What Is Craniosacral Fascial Therapy? Benefits for Newborns After Birth

By Jennifer Chivas, RN BSN IBCLC — Lactation Loop

If you've ever watched your newborn struggle to turn their head one way, fuss at the breast on one side, or seem generally uncomfortable in their own body — you may have been told to "just wait and see."

As IBCLCs, we see these babies every day. And one of the most powerful tools we can offer their families — often in combination with lactation support — is Craniosacral Fascial Therapy.

Here's what it is, who it helps, and why we believe in it.

What Is Craniosacral Fascial Therapy (CFT)?

Craniosacral Fascial Therapy — or CFT — is a gentle, hands-on therapy that works with the craniosacral system and the body's fascial network to release tension, improve movement, and support optimal function. It was developed by Dr. Barry Gillespie and is specifically designed for use with newborns and infants.

Fascia is the connective tissue that surrounds and connects every structure in the body — muscles, organs, nerves, and bones. When the fascial system is tight or restricted — which can happen as a result of birth position, a long or difficult labor, forceps or vacuum delivery, or even just the compression of moving through the birth canal — it can affect how a baby moves, feeds, and feels.

CFT uses extremely light touch — often no more than the weight of a nickel — to gently encourage the body to release these fascial restrictions. Sessions with newborns are calm, gentle, and typically very well-tolerated.

Why Newborns May Benefit from CFT

Birth — even a healthy, uncomplicated birth — is physically demanding for a baby. The forces involved in moving through the birth canal, combined with any interventions used during delivery, can leave newborns with tension patterns that affect their comfort and function in the early weeks of life.

Babies who may especially benefit from CFT include those who experienced:

• Long or stalled labor

• Rapid, precipitous birth

• Forceps or vacuum-assisted delivery

• Cesarean birth (especially emergency C-section)

• Posterior or compound presentation

• Cord around the neck

CFT and Breastfeeding: The Connection

As lactation consultants, we see the connection between a baby's body tension and their ability to breastfeed every single day. A baby who can't comfortably turn their head to one side, who has tension in their jaw or neck, or who is uncomfortable in certain nursing positions — is a baby who may struggle with latch, milk transfer, and comfortable feeding.

CFT addresses the physical barriers that can make breastfeeding hard. It's not a replacement for lactation support — it's a complement to it. When we work alongside a CFT practitioner, we often see babies who previously struggled with latch begin to feed more comfortably and effectively after even one or two sessions.

Signs that a baby's body tension may be affecting breastfeeding include:

• Preference to nurse on one side only

• Difficulty turning the head fully in one or both directions

• Arching, stiffness, or discomfort during feeds

• Clicking or popping sounds while nursing

• Difficulty achieving or maintaining a deep latch

• Fussiness or crying during or after feeds

CFT and Torticollis

Torticollis — a tightening of the muscles on one side of the neck that causes a baby to tilt or turn their head preferentially to one side — is one of the most common reasons families are referred to CFT.

Signs of torticollis in a newborn include:

• Head consistently tilted to one side

• Difficulty or resistance turning the head in one direction

• Strong preference to nurse on one side

• Flat spot developing on one side of the head (plagiocephaly)

• Facial asymmetry

CFT can be a valuable part of a comprehensive approach to torticollis alongside physical therapy and, when breastfeeding is affected, lactation support. The gentle release of fascial tension in the neck, shoulders, and base of the skull can help restore more balanced, comfortable movement.

CFT Before and After Tongue Tie and Lip Tie Releases

One of the most important — and often overlooked — aspects of tongue tie (and upper lip tie) treatment is what happens to the body before and after the release procedure.

A tongue tie or lip tie doesn't just affect the tongue or lip in isolation. Tethered oral tissues (TOTS) create compensation patterns throughout the body — in the jaw, neck, shoulders, and beyond. A baby who has been unable to use their tongue fully has often developed tension and compensatory movement patterns that affect far more than just their mouth.

Before the Release

CFT before a tongue or lip tie release helps prepare the body by:

• Releasing existing tension patterns in the jaw, neck, and cranium

• Improving the baby's overall comfort and body awareness

• Helping the baby be in the best possible physical state for the procedure

• Potentially improving outcomes by addressing underlying restrictions that may limit how well the tongue can function even after the tie is released

After the Release

CFT after a tongue or lip tie release is equally important. After the procedure, babies need to:

• Learn to use their tongue (or lip) in a new way — without the restriction they've had since before birth

• Release compensatory tension patterns that developed around the tethered tissue

• Integrate new movement patterns into feeding

CFT supports this integration process, helping the baby's body adapt to the new freedom of movement and improving the likelihood of a successful breastfeeding outcome after the release.

At Lactation Loop, we strongly recommend CFT as part of a comprehensive TOTS treatment plan — both before and after the release procedure — alongside continued lactation support and oral motor exercises.

What to Expect During a CFT Session

CFT sessions with newborns are gentle, calm, and typically very different from what most parents expect when they hear the word "therapy."

Your CFT practitioner will use extremely light touch — often described as no more than the weight of a nickel — to assess the baby's fascial system and gently encourage restrictions to release. Babies are often calm or even sleepy during sessions. Some release tension through yawning, stretching, or brief fussing — all normal signs that the body is responding.

Sessions typically last 30-45 minutes. The number of sessions needed varies depending on the baby's individual history and presentation. Many families notice improvements in comfort, movement, and feeding after just one or two sessions, while others benefit from a series of visits.

CFT at Lactation Loop

Lactation Loop is proud to offer Craniosacral Fascial Therapy alongside our lactation consultant services at select locations — allowing families to address both the physical and feeding components of their baby's care in one place.

Lauren Clippard offers CFT at our Lakewood Ranch/Sarasota and Venice, Florida locations.

Elaine Behnke offers CFT at our Ann Arbor, Michigan location.

CFT sessions can be scheduled alongside or separately from your lactation consultation. We recommend discussing CFT with your IBCLC at your first visit so we can help coordinate the right care plan for your baby.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is CFT safe for newborns?
Yes — CFT is specifically designed for use with newborns and infants. The touch used is extremely gentle and is well-tolerated by even the youngest babies. Always ensure your practitioner is trained and experienced in infant CFT.

How soon after birth can a baby receive CFT?
CFT can be beneficial from the very early days of life. Many families seek CFT in the first days or weeks after birth, particularly when there were complications during delivery or when breastfeeding challenges appear early.

Does CFT replace physical therapy for torticollis?
CFT and physical therapy serve different but complementary roles. Physical therapy focuses on strengthening and stretching; CFT addresses fascial restrictions and tension patterns. Many babies with torticollis benefit most from a combined approach. Your IBCLC and CFT practitioner can help coordinate with your baby's care team.

Does insurance cover CFT?
Coverage for CFT varies by plan. We recommend contacting your insurance provider to ask about coverage for craniosacral therapy or manual therapy for infants. Our team can help guide you through the process.

Book a CFT Session or Lactation Consultation

If you're wondering whether CFT might help your baby — or if you're navigating breastfeeding challenges alongside a difficult birth, torticollis, or a tongue or lip tie — we're here to help.

Lactation Loop's board-certified IBCLCs serve families across all 50 states — with in-home, in-office, and virtual lactation consultations available in Michigan, Florida, Texas, New York, North Carolina, and Indiana. CFT is available at our Lakewood Ranch/Sarasota, Venice FL, and Ann Arbor MI locations.

Book an appointment: lactationloop.com/services
Call us: 941-254-2502

Related Reading:

• TOTS: Tethered Oral Tissues — What Are They? — lactationloop.com/blog/tots-tethered-oral-tissues-what-are-they

• What Does a Lactation Consultant Do? — lactationloop.com/what-does-a-lactation-consultant-do

• Why Is My Baby Fussy at the Breast? — lactationloop.com/blog/fussy-baby-at-the-breast-why-babies-pull-away-cry-or-fuss-while-nursing

• Mastitis vs. Engorgement vs. Clogged Duct — lactationloop.com/blog/mastitis-vs-engorgement-vs-clogged-duct