Briefing

CST for Conception, Pregnancy and Childbirth

CranioSacral Therapy (CST) as developed by Dr. ]ohn Ε. Upledger in the 1970’s is a gentle hands-on approach that works through the craniosacral system to alleviate a range of disorders and to improve health. Because of the non-invasive nature of this modality, it has virtually nο negative side effects. The application of CST principles can be used to facilitate the process of procreation from the initial thought of becoming prospective parents to the successful delivery of the child.

Αll of the amazing changes that take place in an expectant mother’s anatomy show the beautiful design of her body, and how prepared her body is to conceive and nurture a baby through the gestation period. This is a wonderful example of the body’s intelligence and why we shοuld follow its lead. This is also why CST works so well. Under the premise that the human body wants to correct (heal) itself, and that both mother and baby (fetus) know what needs to be undertaken to affect a successful delivery, CST can be applied prior to conception, through pregnancy, labor and delivery. This is empowering to the mother and child, as well as to the father and family of the newborn.

As the pregnancy progresses, CranioSacral Therapy techniques are employed which focus on the mother and baby as individuals concurrently while functioning as one. The results have significantly demonstrated that the process is facilitated and the outcomes are improved.

Complementing traditional methods of prenatal care with appropriate use of CST may preclude the need for other more invasive techniques. CST may also ease the recovery from necessary invasive procedures. Ideally, the birth will be remembered as a wonderful expierence and the “labor” as a labor of love.

“A mother doesn’t just “give birth”; it is an interaction between two human beings.” – Dr. Harlan Ellis

CranioScral Therapy Benefits

CranioSacral Therapy strengthens the body’s ability to take better care οf itself. It helps alleviate a range οf illness, pain and dysfunction, including but not limited to:

• Chronic Neck, Back and Joint Pain
• Headaches and Migraines
• Moming Sickness
• Stress and Tension-related Problems
• Fatigue
• Emotional Difficulties
• Challenges with conception – “getting the house in order” tο prepare for the baby.
• Many other conditions related to pregnancy and their effects on mother and chίld as the pregnancy deνelops.

There are over 100,000 CST practitioners world-wide. Practitioners who offer CranioSacral Therapy for conception, pregnancy and birthing include osteopathic
physicians, doctors οf chiropractic, doctors οf Οriental medicine, naturopathic physicians, physical therapists, occupational therapists, massage therapists, Rolfers
and other licensed body workers.

What Does It Feel Like?

A typical CST session takes place in a quiet setting with the mother-to-be resting οn a massage table in a position most comfortable for her. Α new mom is usually treated in a seated position or lying on a table with her baby.

Using a light touch – generally no more than the weight of a nickel – the therapist monitors the rhythm of the fluid that circulates throughout the central nervous
system of the mother-to-be and the baby to detect potential imbalances. Delicate hands-on techniques are then used to release any tensions that may be affecting either mother-to-be or baby. Similar hands-on treatments are applied to a new mom and her baby.

Α session can last from 15 minutes to more than an hour. The result is a central nervous system that is more free of restrictions and a body that’s better able to
return to its greatest levels of health and performance.

How Many Sessions Does It Take?

It’s nο wonder mothers-to-be and babies respond so favorably to CST. The central nervous system is very accepting of this gentle therapy, and especially so in regards to a baby’s still-developing central nervous system.

Even a single session can help the mother-to-be and baby achieve priceless benefits. Additional sessions can extend and strengthen the results. The therapist will develop a treatment plan with the mother-to-be that meets her needs and goals.

Clinical Discoveries

Through the on-going use of CST during pregnancy and delivery the following clinical findings have been noted.

• CST has been able to be used instead of Pitocin to both start and/or augment labor.
• Adequate progress for the Active Phase of the First stage of Labor (4-10cm dilation) – 1.0 cm per hour – mothers receiving CST have not shown any
  evidence of prolonged labor.
• Infants born to those mothers who have received epidurals have shown non-negative effects of the epidural.
• While birthing a baby quickly may imply “more efficiency” and while our average Second Stage (time pushing) is shorter when CST is applied, speed is not necessarily a sought after goal. Optimizing whatever time it takes IS the goal.
• None of the babies born have required resuscitative efforts.
• Common phrases used by mothers after first few weeks include: “good babies, alert, not fussy, at peace with him/her, calm.”
• Mothers report recovering more quickly and that the adjustment to motherhood is not difficult, or not as difficult, compared with the birth of their other children.
• Breastfeeding seems tο be more easily accomplished and parents seem to be enjoying their children more.
• Applying CST during a new mother’s first labor and delivery appears to assist the mother through subsequent labors and deliveries.
• Involving fathers-to-be and siblings-to-be during CSΤ sessions can strengthen the bond within the entire family.

Employing the techniques we have developed appear to be producing consistent, predictable results.

Important Quotes:

“CranioSacral Therapy during my pregnancy offered me relief from my body pains, it helped get psychologically and emotionally prepared for the birth of my child and it allowed to better connect with my baby. I am very grateful to have discovered this therapy during my pregnancy, as it helped me a great deal.” M.D., Hanford, CA

“The inner wisdom of the fetus and the newborn child has the same intelligence of that an adult may posses. It knows exactly what it’s body needs to correct any dysfunctions it may have. It knows because these dysfunctions are present. It has a softer voice than the inner wisdom of an adult. Because of that, the CranioSacral Therapist has to learn to listen more carefully. When the connection happens, all the information you need will become apparent.”  John E. Upledger, DO, OMM