In a message dated 10/2/0 2:06:49 AM, [log in to unmask] writes:

<<  The baby
seemed to be cranky most of the time and needed a lot of carrying.  The
mother brought the baby to a paediatrician who recommended supplementation.
She saw me after this and I observed the increase in length, and head
circumference.  WEight gain was minimal and slow.  I recommended
supplementation with her sister-in-law's expressed milk (baby-one and half
months older).  After this consultation, the mother brought the baby to a
cranio-sacral therapist who alarmed her by saying that the baby had a
traumatic birth experience and needed weekly therapy sessions to recover.
The mother noticed a change in sleep patterns after the session and wonders
whether she should continue with the session.  The baby displayed deep sleep
patterns and seems less cranky.  Her milk supply is still not high.  What do
you think? >>

Doris,
I did not see an answer to this question on the list. I am behind (again),
but wanted to respond. It is very typical for babies to exhibit a change in
sleep patterns after treatment (normal for adults, too). Often this means
deep sleep for a fairly extended period. It can certainly be hard for parents
to hear words like "trauma", but the truth is that I see *many* babies
suffering birth trauma. Causes are usually interventions such as pitocin,
epidurals, vacuum extraction, forceps, cesarean or situations such as
posterior position, long labor, precipitous birth (usually mismanaged) and
baby being "manhandled" after birth.
    Babies who need a lot of vestibular stimulation, who can't seem to
settle, etc are usually babies I recommend for such treatment. Of course, I
am usually first alerted to a problem by bf difficulties, often related to
the birth trauma.
    So, while I understand how hard it is to hear "birth trauma", I also
think it is important for parents to realize that these alternately
sleepy/fussy, unsettled babies who can't seem to latch well are not in a
biologically normal state. They are upset and often in pain and can be
successfully treated. Just looking at these babies makes me hurt--their
energy is so disturbed.
    Just as I believe we need to talk about the hazards of artificial
feeding, I also feel just as strongly about the hazards of medicalized birth.
Parents need to make informed decisions and that means understanding the
consequences of their choices.
     I recently saw a very cranky baby who strongly resisted the breast. The
mother's birth was horrendous even by average medicalized standards. The dad
said that in the childbirth classes they were warned about the risks of
epidurals, but during labor the OB nurse told them "that is all crap" and
really pushed the epidural which the mom did not want, but finally accepted.
I did tell this family that their baby's behaviour was likely to be
birth-related and they could make her a lot more comfortable with an
adjustment. But, their pediatrician told them what I said was "crap" and so
the baby never got help, the mother is breastfeeding, but the dad gives
bottles at night at 2 weeks. And the mother is focused on getting her baby on
a schedule. Argh!
Jennifer Tow, IBCLC, CT, USA

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