Success with Osteopath? (newborn)

[2good]

Hi
We were referred to an osteopath for our newborn as she doesn't sleep more than max 4 hours in every 24hrs, also has bad wind and constipation problems.
Anyway, several people recommended an osteopath so we're going once a week but there's no difference yet.
The session consists of her placing her hands on the baby's head for about 20 minutes - that's the extent of it. It just seems a bit bullshitty to me (pardon my cynicism) but it's very expensive and I'm just wondering has anyone any success stories? She's 4 wks old and osteopath says it will take at least 4 sessions.. but if she begins to improve at 8/10 wks could this not be coincidence/time factor??

[Gwynfluff]

15 years ago with walked out of a chiropractors with newborn dd in a car seat. Looked at each other and said in unison ‘we just spent £25 for someone to put their hands on our babies head!’ - we couldn’t bring ourselves to go back.

We got by with a dummy, a strict bedtime routine (realised she needed to sleep in a darkened room) and by 4-5 months she was more settled.

It will pass

[2good]

gwynfluff yeah that's how I'm feeling right now too! I'd pay anything if I genuinely thought it would work as I'm about to pass out from sleep deprivation but at the same time, I hate being those parents who get taken advantage of

[PanannyPanoo]

Work for us. My dd was yanked out when I was 8 cm dilated. She had a misshapen head and her spine curved due to the traumatic birth. My health visitor suggested an osteopath. Treatment was very gentle-Which is pretty essential for a newborn really!
I have a joint disorders and gentle pressure can often work really well for me too.

I think she had 6 sessions. She went from sleeping for a few minutes at a time to sleeping through by the end of the treatments.

[2good]

That's good to hear panannypoo... I probably will stick with it, just wanted some reassurance that it might (hopefully) work. She also had a fairly traumatic delivery into this world so any help for the poor little thing will be very welcome

[iliketosmellcandles]

Chiropractors and Osteopaths are two very different things op, osteopathy is by far the best thing we have ever done

[Gwynfluff]

Well whoever we saw, they did the head thing!

[Smurfybubbles]

We are currently seeing an osteopath as my DS could only turn his head one direction which was starting to give him flat head.
After one session she was able to point out that the tension was also causing reflux. 2 sessions down and she has released his neck and definitely spits up less after a bottle, he's also stating to sleep better but that could be coincidence! His head shape is already much better and as o type this he's actually snoozing on the back of his head which he's never done before
Did this osteopath have good reviews? I made sure to research mine before starting as they are a few in my area.

[Ethelswith]

OP said she was referred, Smurfybubbkes so perhaps she should go back to GQP who made the referral and raise those questions, rather than trying to review/compare as a lay person.

Our GP practice refers to an osteopath (they use some of their budget somthey can provide this) because at a partner's meeting they discovered that most of them saw an osteopath themselves for certain issues, and not only that but they all saw the same one. So if he was good enough for them, he'd be good enough for patients too. So I expect OP's GP does similar, hence referral.

[ohnothanks]

Personally I think it is total bollocks.

Is your baby breast or bottle fed? Milk allergy? Reflux?

[2good]

Yeah the GP referred this particular one and said many parents had reported great outcomes with her. She has 30 years experience and 5 kids herself, so I suppose if any of them are going to help she should.
Baby has been crying for almost 48 hours with only small gaps where she'll either nap for 10 mins or have some milk.
She's bottle fed and we use cow & gate comfort for colic, and infacol too

[AppleScoop]

I've used osteopathy for myself and my children. I've found it to practically work miracles for a variety of complaints. I used this place for my eldest DC: www.occ.uk.com. If you're in London it might be an option for you or perhaps they could you recommend somewhere similar closer to your home.

[2good]

Thanks applescoop do you mind me asking on average with the issues you've had, how many sessions did it take before you started seeing some improvement? (We're one number 4 now)

[ohnothanks]

I would seriously consider another physical cause for this unsettledness. 4 hours' sleep in 24 for a newborn is not right, coupled with colic, crying and constipation...really, google cow's milk protein intolerance.
Both my.children had this and both were exactly as you describe. Cured by reflux drugs and removing unmodified cows milk from their feeds.

[2good]

ohnothanks you could be right. I mentioned lactose intolerance to doctor but she said baby would be vomiting or have the runs or a skin rash if allergic but I think i might get her tested anyway

[ohnothanks]

Ds was a prolofic vomiter but not at 4 weeks. He only really cranked up at about 8 weeks. And he had perfect unblemished skin.

You can't test for CMPI really, it's usually a case of renoving milk and seeing what happens.

If you want to try a different milk you need to buy one with the protein broken down. Lactose intolerance is a different beast and very rare in neonates. We had aptamil pepti as it is fairly ok tasting but that isn't hydrolysed enough for some kids who need eg nutramigen or neocate.

[FranticallyPeaceful]

Sounds like a milk allergy

[FranticallyPeaceful]

(Intolerance)

[FranticallyPeaceful]

Also avoid any soy based ones

[AppleScoop]

DC1 was treated 6 times for being all crooked after birth. Only slept facing one way and was generally cranky. Was a big baby.

DC2 was treated with success about 4 times if I recall correctly. This was for dodgy digestion. Was also recommended Udo's Choice probiotics by osteopath and they worked well. They were cheaper from Amazon than at Holland and Barrett.

HTH.

[2good]

Thanks applescoop glad you had a positive experience and thanks for the information everyone.
I'm officially quitting it now though after 4 sessions, €320 wasted and zero difference in sleep, mood, crying or digestion.
We have decided to save our money -for a babysitter- and just change to an organic formula & pro-biotic so hopefully that helps instead!

[ohnothanks]

Op you can buy a tub of hydrolysed formula OTC in boots, although you sometimes have to order in. It ain't cheap but probably not much more than organic formula + baby probiotics and it might provide you with a steer some sleep

[ohnothanks]

Oh you mention €. Are you outside UK?