Neonatal & Pediatric Craniosacral Therapy

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Gentle, Effective Relief for Babies Struggling with Nursing & Comfort

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When latching is difficult, crying is constant, or nothing seems to help—craniosacral therapy addresses the root cause so your baby (and you) can finally find peace.

When Your Baby Needs Help

As a parent, watching your baby struggle is heartbreaking. You’ve tried everything—different positions, lactation support, pediatric visits—but something still isn’t right.

I specialize in craniosacral therapy for infants and young children, using gentle hands-on techniques to release tension in the skull, spine, and nervous system that may be causing:

  • Difficulty latching or nursing
  • Tongue tie complications (before or after release)
  • Colic and inconsolable crying
  • Reflux and digestive discomfort
  • Torticollis (head tilting or preference)
  • Plagiocephaly (flat head syndrome)
  • Birth trauma recovery (long labor, forceps, vacuum delivery, C-section)
  • Excessive arching or stiffness
  • Sleep difficulties

These issues are not your fault, and they are more common than you might think. With the right approach, most babies show significant improvement within just a few sessions.

What Is Craniosacral Therapy?

Craniosacral therapy is a gentle, hands-on technique that works with your baby’s natural healing abilities.

During birth—even uncomplicated births—babies experience enormous pressure on their heads and bodies. This can cause compression in the cranial bones, tension in the spine and pelvis, and stress on the nervous system.

These physical tensions can make it uncomfortable or difficult for your baby to:

  • Turn their head fully in both directions
  • Latch comfortably at the breast
  • Relax their body and settle
  • Digest food without discomfort

Using very light touch (about the weight of a nickel), I help release these restrictions, allowing your baby’s body to realign and function the way it was designed to.

What It Looks Like:

Sessions are peaceful and gentle. Most babies relax deeply during treatment—some fall asleep, others simply become calmer and more comfortable. You’ll stay with your baby throughout the entire session, and I’ll explain everything I’m doing.

Why This Work Matters to Me

This is more than just another service I offer—it’s a practice that’s deeply close to my heart.

As a physical therapist with over 35 years of experience and specialized training in craniosacral therapy, I’ve witnessed the profound difference this gentle work makes for struggling babies and exhausted parents.

When a baby can’t nurse comfortably, it affects the entire family. Mothers feel frustrated and inadequate. Babies are in discomfort. Partners feel helpless. The bonding that should come naturally becomes a source of stress and tears. Babies that are struggling to grow can sometimes immediately begin to put on weight

I’ve seen babies who were labeled “failure to thrive” or “colicky” transform into peaceful, content infants after just one or two sessions. I’ve worked with mothers on the verge of giving up breastfeeding who finally experienced the nursing relationship they’d hoped for.

This work is quick, effective, and profoundly meaningful. It’s an honor to be part of your family’s healing journey.

What to Expect

First Session:

  • Duration: 45-60 minutes
  • What happens: We’ll discuss your baby’s birth history, current challenges, and what you’ve already tried. I’ll observe how your baby moves and holds their body, then use gentle craniosacral techniques to release tension.
  • Your role: You’ll hold or stay close to your baby throughout. Many parents find the session calming for themselves as well.

Results:

  • Immediate: Many babies show changes right away—better head rotation, calmer demeanor, improved latch at the very next feeding.
  • Progressive: Some improvements unfold over 24-48 hours as the body continues to integrate the work.
  • Timeline: Most babies need 1-4 sessions for significant, lasting improvement.

Between Sessions:

I’ll provide simple techniques you can use at home to support your baby’s progress.

If your baby is struggling and you’ve been searching for answers, let’s talk.

I offer a brief phone consultation to discuss your baby’s specific situation and determine if craniosacral therapy is right for your family.

Schedule Your Consultation

Common Questions

Yes. Craniosacral therapy is extremely gentle and safe for babies of all ages, including newborns. The pressure I use is about 5 grams—the weight of a nickel.

 As soon as you’re ready. I’ve worked with babies immediately after delivery.

Most babies relax deeply during sessions. When we find a significant restriction in the tissues, your baby may cry or be momentarily uncomfortable. This will never be due to the pressure I am using, but to the tissue restriction releasing. As soon as it releases, your baby will likely stop crying instantly. We will always work within your baby’s comfort zone and yours. 

Hopefully, you and your baby will experience a significant improvement in nursing efficiency and comfort. Your baby may be calmer, more relaxed, and overall happier. Immediately after the treatment, and for the next 24 to 48 hours, your baby may sleep deeply and for a longer period of time than normal. Or, he or she may be fussy or uncomfortable as the body integrates the changes in structure and nervous system function. If at any time you have concerns or questions, I am at your disposal. Feel free to call me at any time.

 Yes. Many babies have residual tension even after a tongue tie or lip tie is released. Craniosacral therapy helps the entire system relax so the release can be fully effective. If a surgical solution has been recommended by your physician and you are able to try craniosacral therapy first, you may find the surgery unnecessary or if it is, results can be enhanced with prework.

Most families see significant improvement within 1-4 sessions. Every baby is different, but I’ll give you an honest assessment after the first visit.

I do not accept insurance but many plans will reimburse for my services under “Out-of-Network Physical Therapy”. Please contact your insurance carrier to see if this is included in your plan. I can provide detailed receipts that you can submit to your insurance company for potential reimbursement upon request.  Most HSA/FSA accounts cover Physical Therapy.

Sessions are currently held at my home office in Pelham, NH. I provide a calm, private, comfortable space for you and your baby.

For Referring Professionals

I welcome referrals from:

  • Pediatricians
  • Chiropractors
  • Midwives
  • Osteopaths
  • Speech therapists

I provide detailed session notes and collaborate closely with your care team to ensure comprehensive support for families” to “If you have a client who would benefit from my care, please feel free to  reach out with any questions you may have. I encourage communication and  collaboration between all members of the team to ensure the best possible outcome for the child and family.

Melanie Holden, PT

  • Physical Therapist, 41 years experience
  • Craniosacral Therapy and Manual Therapy specialist
  • Specialized training in pediatric and neonatal craniosacral therapy
  • Reiki Master Teacher, Intuitive Energy Healer

 

Helping babies and their families thrive is one of the most rewarding aspects of my work. I’ve chosen to focus on this population because with minimal intervention, struggling babies can flourish. With over 35 years specializing in craniosacral therapy and other manual therapies, I bring expertise that quickly identifies and treats the underlying causes of distress, relieving babies and families of unnecessary pain and suffering.

I offer a unique combination of medical knowledge from my physical therapy background and the subtle, gentle skills of craniosacral and manual therapy. My extensive understanding of the human energy field allows me to address both the structural and energetic components of your baby’s discomfort.

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