What To Expect from Wellbaby

Wellbaby Osteopaths use a gentle, integrated approach ideally suited to pregnancy, post-partum, babies and children. Treatment is always very gentle and careful; babies are not ‘clicked’ or manipulated in any way. Whether the patient is a baby, pregnant mother or child most issues typically take 3-4 sessions to resolve. As both the pregnant mother and the child are adapting to ongoing growth changes a treatment every 4-6 weeks can be helpful in maintaining the gains made with the osteopath.

At the first treatment the osteopath will take a detailed history – with questions about the patient’s general health, previous complaints, pregnancy and birth. The osteopath will then gently examine the patient, and identify areas of strain or tension affecting the body’s optimal function. The osteopath will then explain what they have found, and how this relates to the problems being experienced, and devise a plan with the parents and child (where appropriate) for treatment. This may also involve referral to another specialist if appropriate. The patient and/or parents are free to ask questions at any point about the treatment plan.

The osteopath uses gentle, hands on treatment to address the areas of strain or tension in the body. They combine structural techniques such as gentle stretching and body movements with indirect techniques to balance tension in ligaments and connective tissue, as well as cranial osteopathic techniques. You may be given some advice, i.e. stretches or postural advice for pregnancy, or abdominal massage and breastfeeding positions for the baby.

There are usually no adverse reactions to treatment. Babies normally sleep and fill their nappies more in the first 24 hours, and may occasionally be unsettled for this period before parents report an improvement in the symptoms. Occasionally, in the case of the mother or child there may be some minor discomfort the following day after which the symptoms normally improve.

All of our osteopaths have undergone 5 years training and hold a Bachelor of Human Biology and a Masters Degree in Osteopathy. Further to that they have undertaken post graduate courses in obstetrics, paediatrics and cranial osteopathy and are registered with the Osteopathic Council of New Zealand (OCNZ), the Osteopathic Society (OSNZ) and the Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC).

For more information or to make an appointment feel free to contact us.