Newborn & baby
The first months, gently and with restraint.
A consultation may be considered when a functional discomfort raises questions for the parents. The examination adapts to the baby's age, to what the baby tolerates and to the medical context.
Why do parents come?
Requests mostly concern functional discomforts noticed in daily life: a preference for turning the head to one side, discomfort in certain positions, uneven weight-bearing or mobility that seems limited. These observations never replace a medical diagnosis.
A very gradual examination
The consultation begins with the story of the pregnancy, the birth, sleep, feeding and medical follow-up. The examination takes place in the parents' presence, without seeking any spectacular manoeuvre and with respect for the baby's reactions.
What osteopathy does not replace
The paediatrician or doctor remains the point of contact for growth monitoring, vaccinations, diagnosis and any general symptom. An osteopathic consultation replaces neither paediatric follow-up nor indicated medical care.
Have a doctor assess promptly
In a baby, some situations call for medical advice without delay:
- Fever, particularly before three months of age.
- Refusal to feed, repeated vomiting or signs of dehydration.
- Unusual drowsiness, a very floppy baby or reactions clearly different from usual.
- Unusual, inconsolable crying.
- Trauma or a fall.
- A break in the weight or growth curve.
At what age can a baby be seen?
A consultation may be considered when parents wish to have a functional discomfort assessed. The baby's medical follow-up remains with the paediatrician or doctor.
How is a baby examined?
The conversation with the parents plays an important part. The examination is gradual, carried out in the parents' presence and adapted to what the baby tolerates.
Does osteopathy replace the paediatrician?
No. Diagnosis, growth monitoring, vaccinations and the assessment of a worrying symptom are matters for the doctor or paediatrician.
See also: osteopathy for children · babies & children overview