Craniosacral Therapy for Infants: Benefits and What to Expect
As parents, we want to see our babies thrive and feel comfortable in their bodies. Sometimes, however, little ones experience challenges with feeding, sleep, or general comfort that can make those early months more difficult. Craniosacral Therapy (CST) is a gentle, hands-on approach that helps relieve body tension, often making feeding, sleep, and digestion easier for babies. This article will guide you through the benefits of CST for infants, what to expect during a session, and how this gentle therapy may help your baby!
What Is Craniosacral Therapy (CST) for Infants?
Craniosacral Therapy (CST) is a gentle bodywork technique that releases tension in the body’s tissues, particularly in the head, neck, spine, and hips. For babies, even small amounts of body tension can interfere with feeding, sleep, and comfort. CST uses a light touch—about the weight of a nickel—to release these restrictions, helping your baby feel more comfortable and allowing for greater range of motion. As a licensed massage therapist, certified pediatric massage therapist, and experienced CST practitioner, I blend gentle massage and CST techniques to create a calming, customized experience for each baby.
Does This Describe Your Baby?
If your baby experiences any of the following, CST may be beneficial:
Feels tight or “stiff as a board”
Has a head-turning preference
Dislikes tummy time or lying flat
Struggles with feeding at breast or bottle
Prefers feeding on one side
Has digestive issues like reflux, gassiness, or constipation, or cries frequently due to digestive discomfort
Has concerns with or has been diagnosed with lip or tongue ties
Has been recommended for bodywork by another healthcare professional
CST can help!
Benefits of Craniosacral Therapy for Babies
Many parents notice positive changes in their babies following CST sessions, especially when combined with other support. Here are some of the key benefits:
Improved Feeding: Babies with tension in their head, neck, or mouth may have difficulty latching or feeding comfortably. By easing these restrictions, CST supports better oral function, making feeding a more comfortable experience.
Relieving Discomfort from Oral Ties: Babies with lip or tongue ties often have extra tension in areas like their mouth, jaw, neck, and shoulders. Gentle CST can ease this tension before and after a release procedure, creating more comfort for feeding. If you decide not to proceed with a release, that’s perfectly fine too—CST can still help relieve tension and support improved feeding.
Supporting Digestive Comfort: Craniosacral Therapy can make a big difference for babies dealing with tummy troubles like reflux, trapped gas, and constipation. By gently releasing tension around the digestive system, CST can help reduce air intake during feedings, ease gas and bloating, and even promote regular bowel movements (great for those babies who “skip days”). After CST, many parents find their babies are less fussy and more comfortable.
Enhanced Mobility and Comfort: Newborns may experience body tension from their position in the womb, the birth process, or early developmental positioning. CST can gently relax tight muscles and fascia, allowing your baby to move and stretch more comfortably. This can be especially helpful for babies who have a head-turning preference, show signs of torticollis, or just aren’t fans of tummy time!
Support for Better Sleep: Babies who feel relaxed and at ease in their bodies are often better sleepers! By easing physical discomfort, CST supports better sleep patterns, giving both you and your baby more restful nights.
What to Expect During a CST Session
Curious about what a CST session looks like? Here’s an overview to help you feel prepared:
A Safe and Gentle Experience: Everything is done at your baby’s pace. CST uses only the gentlest touch, and sessions are fully guided by what feels best for your little one. If a break is needed, we’ll take it—comfort is always the priority.
A Flexible Environment: Your baby can be fed, held, or even changed during our session. Many babies are most relaxed while feeding or snuggling close to you, so sessions are designed to be flexible. And if my hands are on your baby, know that I’m still working! If you need to bounce or move to keep baby comfortable, I’ll move along with you, keeping the focus on your baby’s comfort.
Open Communication: Throughout the session, I’ll walk you through each step, explaining how the gentle techniques can help your baby feel more comfortable. I want you to feel fully involved, so please feel free to ask questions along the way!
How Craniosacral Therapy Supports Infant Feeding and Comfort
One of the unique aspects of CST is its holistic, gentle approach. As an IBCLC and bodyworker, I understand how essential it is for babies to be comfortable in their bodies to achieve optimal feeding—whether that’s at breast or bottle. Feeding issues are often linked to underlying body or oral tension, which CST can help release. For instance, a baby struggling with latch due to tightness in the jaw or neck may find feeding easier and more enjoyable as CST gently eases those restrictions.
Is CST Right for Your Baby?
If your baby is experiencing feeding difficulties, tension, or has trouble settling, CST may be just the gentle support they need. With my experience as both an IBCLC and bodyworker, each session is tailored to your baby’s unique needs, supporting both their feeding journey and overall comfort. If you’re curious or have questions, I’m here to help you explore how CST might benefit your little one.