Looking for Paediatric Osteopathy in Brunswick Heads?

Ellie Watts has a special interest in supporting babies, children, and new mums through the challenges that can come with pregnancy, birth, and early development. Her gentle and caring approach helps families feel supported during these important early stages of life.

Pregnancy and birth place unique stresses on both babies and mums. The space for growth in the uterus, as well as the forces involved in delivery, can affect a baby’s comfort, feeding, digestion, breathing, and growth.

Sometimes you may notice signs of this in the first few weeks, and other times it may appear as your baby grows. While mums remember the intensity of contractions, it’s easy to forget that babies were right there in the middle of all that pressure.

Babies’ heads are designed to adapt during birth, with skull bones overlapping to allow them through the birth canal. Usually, crying and feeding help the bones settle naturally. However, long or short labours, or assisted deliveries with forceps or suction, can make it harder for babies to recover quickly.

Parents may notice their baby showing signs of strain, such as:

• Flattening of the head shape (plagiocephaly)
• Blocked tear ducts, frequent eye or ear infections, snoring, or congestion
• Feeding difficulties, such as poor latch, swallowing air, reflux, or frequent spitting up
• Unsettled behaviour, back arching, or discomfort in car seats or when lying down
• Clicking joints or concerns about hip position (hip dysplasia)
• Unusual positioning of arms and legs after birth

Sometimes, babies are born with retained moulding from assisted deliveries or have spent time in unusual positions in the uterus – for example, stretched out with feet near their ears. These factors may contribute to the challenges above.

Ellie will start by taking a detailed history of your pregnancy and birth, followed by a gentle assessment of your baby. This helps her determine whether osteopathic treatment is appropriate.

Paediatric osteopathy and cranial osteopathy use very light-touch techniques, working with the baby’s natural movements and breathing to ease areas of tension.

Our treatment space is calm, family-friendly, and designed with comfort in mind. We welcome mums, dads, siblings, and grandparents. Babies can be treated in whichever position they feel happiest – lying on a pillow, being held, or cuddled up to mum. The pace is always set by your baby, with plenty of pauses for soothing or feeding if needed.

Most babies enjoy their sessions and often leave feeling calm and relaxed, sometimes even drifting off to sleep.
Ellie will provide guidance for what you can do at home to support your baby’s progress. Her aim is always to treat as little as possible, supporting both you and your baby in the journey of early parenthood.

She remains available to answer any follow-up questions and to ensure you feel confident and supported along the way.

✨ Gentle, supportive care for babies, children, and families.