FrançaisBaby osteopath in Montreal and Laval
An osteopath for your newborn
During birth, the baby’s body is subjected to strong pressure, particularly on the skull, neck and spine. This tension can come with difficulty feeding or sleeping, frequent crying, digestive problems or a marked preference for one side. The pediatric osteopath looks for the origin of the discomfort and uses very gentle manual techniques adapted to your child’s size and age.
Osteopathy complements the follow-up by your doctor or pediatrician; it does not replace it.
What brings parents to consult
- Colic and reflux: crying at the end of the day, spitting up, tense belly. Understanding infant colic and baby reflux.
- Restless sleep: trouble falling asleep, frequent waking, tense baby.
- Flat head (plagiocephaly) and preference for one side: what to know about flat head.
- Infant torticollis: baby who always turns the head to the same side. Read our article on torticollis.
- Breastfeeding or sucking difficulties, tension after a difficult birth.
Sucking, sleep, crying: when osteopathy can help your infant
A difficult feed, frequent waking or crying that sets in leads many parents to consult. The osteopath gently examines the baby, looks for tension that may affect sucking, digestion or sleep, and treats with very light movements.
Your baby can be seen from the first weeks. If a symptom worries you (fever, refusing to drink, lethargy), see a doctor first.
At what age should I bring my baby to the osteopath?
There is no minimum age: you can consult from the first days of life. An assessment after birth is recommended, especially if the delivery was long, difficult or instrument-assisted. You can also come later, as soon as you notice digestive or sleep problems, a flattening head or an uncomfortable baby. Each consultation lasts about 45 minutes: a discussion with the parents about the pregnancy, the birth and the symptoms, then an examination and very gentle treatment.
A 45-minute session, at your baby's pace
We listen to the parents
We assess and treat
We advise you
Two clinics to welcome you
For parents
Our osteopaths see babies.
After childbirth, the mother can also consult: see osteopathy for pregnant women and postpartum. If in doubt, read how to know if you need an osteopath.
Book an appointment online at the Montreal or Laval clinic.
Osteopathy for babies: your questions
You can consult from the first days of life. An assessment after birth is recommended, especially after a long, difficult delivery or one with forceps or vacuum. You can also come later if your baby has colic, reflux, restless sleep or a flattening head. Our osteopaths adapt their movements to the child’s age and weight.
The techniques used are manual and very gentle, adapted to the fragility of an infant. Each session begins with a discussion with the parents and a full examination. If the osteopath notices a sign that requires medical advice, they will refer you to your doctor or pediatrician. Osteopathy does not replace medical follow-up.
After a discussion with the parents about the pregnancy, the birth and the symptoms, the osteopath examines the baby, often on a parent’s lap or on the table, then uses very gentle manual techniques. Each consultation lasts about 45 minutes. You receive personalized advice and, if needed, tailored follow-up.
Colic and reflux are common in the first months. The osteopath looks for tension that can interfere with digestion, for example around the belly, diaphragm and neck, and releases it with gentle movements. Results vary from baby to baby. Read our article on infant colic.
A head that flattens on one side (plagiocephaly) is common and can come from the position in the womb, from the birth or from sleeping position. The earlier you consult, the simpler the support. The osteopath assesses the skull and neck and advises you on positioning. Details in our article on flat head.
An insurance receipt is provided at every session: reimbursement depends on your insurance plan, group or individual. Check your osteopathy coverage before your appointment. An osteopathy session is $110, taxes included, at both clinics. Payment by credit card, debit card or Interac e-Transfer.
We see babies at both of our clinics: in the Plateau-Mont-Royal in Montreal (4447 Saint-Denis Street) and in Laval (5200 des Laurentides Boulevard, Vimont-Auteuil area), Monday to Saturday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., by appointment. Book online or call (579) 421-0351.
Osteopathy does not replace medical advice. If you have serious symptoms, see a doctor.