Birth trauma might be why your baby is crying
Anyone who has ever given birth, or been present during someone else’s labour, knows that it isn’t easy for Mum.
But the long term consequences of the use of forceps, ventouse, C-section, a long time spent in the birth canal, or the force of contractions, aren’t often talked about for how they affect Baby.
Babies cry - that’s definitely a well-known fact. They always cry for a reason, but sometimes that reason is unclear. If your baby seems in pain, have trouble digesting food, or always absolutely cracks it in the car or in certain positions, he or she may be in discomfort from forces in utero or at birth. That may be due to reflux, other digestive difficulties, or strains in the muscles caused by the twisting, pushing and pulling forces that come with being born. Of course, babies are designed to cope well with these forces, but sometimes they can be a bit strong for your little one to bounce back from easily.
Reflux itself may be caused by strains from labour - imagine you’re comfy and cosy, snuggled in a safe bubble, and then all of a sudden someone pulls you hard by the head while twisting. This makes for a sudden contraction of the diaphragm which may not fully release, leaving the diaphragm a bit tight, and leaving the sphincter slightly open between throat and tomach, allowing for the upwards return of stomach contents more easily.
C-section babies are often pulled out with great force, which can be a shock to their nervous system, especially if they have no warning from labour contractions.
In treatment, Osteopathy can help to reduce the strains through the joints and muscles, and so help reduce the shock from entering into the world. I use a combination of gentle movements of the whole body, Craniosacral therapy and Biodynamic techniques to treat babies and children. I never manipulate a baby to “click”, and treatment is calming for both Baby and observing parents.
You are always welcome to bring your other children to your baby’s appointment (or your own) if you need to - just make sure you bring something for them to do, as at this current time of infection control measures, the clinic can’t keep a box of toys for them to play with.
