Colicky babies could help global osteopathic trial

Eureka Osteo director and osteopath Megan May said anecdotally babies responded well to standard osteopathic treatment but this was a rare chance to actually study the effects.

Dr May said this was not about determining a cure for colick, which was a broad term for babies who tended to cry for more than three hours a day, at least three times a week. Rather, this study led by University of Osteopathy College of London and Southern Cross University was a chance to look at how beneficial osteopathy might be in this area.

Osteopathy practise was strictly regulated by Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency and Dr May said this made it harder to do research trials.

"I've been treating babies for a long time. I'm hoping this might shed some more light and be a conversation starter on what is normal newborn behaviour," Dr May said.

"Those first few months babies can cry for a long time and it's hard for parents to know are they thriving, are there breastfeeding issues or is it musculoskeletal. There is a big spectrum of reasons for what it could be and that's really hard for parents."

Dr May said most international evidence showed babies reached a peak unsettled time about eight weeks old an by three to four months this tapered off, but for some babies this unsettled period was extreme and this was particularly tough on new parents.

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The trial will take in babies across the united Kingdom, Australia and Switzerland will compare light touch, like usual parental comforting, to targeted osteopathic musculoskeletal touch. This does not involved manipulations.

Dr May said it was great to have the chance to contribute to an international study from Ballarat. She is looking for unsettled babies, aged under 10 weeks, who cry inconsolably for more than three hours a day. Babies will receive a series of treatments within a fortnight. Parents must also keep a crying diary.

Interested parents can email info@eurekaosteo.com.au for more details.