Asymmetry of a baby’s head and Osteopathy
Asymmetry of a baby’s head
Asymmetry of your baby’s head is not normally something you think of when it comes to your baby’s health. Often you do not even realize there is an asymmetry until someone points it out to you. Often it is not worrying, but in some cases it is advised to have it treated, whether for cosmetic reasons or medical reasons. Here are some of the main reasons why your baby may develop some asymmetry in their head.
What causes this?
Your baby may have been in the same position in the womb for a long period of time. Especially when they have their head stuck under your ribs or pelvis it can cause the head to mold to the surface they are lying on. When they are in the uterus there is nothing we can do about this, however it is important to assess the shape of their head when they are born.
It is also very commonly seen in babies with torticollis, or babies that look one-way more than the other. This will often cause them the be more comfortable lying on one side over the other which leads to increased time spent on the same spot on the back of the head. This is often caused by a birth strain, most likely from a slow or difficult delivery often involving forceps or ventouse.
What happens?
The asymmetry can be measured and classified from light to severe. In severe cases it is important to correct the asymmetry as it can determine how the body of your baby grows and develops on the long term. The asymmetry of the head can cause asymmetry in the spine and lead to a compensatory scoliosis.
In lighter cases it is mainly for comfort and cosmetic reasons. Indirectly however, asymmetry in the head can lead to problems feeding, swallowing air whilst feeding and colic. This most often occurs due to the jaw being affected, causing discomfort to both baby and mum.
What can I do?
Little things you can do at home include:
- Increasing tummy time
- Encouraging your baby to look both ways
- Encouraging your baby not to lay on the flat spot
- Regularly change the position of your baby
Other possibilities include:
- Seeing a pediatric osteopathic manual practitioner
- See your pediatrician and discuss the option of an orthotic helmet. This is an optional therapy for the severe cases from 5-6 months of age. The baby would normally wear this between 3 to 5 months for 23 hours a day. The helmet is personalized to your baby’s head and the consultant will review the progress every 6 weeks. These helmet companies often offer a free consultation in order to advise you about your baby specifically.
How can osteopathy help?
The osteopathic manual practitioner can do a general check up to see if the asymmetry is causing your baby any discomfort. They can then work with the bones of their head and the membranes surrounding the bones to improve some movement and blood flow to the area. In most cases this will help the flat bones adjust to the rounded bones around them and start creating a better shape. The most important aspect to an osteopathic manual practitioner is that the cranium is working congruently together, optimizing your baby’s movement and development. If anything else is affected due to the asymmetry your osteopathic manual practitioner can assure that this is looked at and functioning as well as possible as well.