CRANIOSACRAL FASCIAL THERAPY
Is your baby unsettled, struggling with feeding, or finding it hard to relax?
Babies can carry tension in their bodies from pregnancy, birth, or even how they’ve been held or fed. This tension may present as digestive discomfort, feeding challenges, restlessness, or disrupted sleep.
CFT is a gentle, baby-led therapy that helps release this stored tension, allowing babies to feel more relaxed, comfortable, and connected.
Rooted in osteopathic principles and fascial science, CFT supports the body’s natural ability to unwind and restore balance. It’s practised around the world and can be a valuable part of your baby’s overall care.
What can CFT help with?

CFT is effective for all ages and benefits a variety of conditions. This is not an exhaustive list...
CFT can support with;
- Tongue Tie
- Latching Difficulties
- Reflux
- Colic
- Constipation
- Ear-ache
- Wind
- Torticollis
- Sinus conditions
- Anxiety

What is CFT?
Craniosacral Fascial Therapy (CFT) is a gentle, hands-on therapy that helps release tension in the body caused by birth, tongue-tie, injury, or other physical or emotional stressors. It’s based on the work of Dr. Barry Gillespie, who discovered the craniosacral fascial system – a network that connects the brain, spinal cord, and every structural cell in the body through the fascia (the body’s connective tissue).
When this system is restricted, it can create pressure throughout the body, affecting nerves, muscles, organs, and even how a baby feeds, sleeps, or settles. CFT supports the body’s natural ability to release this tension – without force, medication, or invasive techniques.
CFT draws on the principles of cranial osteopathy (from Dr. William Sutherland), myofascial release (developed by John Barnes, PT), and Dr. Gillespie’s background in periodontology. It’s practised worldwide to support babies, children, and adults in restoring comfort, mobility, and calm.
How does it work for babies?
CFT for babies is completely baby-led. Through Infant-Driven Movement (IDM), the therapist gently follows your baby’s natural movements – like stretching, arching, twisting, or bending – as they work through areas of strain. There’s no manipulation or adjustment; just soft, responsive touch that allows your baby to unwind and release stored tension at their own pace.
Like a tightly coiled spring gently unravelling, this process can help babies feel calmer, more connected, and better able to feed, sleep, and thrive.
The goal of CFT is simple: to support the body’s innate ability to heal and create a calm, strain-free, and happy baby.

CFT is available to babies up to 6 months
FAQs
Does it hurt?
No. CFT uses an extremely gentle touch. Sometimes it may look like we’re simply resting our fingertips on your baby’s body; other times, you may see your baby stretch or move as their body releases tension. The process is always led by your baby and never involves force.
What is the difference between Osteopathy and Cransiosacral Therapy?
This is a common question. Here’s an excellent article written by John Upledger, a pioneer in craniosacral therapy, which explores the differences in more depth:
👉 CranioSacral Therapy vs. Cranial Osteopathy – Massage Today
What sort of results can I expect?
Typically we see babies who are suffering with reflux, colic, poor sleep and feeding. Parents report that babies are more relaxed afterwards with a significant improvement in symptoms.
Can CFT cure Reflux?
CFT isn’t a cure for medically diagnosed reflux or other medical conditions. However, it can significantly reduce the tension in the body that may be contributing to symptoms – and many parents do report improvements.
How many sessions does my baby need?
This varies for each baby. As a general guide, most families attend between 2–6 sessions, with the average being around 3. Releasing fascial tension is often a gradual process – like peeling back the layers of an onion – and may not be fully resolved in one session.
Can CFT help with feeding problems?
Absolutely! This was one of the main reasons I chose to train in CFT. As an IBCLC, I saw many babies struggling with feeding due to side preferences, body tension, back arching, or tongue-tie – and I knew there was more going on in the body than feeding support alone could address.
CFT and feeding support support complement each other beautifully. Combining both allows me to take a whole-body approach to feeding challenges, addressing both the function of the mouth and the body patterns that may be affecting latch, comfort, and milk transfer.
Can you tell me more?
The craniosacral fascial system begins at the core of the body – around the brain and spinal cord – and extends through the fascial web that surrounds every organ, muscle, and bone. If this system becomes restricted (often starting during pregnancy or birth), it can affect the flow of cerebrospinal fluid and place pressure on surrounding structures.
CFT uses gentle techniques to unwind this fascial tension, supporting optimal mobility, body function, and brain-body connection. When the system is open and relaxed, the body can nourish itself more effectively and eliminate toxins more efficiently.
We believe that every baby deserves the chance to experience a calm, connected start in life – and CFT can be a powerful part of that journey.
You can read more about the Gillespie Approach to CFT here.