What Is “Bodywork” for Babies?

When I first heard about bodywork for babies, I had no idea what the term "bodywork" even meant. So let's break it down how I wish someone had explained it to me.

We'll be discussing:

1. What is bodywork?

2. What types are best for babies?

Bodywork is often recommended for babies dealing with:

• Colic

• Reflux

• Breastfeeding Difficulties

• Tongue-tie (How to tell if your baby has a tongue-tie here)

• Body Tension

• Torticollis

• Plagiocephaly

• Complications in pregnancy or birth

What is Bodywork for Babies?

“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 some of these types of bodywork for adults:

• Massage Therapy

• Physical Therapy

• Acupuncture

• Chiropractic Care

• Craniosacral Therapy

What Types of Bodywork are Best for Babies?

I like to organize bodywork for babies into two categories:

1. Professional Bodywork

2. At-Home Bodywork

Choosing a professional 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 Bodywork for Babies:

• Infant Massage

• Pediatric Physical & Occupational Therapy

• Osteopathy

• Pediatric Chiropractic Care

• Fascial Therapies (CST, MFR, CFT)

• Bowen Therapy

  are the most common.

Professional Bodywork is recommended by many infant feeding professionals to support latch and movement in babies that are struggling. Skilled tongue-tie professionals recommend bodywork 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.

At-Home Bodywork:

You'll hear me talk A LOT about "At-Home Bodywork". 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’ve 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 SOS Infant Feeding Directory™ guides you in finding the right bodyworkers and infant feeding specialists for your baby's specific needs.

Resources for At-Home Bodywork

The At-Home Bodywork Page:

A FREE video library with videos from myself and pediatric professionals to give you inspiration.

There are chapters of videos:

1. Oral Function Support (for babies with feeding difficulties or ties)

2. Whole Body Support (for babies with ties or body tension symptoms)

3. Guppy Pose Support (making the bodywork stretch “Guppy Pose” more fun and enjoyable)

Go To The At-Home Bodywork Page!

*Not professional or medical advice. For educational purposes only*