Infant +
Child CST

An infant's irregular position in utero can result in abnormal muscle tension and compression in the body. During the birth process an infant’s cranial bones shift to fit through the birth canal. If there is a particularly difficult birth, complications, injuries, or interventions used, this can cause nerve compression. This compression can show up in many ways such as feeding issues, digestive discomfort, and increased fussiness. CST is an excellent, gentle therapy for babies who are experiencing those symptoms, or as regular health care for your newborn.

CST calms and regulates the central nervous system. Injuries, trauma, or illnesses can cause body tissues to tighten and alter the craniosacral system. Restrictions are a result from these alterations that cause tension to form around the brain and spinal cord. This compression can show up and be expressed as withdrawal,unfocused and disruptive behavior. Children do not always know how to communicate what they feel internally. CST is an excellent, gentle therapy for children who are experiencing those reactions, or as regular health care.

I equip each family with the steps of the TTM to optimize movement, posture, strength and bonding during their CST session. These are exercises families can do together at home to optimize feeding, and improve movement. All pediatricians recommend tummy time for their patients as a companion to the Back to Sleep campaign. This counters the time babies spend on their backs sleeping, and is intentional time set aside on their tummy for optimal health and development. TummyTime! Method™ was created to help babies and caregivers enjoy and have fun during tummy time. TummyTime!™ is a trademarked program created by Michelle Emanuel, a Neonatal/Pediatric Occupational Therapist with a special focus on posture, movement, and connection between parents and baby. Please see www.tummytimemethod.com for more information.

For infants and children, CranioSacral Therapy is performed fully clothed. They can receive treatment in the arms of the caregiver, in my arms, on a massage table, or on a mat on the floor. If they are mobile, I will ask the caregiver to bring with them a favorite toy or snack to help entertain them, and I have baby toys, fidget toys, and books.

I schedule initial consultations with an infant for 70 minutes. I use this time to conduct an interview with the parents, allowing for time to meet the child’s needs with feeding, soothing, and the treatment. Follow up sessions are scheduled for 30 minutes. I schedule initial consultations for children over 1 years old for 45 minutes. We will go over how the child is feeling that day and the parent's treatment goals. I will use the time to establish a relationship with the child and treatments can vary in duration depending on the child. The good news is children release quickly. Follow up sessions are scheduled for 30 minutes. I work with the body and follow how long to treat certain areas of the body with the feedback I feel in my hands.

Yes! Sibling sessions are available for siblings that a parent feels would be comfortable receiving care as a duo. Twins are welcome and allotted time for bodywork for both babies.

Yes! Craniosacral Therapy is a gentle form of bodywork that is ideal for parents to receive along with their new baby or older child together. This aids in the release of tension, creates connection, and combines healing.