Multiple births always present a red flag for our work at birth because of abdominal space limitation.
A one-year-old boy presented with inability to crawl and do tummy time. He had a history of reflux, colic, gas, and constipation. As twin “B," he was stuck in the right side of the womb.
Both babies were born via cesarean section at 37 weeks and spent two weeks in the NICU. On examination, he had a zero-second brain cycle with pelvic, back, and neck strain.
What was unusual was the distinctive fascial twists in his leg segments. Since each leg held many strains, I can understand why he could not crawl, even at one year of age.
He was also an archer, readily going into back extension. Because of that deep fascial strain pattern, I can understand why he also had trouble with tummy time. Looking at an infant in the full-body fascial context can explain a lot of abnormal physiology.
This child had physical therapy every week for almost one year. If the therapist is not aware of the craniosacral fascial system, s(he) will miss the zero-second brain cycle, twisted fascial legs, and the importance of the arching strain.
During his first session, each leg went through many tortuous releases. Then I listened to the severe arching pattern, a distinctive back bend. As tight as he was, he finished the session with a 30-second brain cycle.
Since he was stuck on the right side of his mom’s abdominal cavity, the arching may have been cause by the body bending over her liver. Proper space for fetal development is a critical factor in our world of structural balance.
I continue to stress that every newborn needs to be checked by a neonatal provider with Gillespie Approach Training. The work at birth can prevent so much suffering.
