Your Baby’s first appointment with an Osteopath. What to expect?

Often babies are getting referred to the Osteopath by lactation consultants or NHS doctors. Many parents/carers are new to the idea of Paediatric Osteopathy and don’t know what to expect on their first consultation.

Firstly, parents/carers or other family members are welcomed to come to the first appointment!

On the first appointment I am taking a detailed case history of Mum’s pregnancy, delivery, family medical history and present complaint to find out if your baby is safe to treat, what structures might be involved and what’s the best way to examine and treat your baby.

Then I am performing a detailed examination which includes:

• Developmental milestones of the baby

  
  

• Neurological examination- reflexes check up according to the age of your baby

  
  

• Orthopaedic testing, if necessary

  
  

• Auscultation of their lungs

  
  

• Joints and ligaments movements mobility

  
  

• Muscle tone

  
  

• Abdominal examination

  
  

• Mouth Examination - TMJ restriction as well as intraoral tension and muscle tone if there’re any issues with feeding/ latching/ tongue tie/ post frenulotomy issues or increased neck muscles tone

  
  

• Cranio-sacral rhythm to feel if there’re any restrictions that might block body’s natural ability to self-heal, which might be linked to the history of pregnancy, labour or any related traumas

  Treatment is based on the working diagnosis and needs of your baby and includes a personal management plan.

Treatment is based on the working diagnosis and needs of your baby and includes a personal management plan.

It’s also worth mentioning that the sooner the baby is brought to their first appointment the easier it is to fix all the issues, however it’s never too late to help your baby!

During my consultation parents/ carers will be given advice on the exercises required, positioning of the baby, skin care and latch during feeding.

I do provide the best possible care for each baby coming to see me to promote their health!

Your Osteopath,

Juliana Parfjonova