The First Year of Life
Helping babies get more comfortable in their bodies is a great passion of mine. This work is profoundly gentle and does not involve any invasive adjustments. Pressure does not exceed 5 grams (the weight of a nickel). My training is primarily from midwife and bodyworker, Carol Gray, as well as the Upledger Institute. I’ve also gained valuable experience from and studied with Alison Hazelbaker and Michelle Emanuel. I offer educated and specific support for babies with tongue tie both pre and post frenotomy.
Birth is a beautiful and challenging event for both Moms and babies. The use of forceps, vacuum extraction, mal-position, precipitous (fast) births, cesarean births and even vaginal uncomplicated births can sometimes leave babies shocked and/or uncomfortable and subtly compromised. Intrauterine restrictions can also contribute to restrictions after birth. Receiving CST at a young age sets children up for more optimal movement patterns later in life!
This work is ideal for babies having trouble breastfeeding, suspected or known tongue tie, babies with sleeping challenges, “colicky” babies, babies with reflux, torticollis (often characterized by a head turning preference or persistent head tilt in one direction and/or facial asymmetries), brachio/plagiocephaly (flat head), babies that strongly dislike being on their tummies, and more. It is ideal for babies to receive this work as soon after birth as possible. Getting your baby craniosacral therapy during times of motor development milestones is also ideal as it assists them in integrating new movement patterns.
For more information on CST and the breastfeeding relationship, check out this extensive list of articles and research on KellyMom Breastfeeding and Parenting.
The Tummy Time Method
I provide instruction on the Tummy Time Method in all sessions with pre-crawling babies. The Tummy Time Method was designed by neonatal and pediatric occupational therapist Michelle Emanual who has twenty years of experience with this population. She takes a special focus on posture, movement and connection between parents and baby. It is a robust body of work that includes the secrets to helping babies enjoy tummy time while enhancing connection with parents through touch, massage, sound and play. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that infants practice tummy time daily. When the Back to Sleep program launched in 1992, it’s sister program, Tummy to Play was also launched, but is lesser known. The Tummy Time Method helps support healthy development as well as supporting the treatment of plagio/brachiocephaly (flat head), head turning preference and torticollis, reducing gas and reflux, improving latch, promoting sensory, visual and vestibular development, and more! It is a vital component of my craniosacral sessions with families. When the method is followed, the results are significant and the positive differences that parents see in their babies continue to inspire me!