How CST Supports Babies with Tongue Ties, Reflux & Head Shape Concerns
The early days of life outside the womb can be an adjustment for newborns. Some babies experience challenges like feeding difficulties, reflux, or head shape imbalances, which can make those first weeks more stressful for both baby and parents.
Craniosacral Therapy (CST) is a gentle, hands-on technique that helps release tension, improve mobility, and support the nervous system—offering relief for newborns struggling with tongue tie restrictions, reflux, and head shape concerns.
If your baby is experiencing any of these common challenges, CST may provide the gentle, effective support they need. Let’s take a closer look at how it works.
Tongue Ties & Latch Challenges
What is a Tongue Tie?
A tongue tie (also called ankyloglossia) is a condition where the tissue under a baby’s tongue (frenulum) is too tight, restricting movement. This can make it difficult for a baby to latch properly during breastfeeding, leading to:
✔ Shallow latch & inefficient sucking
✔ Gas, colic, and excessive fussiness from swallowing air
✔ Nipple pain & low milk transfer for breastfeeding parents
How CST Helps with Tongue Ties
CST works by gently releasing tension in the muscles and fascia of the jaw, mouth, and cranial bones, improving mobility and function. CST is often used before and after a tongue tie release (frenectomy) to help:
✔ Prepare the tissues for release (making the procedure more effective)
✔ Encourage better mobility post-procedure (helping baby adjust to their new range of motion)
✔ Improve latch, sucking efficiency, and overall feeding comfort
Many parents notice improved breastfeeding or bottle-feeding ability after just a few CST sessions.
Infant Reflux & Digestive Issues
Why Do Babies Experience Reflux?
Infant reflux (spitting up, frequent gas, discomfort after feeding) is common in newborns due to:
✔ An immature digestive system
✔ Tension in the diaphragm or vagus nerve
✔ Birth trauma or tightness in the craniosacral system
Some babies have more severe reflux or GERD, leading to discomfort, frequent crying, and difficulty keeping milk down.
How CST Helps with Reflux
CST works with the nervous system to release tension in key areas that affect digestion, including:
✔ The diaphragm – Helps ease tension that may contribute to reflux and swallowing difficulties.
✔ The vagus nerve – Supports digestion and nervous system regulation.
✔ Cranial bones & jaw – Improves sucking, swallowing, and overall feeding mechanics.
By gently working with these systems, CST can help babies digest more comfortably, reduce reflux symptoms, and feed with greater ease.
Head Shape Concerns: Plagiocephaly & Torticollis
Why Does Head Shape Matter?
During birth, a baby’s skull experiences significant pressure and molding. In some cases, babies develop:
✔ Plagiocephaly (flat head syndrome) – A flat spot on one side of the head, often from positioning.
✔ Torticollis – Tight neck muscles that make it difficult for a baby to turn their head equally in both directions.
These issues can affect a baby’s comfort, development, and ability to feed symmetrically.
How CST Helps with Head Shape & Torticollis
CST is extremely gentle and works with a baby’s natural rhythms to:
✔ Release tight muscles in the neck and shoulders to improve range of motion.
✔ Encourage balanced head movement for better positioning and feeding.
✔ Gently realign cranial bones for natural head shape correction.
Because CST is non-invasive and baby-led, it provides a safe and effective way to address these issues early and support optimal development.
The Gentle Nature of CST for Babies
One of the biggest benefits of CST is that it is baby-led and deeply soothing. Unlike other therapies that might involve forceful adjustments, CST works with the baby’s body rather than against it.
Many parents notice positive changes after just one session, while some babies benefit from a few treatments to support lasting improvements.
Supporting Your Baby with Gentle, Effective Therapy
If your baby is struggling with feeding challenges, reflux, or head shape concerns, Craniosacral Therapy can be a gentle, effective way to support their comfort and development.
I’d love to work with you and your baby to help bring ease and balance to their body. Click here to learn more about my CST services.
