BCST Therapy For Babies
Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapy for babies
Many health visitors and midwives now recommend BCST for babies and children. It has also become widely known amongst parents as an effective treatment for many childhood conditions.
Biodynamic craniosacral therapy may help a baby get a good start in life.When a baby has had a difficult birth, is not feeding well, has colic, reflux or digestion problems, has interrupted sleep or is clearly uncomfortable, then BCST may well be able to help them towards comfort and ease. BCST is such a gentle non-invasive approach to healing, it is an ideal approach for babies.
Alleviates Birth Trauma
We are all aware birth can be difficult and at times traumatic for the mother, but it can also be a deeply impactful experience for babies, as the process of coming into the world, while natural, can sometimes be physically and emotionally overwhelming.
The pressures and stresses of birth can imprint shock patterns in the nervous system and stress patterns in the soft tissues of the body. This trauma may potentially lead to difficulties with feeding, sleeping, or even bonding, as the baby’s system may remain in a state of heightened stress or tension. However, with gentle care, understanding, and appropriate therapeutic support, these early imprints can potentially be soothed and released, helping the baby to feel safe, secure, and nurtured.
Addressing birth trauma early on supports the baby’s overall well-being, laying the foundation for a peaceful and healthy start to life.
Supports Development
BCST may enhance motor skills and overall physical development by promoting better alignment and functioning of the nervous system.
Eases Colic and Digestive Problems
The gentle manipulations can help reduce symptoms of colic, gas, and other digestive discomforts.
Enhances Bonding
The therapy can support a closer connection between the baby and parents, as the sessions are often calming and nurturing experiences.
Balances Nervous System
It promotes a balanced autonomic nervous system, potentially improving a baby’s ability to handle stress and enhancing overall well-being.
Supports breastfeeding
BCST may be beneficial in supporting breastfeeding, particularly when challenges arise. During birth, a baby may experience tension or misalignment in the head, neck, or jaw, which can affect their ability to latch properly or suck effectively. BCST uses light touch to release these tensions and improve the alignment and function of these areas. As a result, the baby may find it easier to latch, feed more comfortably, and extract milk more efficiently. For mothers, this can lead to a more positive breastfeeding experience, reducing stress, worry and issues like nipple pain. By enhancing the baby’s physical comfort and function, BCST may support a more successful and stress-free breastfeeding journey.
Promotes better sleep
Babies’ nervous systems may be stuck in a fight or flight state. Birth, or events afterwards, may trigger a survival response in the nervous system. An activated nervous system is not a recipe for good sleep. BCST works with the nervous system, the listening touch helps the body to switch out of a “fight or flight” state into “rest and repair”.
Eases Reflux
How BCST Can Help Babies with Reflux
1.Relieving Birth Trauma:
The birthing process can be physically demanding on a newborn’s body, especially during long labors, assisted deliveries, or C-sections. Tension in the head, neck, and diaphragm can contribute to reflux symptoms. BCST can help release these restrictions, promoting better physical alignment and digestive function.
2.Supporting the Nervous System:
BCST aims to balance the autonomic nervous system, which regulates digestive processes. A calmer nervous system can reduce stress-related digestive issues like reflux, the baby’s nervous system may play a role, especially if they are in a heightened fight-or-flight mode, which can impact blood flow to the stomach and impede digestion.
Improving Feeding and Latching:
Babies with restricted neck or jaw movement may struggle with breastfeeding or bottle feeding, leading to swallowing air and worsening reflux. BCST can enhance mobility in these areas, improving feeding mechanics and reducing reflux symptoms.
4.Enhancing Digestive Function:
Gentle manipulation of the diaphragm and surrounding tissues can stimulate the vagus nerve, which plays a key role in digestion. This stimulation can help regulate stomach emptying and reduce reflux episodes.
What to expect during a session:
Observation and Gentle Touch:
The therapist will first observe the baby’s movements and behavior, looking for areas of
tension or discomfort. The baby remains fully clothed and may be held by a parent or lie on
a treatment table. The practitioner uses a very light touch, often placing hands on the
baby’s head, back, or sacrum to tune into subtle rhythms and energy flows in the body.
Baby’s Responses:
Babies may respond differently during a session. Some may fall asleep, while others may
move around, cry, or vocalize as tension is released. Practitioners are trained to work with
these responses in a supportive, non-intrusive way.Sessions Are Short and Relaxed:
Typically, a session lasts around 30 minutes, depending on how the baby responds. Sessions
are calm and paced according to the baby’s needs, with plenty of space for breaks or
soothing if needed.
Post-Treatment Changes:
Many parents report that their baby sleeps better, is more relaxed, and shows
improvements in feeding or digestion after BCST sessions. The baby’s overall demeanor may
become calmer and more settled, with fewer signs of discomfort or stress.
A message from Sade
Your child’s comfort and feelings of safety are important to me. During treatment, babies can be in arms or even at the breast. I will follow their lead whenever possible, and I won’t start treatment until they are comfortable and feel safe and secure.
Send Sade a message
Nurture Your Journey
Embark on a journey of holistic healing and nurturing support with Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapy with me. My sessions are tailored to provide a caring space, promoting deep relaxation, reducing stress, and enhancing overall well-being for expectant mothers, babies ,children and adults.