Baby Health
Babies can't tell you what's wrong, but their bodies often give very clear signals that something needs attention. Penny has been assessing and treating newborns and babies in Jersey for over 25 years, and in that time has learned to read those signals well. Many feeding difficulties, difficulty latching, coming on and off the breast, always turning the head to one side have a physical root that responds beautifully to gentle treatment.
Penny delves into topics like colic, cluster feeding, fussiness, tongue tie, and the invaluable benefits of tummy time. These insights are designed to help you navigate your baby's health and development journey with confidence.
Common issues I can help with
Common signs include difficulty latching or maintaining a latch, sliding off the nipple, clicking sounds during feeding, slow weight gain and a frustrated or unsettled baby during feeds, mum often very quickly develops very painful nipples. I carry out an oral assessment and will refer you to the appropriate specialist if I suspect a tongue tie. I do not diagnose, or divide tongue ties myself, but I can assess and guide you through the next steps.
Yes. Penny uses an extremely gentle technique, light touch not manipulation. Many parents are surprised by how subtle it is . Penny aims to release fascial tension and tension patterns helping your baby's body find its natural comfort. Many notice a difference after just one session.
A strong head preference is one of the most common signs that a baby will benefit from assessment and treatment. It can affect latch, feeding comfort and general settling. In the very early days this responds well to gentle treatment.
Dyschezia is when babies strain, cry and go red in the face before passing a poo! Yes it is completely normal in some babies. It happens because your baby hasn't yet co-ordinated relaxing their pelvic floor whilst pushing. This usually appears between 3-8 weeks and resolves by around 3-4 months. Stimulating the rectum to help them 'go' is not recommended!
Colic can be distressing for both babies and parents. During your consultation l will discuss strategies for managing colic, such as soothing techniques, changes in feeding positions, and potential dietary adjustments to alleviate your baby's discomfort.
Cluster feeding, where your baby demands frequent and intense feeding sessions, can be exhausting for mothers. I will help you understand cluster feeding patterns, offer support and relaxation techniques to manage these phases, and ensure you and your baby are well-nourished and comfortable
Fussiness during breastfeeding can have various causes, including gas or discomfort. During your consultation I will suggest techniques to soothe a fussy baby during feeds, such as burping, adjusting feeding positions, and providing a calm environment.
Babies with tongue tie may struggle with latching and breastfeeding effectively. I will carry out an oral assessment, and if I suspect that there may be a tongue tie I will refer you to your midwife, health visitor or GP.
I am not trained to diagnosis tongue ties or carry out a division. Assessment and division if needed is performed by the paediatrician at the hospital or a private ENT consultant. This procedure can significantly improve your baby's ability to latch and feed comfortably, ensuring a positive breastfeeding experience.
Tummy time is essential for your baby's development. During your consultation I will discuss the benefits of tummy time and how to incorporate it into your daily routine to support your baby's growth and motor skills.
Do you think I can help? Get in touch today
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