10 Good Reasons Your Baby Might Benefit from

Cranio-Sacral Treatment

Congratulations on the arrival of your little one — or your upcoming birth! Whether you’re in the whirlwind of newborn life or still preparing for it, you’re probably doing your best to give your baby the very best start. But sometimes, things don’t feel quite as smooth as we hope — especially with feeding, settling, or comfort.

I’m Penny, a qualified chiropractor using the gentle McTimoney technique, and a breastfeeding coach with years of experience helping babies and mums feed more comfortably. One of the most effective tools for newborns and little ones in my practice is cranio-sacral therapy — a very gentle, hands-on approach that helps ease tension and restrictions in a baby’s body after birth.

So many mums I see are exhausted, sore, and confused when their baby is struggling — especially when they've been told "everything looks normal."

Here are 10 real reasons your baby might benefit from cranio-sacral treatment:

1. Breastfeeding is painful or difficult

If your baby’s latch is shallow, they gag on the breast, or you’re left sore after feeds, there may be tension in their jaw, neck or palate. Gentle cranio-sacral therapy can help improve latch depth, comfort, and feeding rhythm — for both of you.

2. Bottle-feeding feels like a battle

Some bottle-fed babies dribble milk, make clicking sounds, or seem unsettled after feeds. These can all point to tightness in the jaw, neck, or mouth that makes feeding harder work than it should be.

3. Your baby only likes feeding from one side

This is a common sign of neck or body tightness. If your baby arches or resists turning one way, they may benefit from gentle treatment to ease that discomfort and help them feed more freely.

4. They seem tense or hard to cuddle

Some babies feel “tight” to hold — like they can’t relax into you. This can be due to birth strain, especially after a fast, assisted, or surgical delivery. Cranio-sacral therapy helps them feel safer, more relaxed, and easier to settle.

5. You were told your baby may have tongue tie

Not all feeding issues are due to true tongue-tie. I often work with babies who’ve been referred for tongue-tie assessment, only to find that tension in their shoulders, neck or jaw is the real issue — and this can be gently released without surgery.

6. Your baby makes slurpy or clicky sounds during feeding

These noises often mean they’re struggling to form a good seal on the breast or bottle. That can lead to taking in air, getting wind, and fussing at the breast. Gentle treatment around the jaw and head can make a big difference.

7. Wind and reflux are a daily struggle

If your baby is hard to wind or seems in pain after feeds, there may be restriction affecting the vagus nerve — which connects the gut to the brain. Cranio-sacral therapy can help release this tension and ease digestive distress.

8. Your baby cries or curls up after feeding

Reflux, colic, and digestive discomfort are often signs of an overwhelmed nervous system. This gentle therapy helps babies reorganise and relax their system, often reducing crying and improving comfort after feeds.

9. Your baby doesn’t sleep well or seems restless

Even in sleep, some babies seem tense, twitchy, or unsettled. This may stem from shock or tension following a difficult birth. Cranio-sacral therapy can help babies drop into a deeper, more restful state.

10. You’ve had a tough birth — or your baby did

Every birth leaves a physical imprint on the body — even straightforward ones. But if you had a fast labour, forceps, ventouse, c-section or a long pushing stage, your baby may have retained tension from the experience. Cranio-sacral therapy can help them release that gently and safely.

What to Expect

Cranio-sacral therapy is gentle, safe, and non-invasive. Babies are usually treated while lying on you or in a comfortable position, and most visibly relax during the session. I often combine this with feeding support to ensure your baby is comfortable, efficient, and happy at the breast or bottle.

If you're an expectant mum, I can also offer a Breastfeeding Power Hour to help you prepare, and ensure any early issues are picked up quickly.

� If any of these points sound familiar…

You’re not alone and help is here. I offer home visits for newborns and mums across Jersey and video calls off island, I would love to support you and your baby to feed, sleep, and thrive more comfortably.

Based in Jersey

McTimoney Chiropractor |  Infant Feeding Support
Email me today to find out how I can help.

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