Service
Osteopathy for newborns, babies and children
Supporting your child from the very first days of life
The first months of life are an important period in a child's development. Pregnancy, birth and the first stages of development can sometimes come with tension, asymmetries or functional difficulties that deserve particular attention.
Pediatric osteopathy offers a gentle approach adapted to each child, taking into account their age, development and needs.
I see newborns from their very first days of life, as well as babies and older children, at the Centre médical d'Épalinges and at my practice in Morges.
When should you see an osteopath for your baby?
A consultation may be considered when parents notice certain difficulties, including:
- After birth: long or fast labor, instrumental delivery, caesarean or breech presentation.
- Head and neck: a preference for turning the head to one side, reduced neck mobility, congenital torticollis or skull asymmetry, such as positional plagiocephaly.
- Feeding: difficulty sucking or swallowing, discomfort during breastfeeding or bottle-feeding.
- Digestion: colic, regurgitation or constipation, after assessment and alongside pediatric follow-up if needed.
- Day to day: frequent crying, restlessness, discomfort or difficulty falling asleep.
These signs can have different origins. A consultation helps take stock of the difficulties encountered, assess the child's needs and determine whether osteopathic care is indicated.
Plagiocephaly and skull asymmetries
Positional plagiocephaly, often called “flat head”, is a flattening of the skull that can appear during the first weeks of life. It may be associated with a preference for turning the head to one side or with torticollis.
An early assessment makes it possible to observe the shape of the skull, any facial asymmetries, neck mobility and how the situation evolves.
Care relies in particular on positioning and carrying advice, regular changes of position while the child is awake, and suggestions suited to their development. Gentle osteopathic treatment may be considered when indicated.
When necessary, collaboration with the pediatrician, physiotherapist or a specialist helps complete the assessment and consider other measures. In some situations, a specialist assessment for a cranial helmet may be discussed.
It is best not to wait if you notice a persistent head asymmetry or difficulty turning the neck. Early advice helps guide care appropriately.
Osteopathy for children
As a child grows, new needs may appear. A consultation may be considered for various situations, for example:
- Musculoskeletal pain or pain related to sports
- Tension or mobility difficulties
- Pain after a fall or injury, once the need for a medical assessment has been checked
- Postural problems or asymmetries requiring assessment
- Certain functional pains, alongside appropriate medical follow-up
The examination takes into account the child's history, development, activities and the symptoms described. It helps determine whether osteopathy is relevant or whether another professional opinion is preferable.
A gentle, individualized approach, in contact with other health professionals
My work with newborns and children draws on additional training in pediatric osteopathy, notably the CAS “Osteopathy and the First 1000 Days”, as well as my involvement in the Swiss Federation of Osteopaths' quality circle “Newborns and Children”.
Each consultation begins with a conversation with the parents and an assessment adapted to the child's age. The techniques used are gentle, non-invasive and chosen according to the clinical situation.
The aim is to support the child when indicated, to advise parents and to encourage care that is consistent with other health professionals.
Osteopathy does not replace pediatric follow-up and is not a substitute for necessary medical examinations.
Visit us in Épalinges or Morges
I see you and your child by appointment at my two practices:
- Épalinges — Centre médical d'Épalinges, Vidymed Group
- Morges — Osteopathy practice, close to the train station
If you have questions about your baby's development, a skull asymmetry or a particular difficulty, a consultation lets us take stock and discuss care options suited to your child.
Book an appointment
Would you like to consult for your newborn, baby or child? Book online directly, choosing the practice location that suits you.
If you have a question before the consultation, you can also contact me by phone.