Sometimes, it’s obvious why there are tears if you have a baby – it’s 5 minutes before a usual feed time, you’ve been out all day and they’ve missed their nap, or you have a quick sniff near the business end and you know you’ve just got to change a nappy and the smile will be restored.
However, sometimes our baby cries for no apparent discernible reason – every time they’re laid onto their back for instance, or every time you strap them in the car.
I have heard many times from frustrated parents that their baby NEVER seems to relax, that parents are now tied to the house and unable to leave because it’s too exhausting to have their newborn treasure screaming bloody murder in public, and the answer often lies within the baby’s musculoskeletal system. Our little ones can only use what they have to tell us when they need something, and unfortunately that’s often in the form of screaming.
If you answer yes to any of the following questions, there’s a chance your baby is in physical discomfort and may need to be assessed by a paediatric osteopath
– Does he/she scream after every, or nearly every, feed?
– Does he/she seem to be utterly inconsolable as a regular daily occurrence, where nothing you do seems to help
– Does your baby continually scratch at their ears or head?
– For babies 6 months+, does he/she constantly bang their head on things deliberately and repetitively?
– Does it seem nearly impossible to wind your baby, and very upsetting for them while you try?
– Does your baby have very specific positions that seem to upset them ie every time lying on back, in the carseat or during tummy time?
– Do you find yourself looking enviously at other new parents as their baby rests comfortably against their body after a feed, while your little one seems to be constantly squirming and wriggling?
If you’ve already addressed some of these concerns to your healthcare professional such as the nurse or GP, there’s a good chance you’ve been told that “that’s what babies do’ and ‘it’s perfectly normal’. Although there is some truth in what they are saying, what they actually mean is that there doesn’t appear to be a serious medical condition that requires intervention or scans. And that’s great, but it’s not the whole story.
You shouldn’t have to feel like you’re being held captive by your baby’s behaviour, and your baby isn’t trying to torture you – they’re trying to communicate to you.
Speak to your if you are unsure if your bub is in need of an assessment. Not all osteopaths treat babies, so make sure it’s clear that the appointment you are making is for your baby, and not you!
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You can read more about our team of Osteopath’s here or if you would like to book an appointment online click here.
Alternatively, you can call us at the clinic on 03 9908 2844.