(Please wait until your baby is at least 4 weeks after their due date on the day of their first appointment before attending.)

The early months of a baby’s life involve significant physical and neurological change as they adapt to life outside the womb. While many babies move, feed and settle without difficulty, others may appear uncomfortable or unsettled. Parents may notice changes in sleep, feeding, head position or general comfort and may look for gentle support during this time.

Babies are treated using a Cranial Osteopathic approach. This involves gentle hands-on techniques which are carefully adapted to each baby. There is no force or manipulation and treatment is always guided by your baby’s comfort and tolerance with parents fully involved throughout.

Fiona’s main clinical focus is working with babies from around four weeks after their due date at their first appointment through to approximately six months of age. She does not routinely see babies before four weeks from their due date, as this allows time for natural adaptation and any appropriate medical review where needed.

She also treats older babies and will always consider what is most appropriate for each baby. Where helpful, this may include discussing whether continuing care with her or referral to a colleague or another health professional would be the best option.

Reasons parents commonly book

Parents often book when they notice:

– Difficulty settling or sleeping
– Feeding or latching difficulties
– Digestive discomfort including wind or reflux-type symptoms
– Unsettled behaviour
– Head shape concerns such as plagiocephaly or head flatness
– Signs of tension including difficulty lying comfortably on their back

Each baby is considered individually and no assumptions are made about what may or may not be contributing.

Booking notes: Please book “Cranial Osteopathy Initial Consultation and Treatment” under Babies and not the Adult Osteopathy option.

Once booked, please complete the online intake form on your baby’s behalf ideally at least 24 hours before attending. This allows time to review the information in advance so that appointment time in clinic can focus primarily on discussion, assessment and treatment.

Please note:

– The clinic is on the 2nd floor and there is no lift
– Please leave buggies or prams tucked to the left after entering the building
– Only TWO adults may attend with the baby. Additional adults or other children cannot be accommodated in the clinic room
– Please bring a made-up bottle and or be prepared to feed your baby if needed, even for comfort

Based in the West End of Glasgow, Fiona McIntosh of Essential Osteopathy provides professional, safe and effective Osteopathic care for adults. Treatment is tailored to the individual and aims to support pain relief, improve movement and restore day-to-day function.

Osteopathic treatment is commonly sought for:
• Back and neck pain
• Headaches and migraines
• Shoulder, arm and hand pain
• Hip, knee, foot and ankle pain
• Arthritis and age-related joint pain
• Pregnancy-related pain including pelvic girdle pain
• Sports and activity-related injuries
• Persistent or recurrent musculoskeletal pain

Osteopathy is a hands-on manual therapy. Treatment usually involves a combination of techniques such as soft or deep tissue work, stretching, joint articulation and mobilisation and muscle energy techniques. Where appropriate, Cranial Osteopathy and dry needling may also be used. Cranial techniques are often integrated into treatment as part of a broader approach. If you are an adult wishing to be treated primarily with Cranial Osteopathy, please book an Initial Consultation and Treatment.

Fiona graduated with distinction from the British School of Osteopathy and holds a BSc (Hons) from the University of St Andrews. Following further postgraduate training in cranial osteopathy and modern acupuncture, she combines cranial, functional, visceral and structural approaches within her treatments. She has a particular interest in supporting pre and postnatal patients, sports injuries and those living with persistent or chronic pain.

For more information about Osteopathy and how Fiona works, please visit the Essential Osteopathy website:
https://www.essentialosteopathy.co.uk/