Ostéopathic Medecine : Babies
Babies
Osteopathy and Babies
In this chapter, we will attempt to explain, in very simple terms, the ways in which an osteopath can intervene to help "balance" babies.
First and foremost, we would like to clarify that the ideas presented here are the result of our professional training and our practical experience in this field.
As we often like to say, we do not possess "The Truth"; rather, we are humbly sharing what could be described as "our way of perceiving things."
A baby’s journey is a constant struggle, beginning at the very moment of conception.
"The little seed" comes into existence the instant a spermatozoon penetrates an ovum.
The struggle for life begins then. The developing fertilized egg must navigate—against all odds—through the fallopian tube to find its proper place within the uterine wall. Once there, it must take root in order to continue its development.
The future baby (referred to as an embryo until 8 weeks of gestation) must carve out a space for itself within the uterine cavity. The uterus expands under the influence of hormones—which increase throughout pregnancy—and in response to the internal pressure exerted by the growing embryo, and later, the fetus (from 8 weeks onward).
Throughout its growth *in utero*—right up until the end of the pregnancy—the baby is subjected to increasing compressive forces; as it grows, it has less and less room to expand. It may also come into contact with the mother’s bony structures, which can exert significant pressure and strain.
The mechanical stresses exerted in this way have a notable impact on fetal development. Then comes the time of childbirth, which can lead to mechanical and tissue-related disturbances, creating "areas of tissue fixation" that result in significant dysfunction in how the various structures interact with one another.
Here, we draw a distinction between the powerful molding forces exerted on the fetus during pregnancy—which can affect the organization of tissue motility (see the "How It Works?" section on the Osteopathy page)—and the imbalances in the relative mobility between the baby's various mechanical structures.
It should be noted that, for an osteopath, the mobility and motility of tissues remain inextricably linked.
A visit to an osteopath is therefore recommended after birth, allowing the practitioner to assess the proper functioning of the baby’s mobility—and, more importantly, their motility. (While it is never too late for such a visit, the potential for correcting tissue dysfunctions is greatest when the tissues are still highly malleable.)
Assessing the mobility of bodily structures is a skill well-mastered by all professionals who have completed a standard osteopathic training program.
As for motility, we enter a highly subtle realm—one that requires both a certain level of clinical experience and knowledge of specific techniques that are generally not covered in standard osteopathic curricula.
Here, we refer to a technique developed by Robert Rousse (D.O. osteopath) and further refined by Éric Simon (D.O. osteopath), which addresses the infant as a complete, integrated entity. It views the baby as consisting of three superimposed spheres that should, under normal conditions, be able to center themselves and move freely in relation to one another. The upper sphere comprises the head, the middle sphere the thorax, and the lower sphere the abdomen and pelvis. The limbs are considered appendages and are therefore not included in this framework.
These spheres are interconnected by an intricate network of "strings"—comprising organs, tendons, ligaments, fascia, and so on—which should allow each sphere to adapt its position freely, both in relation to the others and within the surrounding space.
The osteopath assesses these spheres to identify areas of tissue densification (thickenings or areas of tension). By using these identified points as a base, the practitioner allows the infant’s body tissues to guide the process, leading toward a state of equilibrium and the release of tension. During this technique, the infant may initially cry—not because they are in pain, but rather as if attempting to avoid returning to the restrictive patterns experienced in the intrauterine environment. Often, the baby then falls asleep very quickly once they reach a neutral, balanced position. The practitioner then continues to work on the remaining areas of tissue density.
While this technique may appear quite dramatic to an outside observer, the infant is always moved without any mechanical force, ensuring there is no tissue trauma or pain.
The technique serves to "loosen the strings" that connect these spheres, facilitating a re-expansion of the body and the restoration of reciprocal mobility. Like any osteopathic technique, it is not intended to directly address specific symptoms, but rather to rebalance the body so that it can function as effectively as possible. This rebalancing often helps to resolve various issues, such as constipation, restlessness, regurgitation, gastroesophageal reflux, sleep disturbances, and more.
Even if your baby seems perfectly fine, it is highly recommended to take them to an osteopath at least once to ensure that all their bodily tissues have proper freedom of movement.