I gave birth to my children in 1991 and 1993 respectively. One of the most noticeable differences in birth practices between now and (way back!) then is the obvious increase in "scheduled" births.

Many of my new Mums come to me following these managed interventions.

You may have planned for a natural vaginal delivery but what happens if complications arise during birth?
These complications during labour may require your baby being delivered by:

• Caesarean-section (c-section).
• With the help of Forceps.
• With the help of vacuum pump or suction.

Interventions like these, when necessary, can save lives. In my experience Craniosacral Therapy helps to eliminate, or minimise, the complications that arise as a result of these types of deliveries.

In CranioSacral Therapy, we work on the membranes and cerebrospinal fluid that surround and protect the brain and spinal cord, extending from the bones of the skull (which make up the cranium) down to the tailbone area (or sacrum). It is considered that the role of this system in the development and performance of the brain and spinal cord is so vital that an imbalance or dysfunction in it can cause sensory, motor and/or neurological disabilities.

A CranioSacral Therapist uses a touch generally no heavier than the weight of a five cent coin. Skilled practitioners can monitor this rhythm at key body points to pinpoint the source of an obstruction or stress. Once a source has been determined, they can assist the natural movement of the fluid and related soft tissue to help the body self-correct.

I have noticed that most babies (and mums too!) often need assistance in dealing with the effects of a difficult labour. One of the reasons for this is that in the ideal birth scenario, nature has designed your baby's skull to be compressed as it travels through the birth canal during a vaginal birth.

Babies born by c-section miss out on this vital compression through the birth canal which helps balance the cranial bones. Babies born with the use of forceps or vacuum often experience undue stress on the head and face and strain patterns often develop in their bodies. The euphoria of the baby's safe arrival masks the stress that the baby has experienced. But soon problems arise.

You may notice your baby has problems with:

• Sleeping
• Feeding
• Straining while going to the toilet
• Excess crying
• Ear infection
• Flat spots or bulges on the head
• Uneven ear or eye positions
• Prefers feeding on one of their sides
• Prefers lying on one side rather than another

With Craniosacral Therapy I use specific, gentle touch techniques to assess, resolve and eliminate the restrictions that cause these problems. The light pressure creates deep change - releasing the restrictions in the baby's tissue that surrounds the brain and spinal cord. This encourages the infant's body toward a natural alignment.

During the treatment the baby often needs to cuddle, feed or cry as balance is restored and emotion is released in the body. Mums and Dads often feel a sense of relaxation as the baby's Craniosacral system returns to optimum function.

I have found that treatment with Craniosacral therapy often benefit all babies following birth, but it is highly recommended for babies who have had birth complications.

Co-sleeping isn't a new concept. Many other countries have parents bringing their children to sleep in their own bed. Babies sleep better and longer, and parents do as well. Some cultures are even a little amazed that the Western world puts their children in "cages" to sleep. Our society waffles between experts who claim co-sleeping is a bad habit that will be difficult to break and experts who believe co-sleeping to be the best arrangement for all.

The benefits of co-sleeping have been proven. For breastfeeding mothers, co-sleeping with a child allows for easier feeding. Both mother and child can attend to needs while resting without much disturbance. There is no full waking with a need to cry for the child to receive attention. For tired parents, co-sleeping creates harmonized sleep patterns in which baby and mother tend to slumber and wake at the same periods. The increased contact of a familial bed also promotes attachment parenting, reassurance and comfort. Co-sleeping may also help prevent SIDS.

A familial bed is just as safe as having babies sleep in a crib. Of course, it is important for parents to ensure maximum safety by choosing a firm mattress, removing loose, fluffy bedding and installing a baby gate or setting the bed next to a wall. These safety precautions are the same for children who sleep in a crib; there is a gate, mattresses are firm, and there is often little bedding involved. In either case of crib-sleeping or co-sleeping, pillows are removed.

Co-sleeping should only be practiced in a household where parents are non-smoking and do not abuse drugs or alcohol. It is a myth that children who co-sleep with parents are at a greater risk of suffocation.

It is also a myth that children who co-sleep won't leave the family bed to gain independence. Think about this: How many teens do you know that sleep with their parents? Children will want to leave the family bed. Most parents report that children are more than willing to have their own bed at around ages two to three, when they are ready, physically, emotionally and mentally.

The point is to establish a situation that ensures the best rest possible for all involved, whether it be co-sleeping or crib sleeping. If the situation isn't working for one or all, change it. Being close to the people we love most isn't a habit that needs to be broken, nor is getting a good night's sleep supposed to be a struggle. What's important is a trusting, harmonious relationship at all times, during waking hours or sleeping ones!