Natural Medicines for Baby | Chiropractic, Naturopathy & Osteopathy

How early can my baby receive chiropractic care?

Ideally your baby should be checked and adjusted as soon as possible after birth to help alleviate spinal problems and nerve distress caused by constraint or abnormal positioning in the uterus or by spinal distress from the journey through the birth canal or during the delivery process. The youngest baby I have seen was 4 days old.

Osteopathic care for babies

Interview with Inès De Beer, Osteopath, The Round Clinic

What are the benefits of osteopathy for babies?

The osteopath "screens" the baby for impaired mobility, tensions or rotations in the body and spine. Depending on the length and type of delivery, the infant's head and base of the neck can show compression resulting in possible impaired head rotation, digestion, sucking difficulties or an irritated nervous system. A successfully treated torticollis will improve not only the head rotation but also a more equal breastfeeding. In my view, by clearing all tensions, the baby starts life with a "clean tray" optimizing his or her development.

How early can my baby receive osteopathic care? And how long is the treatment?

Bringing your baby to an osteopath for a checkup is very common in Europe and Australia. As the osteopathic postnatal session is very gentle, the baby can be seen quite soon after the delivery. Depending on the symptoms or signs, osteopathic checkups are advised from the age of 2 weeks for sucking problems, for example, to 1–2 months for torticollis or sleeping issues.

Naturopatic care for babies

Interview with Dr. Benita Perch, Naturopathic Physician, Integrated Medicine Institute

What are the benefits of naturopathy for babies?

Given that naturopathy supports the innate healing power of the body, it is an excellent choice to enhance your baby's optimal growth and treat common health conditions, including:

• Digestive disturbances: reflux, colic, constipation
• Acute illness: cold and flu, fever and tummy bugs
• Cradle cap, sleep issues, teething, eczema and allergies

Many herbs, homeopathics and supplements can be administered to babies depending on their age and constitution. Probiotics for babies are beneficial to boost immunity and help with digestive issues, and are especially important for those born by C-section who are not passing through the vaginal canal and getting mom's flora.

How early can my baby receive naturopathic care?

Given that homeopathic remedies are very safe, a skilled homeopathic practitioner may administer them from day one. High quality and pure probiotics that have been especially formulated for babies can also be given from day one. Many other herbs and supplements can be given to young babies. However, it is extremely important that you go to a properly qualified naturopath or homeopath who has experience with newborn babies.

To learn more, get The Hong Kong Maternity & Baby Book available for order online and at bookstores including Bookazine Hong Kong.