacral system has an inherent rhythm or wave that can be felt throughout the body. The quality, amplitude and symmetry of the rhythm reflect the level of health and ease in the Craniosacral system. CST is an assessment tool as well as a treatment.

The Craniosacral system maintains the environment in which the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord) functions. The central nervous system has a powerful influence over a wide variety of bodily functions. The role of the Craniosacral system in the development and performance of the brain and spinal cord is so vital that an imbalance or dysfunction in it can cause sensory, motor and/or neurological disabilities.

A research study performed by Viola Fryman, D.O. “The Trauma of Birth” (Osteopathic Annals, May 1976), examined 1,200 “normal” babies just after birth to evaluate the affects of the birth process. It was determined that 88% manifested some form of cranial fault. A cranial fault is when the bones of the head are not in their normal position or the inherent motion of the bones is diminished. Symptoms ranged from nervousness, difficulty feeding, vomiting, excessive crying, spasticity and sleeplessness, which many people consider “normal” infant behavior.

In an adult cranium, there are 21 bones – 7 of which house the brain. In a newborn, these 7 bones are in 17 pieces surrounded by spacers called fontanels or soft spots. This is a great design given the fact that this head (which makes up 25% of the newborn’s total body length) needs to negotiate through the narrow birth canal. During birth the cranial bones overlap so the baby can fit through the birth canal. The baby undergoes compressive forces with the strong contractions of labor.

Many babies are born with a “cone-shaped head” and/or bruising. Within a few days after birth, the bones are supposed to migrate into their normal position. The powerful action of sucking at the breast or bottle can assist this migration. But sometimes the bones need gentle help from the hands of a skilled practitioner to move back into their normal position.

When the bones in the head are not in the right place craniosacral motion will be disturbed. Craniosacral motion helps to circulate cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). CSF circulates around the brain and spinal cord, protecting and nourishing them. Imbalances in cranial motion will decrease the amount of CSF flow affecting their optimal function. When the flow of CSF is completely halted, hydrocephalus (enlarged head due to the accumulation of CSF) will result.

The twisting of the neck and spine as baby is born can alter the flexibility of the spinal segments. The nerves are vulnerable to stretching, twisting and pinching motions. Nerve irritation can make baby uncomfortable and fussy and if left untreated, it can alter spinal growth patterns. Viola Fryman states “Musculoskeletal strains on the newborn during delivery can cause problems throughout life. Recognizing and treating these dysfunctions in the immediate post-partum period is one of the most important phases of preventive medicine.”

CST is recommended therapy for infants and children because it uses extremely light touch. Because of the pliancy of their young system, babies usually respond to treatment quickly, often in one to six sessions. Some of the bones of the cranium begin to fuse together within the first year of life, so the earlier the treatment, the more rapid the outcomes.

A CST session can last from 15 minutes to an hour. Rapport building is an important aspect of a session. The infant or child should feel respected and comfortable. A child rests fully clothed on a massage table, in the therapist’s or parent’s lap. Sometimes the session takes place at the child’s home or while them are sleeping. The therapist monitors the Craniosacral rhythm with her hands to detect potential restrictions and imbalances. She conducts other gentle assessments and corrects the sources of pain and dysfunction using gentle guiding and mobilizing techniques. Seldom does the pressure exceed five grams (the weight of a nickel). During a session the therapist adapts her technique to the needs and attention span of the child.

If you are wondering if your baby could benefit from Craniosacral Therapy, here are a few observations to make of your baby:

Did Mom have a prolonged labor? Caesarian Section? Were forceps or vacuum suction used to assist baby’s entry into the world?

Is baby excessively crying? Does she have colic?

Does baby’s head appear asymmetrical? Cone-shaped? Are there flat spots or ridges? Does one eye socket appear wider than the other?

Does baby prefer to consistently turn his head to one side? Does she seem reluctant to look straight ahead when flat her back? Can he turn his head equally to both sides?

When baby is flat on his back is he shaped like a crescent moon? Does one foot turn out or in?

How is she feeding? Does her face appear scrunched or tense? Does her tongue look very pointy when it is extended?

It is important to consider what is this child’s potential? Who knows who or what this child could be. Who knows who we as adults might have been if we had started our lives from a balanced place. The optimal result of CST is a central nervous system free of restrictions and a body that is able to return to its greatest level of performance.

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