Craniosacral Therapy for Pregnancy and Babies

Powerful Support for your Body & Baby

Florida craniosacral therapist with young baby in office

Craniosacral Therapy (CST) can offer powerful support during pregnancy, both physically and emotionally, as well as for newborns. It is especially helpful for people who are experiencing trauma and tension.

Craniosacral therapy (CST) is a gentle, hands-on bodywork technique that focuses on releasing tension in the craniosacral system—this includes the membranes and cerebrospinal fluid that surround and protect the brain and spinal cord.

Practitioners use very light pressure (about the weight of a nickel) to palpate areas of the body, especially the skull, spine, and sacrum (tailbone).

Craniosacral Therapy in Pregnancy

Craniosacral therapy can help release tension in the body, easing common pregnancy discomforts like back pain, headaches, and pelvic pressure.

The gentle touch supports relaxation, which may improve sleep and reduce stress. Many expectant parents find it also helps them feel more balanced and connected to their changing bodies.

Benefits of Craniosacral Therapy in Pregnancy

Relieves Common Discomforts

  • Eases back pain, pelvic tension, and sciatica
  • Reduces headaches and jaw tension (especially TMJ)
  • Supports balance in the hips and pelvis as baby grows

Prepares Your Body for Labor

  • Gently aligns the body and promotes flow in the craniosacral system
  • May help the body respond more smoothly to labor and postpartum recovery
  • Releases restrictions in the pelvis and sacrum to support better alignment—creating more space for baby to move into an ideal birth position

Calms the Nervous System

  • Promotes deep relaxation and stress relief, regulating mood and sleep
  • Supports the parasympathetic system (rest + restore mode)
  • Safe space to release stored tension, fears, or trauma
  • Can ease anxiety around birth and motherhood
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Craniosacral Therapy for Newborns

Craniosacral Therapy (CST) can be especially beneficial for newborns, as birth—even under the best circumstances—is a big event for a tiny body.

It is gentle, safe and restorative for babies. CST uses only soft, therapeutic touch—perfect for even the tiniest babies.

The pressure, positioning, and intensity of labor can sometimes cause subtle tension or misalignments that CST helps gently release. Parents often notice their baby seems calmer and more comfortable after a session.

 

Benefits of Craniosacral Therapy for Newborns

Releases Birth-Related Tension

  • Eases compression from the birthing process (especially from long, fast, or assisted deliveries)
  • Helps balance the skull bones and fascia, which are still soft and shifting after birth

Supports Feeding & Latch

  • Improves tongue, jaw, and neck mobility
  • Helps with latch issues, nursing discomfort, or preference for one breast/side
  • Gently helps the body process and release stored tension in the gut. Can support relief from colic, reflux, and gassiness

Improves Sleep and Soothing

  • Regulates the nervous system
  • Helps babies settle, sleep more deeply, and cry less

Supports Healthy Development

  • Promotes symmetry and alignment for motor skills
  • Gently supports natural growth and integration of reflexes

Questions about Craniosacral Therapy?