The Best Time to Start Bodywork for Your Newborn?
RIGHT NOW! If you’re pregnant, you should be getting bodywork to help your body and baby feel great… But let’s talk about baby once they are on the outside.
From the moment your baby enters the world, they’ve already been through a lot. Birth—whether fast or slow, vaginal or C-section—is a big physical event, and newborns often carry tension and misalignments from the process of growing inside your womb. That’s why bodywork isn’t something to wait on—it’s something to start right away!
In our practice, it’s common for us to see babies on day 1 or day 2 of life!
Why Newborns Benefit from Early Bodywork
Newborns are incredibly adaptable, but they’re also vulnerable to muscle tightness, fascial restrictions, and imbalances from their time in utero and the birthing process. Early bodywork can help with:
Breastfeeding & Latch Issues – Babies with tight jaw muscles, neck tension, or fascial restrictions may struggle to latch effectively. Gentle bodywork like infant massage, craniosacral therapy (CST), and myofascial release can improve their ability to nurse efficiently and comfortably.
Head Shape & Torticollis – If a baby favors turning their head one way or has a flattened spot, research shows that the earlier we can help restore balance, the more able we are to prevent more significant issues down the road.
Digestion & Colic – Gentle manual therapy techniques can relieve tension in the abdomen, diaphragm, and vagus nerve, promoting better digestion and reducing discomfort.
Sleep & Nervous System Regulation – Many newborns have trouble settling due to nervous system imbalances. Bodywork helps soothe their system, improving sleep and overall comfort.
When Should You Start?
The best time to start bodywork is within the first few days to weeks after birth. Many issues, like tension patterns from in-utero positioning or birth trauma, are easiest to address when caught early. But even if your baby is a few months old, it’s never too late to start!
If you want to get a head start, you can learn infant massage before your baby is even born! In the Be Well Birth & Body Online Learning Community, we teach expectant parents simple, effective techniques they can use as soon as their baby arrives. Learning beforehand helps you feel confident and prepared to support your baby’s comfort and development right from the start.
What Types of Bodywork Are Best for Newborns?
Not all bodywork is the same! The most effective approaches for newborns from a physical therapy perspective include:
Craniosacral Therapy (CST) – A gentle, hands-on technique that releases tension in the cranial bones, spine, and fascia to support the nervous system and mobility.
Myofascial Release (MFR) – Helps to release restrictions in the connective tissue that may be affecting movement, digestion, or comfort.
Infant Massage – Parents can learn gentle techniques to support relaxation, digestion, and circulation, fostering a deeper bond with their baby.
Signs Your Baby Might Need Bodywork
While all newborns can benefit from a session or two, some babies show clear signs of tension that may need more focused attention. These include:
✔️ Difficulty latching or preference for one breast
✔️ Reflux, gassiness, or excessive spit-up
✔️ Stiffness in their body or arching backward
✔️ Only turning their head one direction
✔️ Restlessness, fussiness, or difficulty sleeping
✔️ A flat spot developing on their head
Final Thoughts
Starting bodywork early can make a huge difference in your baby’s comfort, feeding, and development. The sooner we address tension and imbalances, the easier it is to support your baby in moving, eating, and growing with ease. If you’re unsure whether bodywork is right for your baby, reach out to a provider who specializes in CST, myofascial release, or infant massage—they can assess and guide you on the best approach.
Your baby deserves to feel good in their body from day one!
Love,
Emily
