What Is “Bodywork” for Babies?
Bodywork is often recommended for babies dealing with:
Colic
Reflux
Breastfeeding Difficulties
Body Tension
Torticollis
Plagiocephaly
and more!
“Bodywork” is an umbrella term used to describe ANY profession that uses touch, stretches, movements, or physical manipulation to help the body heal and thrive.
You’re probably already familiar with bodywork for adults:
Massage Therapies
Physical Therapy
Acupuncture
Chiropractic Care
Craniosacral Therapy
Fascial Therapies and more!
Just like bodywork for adults, there are specific bodywork modalities for babies. I like to refer to these modalities as "Professional Bodywork". ❤️
Choosing a bodyworker for infants is very individualized. Make sure that the bodyworker you choose has plenty of experience and the proper training to treat infants!
Professional Infant Bodywork can include:
Infant Massage
Pediatric Physical & Occupational Therapy
Osteopathy
Pediatric Chiropractic Care
Craniosacral Therapy (CST)
Fascial Therapies (MFR, CFT)
Bowen Therapy
and more.
Professional Bodywork is recommended by skilled tongue-tie professionals before and after a tongue-tie release because it increases positive outcomes post-release. It also helps distinguish if there is a TRUE tie, or if the "tie-like symptoms" are just caused by tension in the body and mouth.
What is “At-Home Bodywork”?
You'll hear me talk A LOT about "At-Home Bodywork" on this page. I use this term to refer to any movements, exercises, or stretches that parents can do at home with their baby to support them in releasing tension and building healthy patterns and habits as they grow.
With both of my babies, I started a daily habit of doing At-Home Bodywork together. We even carried it into toddlerhood! I felt like it was good "maintenance" in between appointments with Professional Bodyworkers. Looking back, I think it was crucial in supporting them through the tongue-tie release process and it allowed them to grow without holding onto patterns of tension.
“How do I find Professional Bodyworkers for my baby?”
✨️Finding someone who has the right qualifications to treat infants with these concerns can be tricky!
The Directory Guides is a collection of two digital guides that help you find skilled bodyworkers and tongue-tie professionals as quickly and easily as possible. You can read more about them by clicking the button below!
“Do you have resources for At-Home Bodywork?”
The At-Home Bodywork Page
I compiled a ton of free videos from professionals to give you some ideas right here!
There are three chapters of videos:
Oral Function Support (for babies with feeding difficulties or ties)
Whole Body Support (for babies with ties or body tension symptoms)
Guppy Pose Support (making the bodywork stretch “Guppy Pose” more fun and enjoyable)
Let me know in the comments what questions you have about Bodywork!
*Not professional or medical advice. For educational purposes only*
