Infant Craniosacral Therapy (iCST)
Gentle, hands-on support to help babies eat, sleep, and settle offered at Jansen Family Chiropractic in Kendallville.
What is iCST?
Infant Craniosacral Therapy is an ultra-gentle, light-touch approach that helps ease tension in the head, neck, and body. By supporting the cranial bones, fascia, and nervous system, iCST can improve latch, reduce fussiness, and support calmer sleep–wake rhythms.
- Feeding & latch challenges (breast or bottle)
- Gassiness, reflux-like irritability, or colic-type fussiness
- Head-turn preference, flat spots, or tension through the neck/jaw
- Frequent startles, difficulty settling, or light sleep
- Post-birth body stress (fast birth, long labor, vacuum/forceps, C-section)
Who we help
Newborns through 12 months (and toddlers when appropriate). We collaborate with lactation, pediatric dentistry, PT/OT, and your pediatrician as needed.
How it feels
Calming and non-invasive. Think “butter-light” holds and micro-motions to release tension patterns so baby’s body can do the healing it’s designed to do.
What to expect
- Visit 1 (45 min): history, gentle exam, first iCST session, and home tips.
- Follow-ups (30 min): progress check + iCST.
- Most parents notice changes within 3–6 visits; every baby is unique.
Our Approach at Jansen Family Chiropractic
We’re a family-first, collaboration-friendly clinic. iCST integrates beautifully with chiropractic, massage, and (when appropriate) gentle acupuncture tools for nervous-system regulation. Care is always individualized, paced by your baby, and aligned with your goals.
Before Your Visit
- Feed as usual; bring anything that helps baby settle (pacifier, blanket).
- Dress baby in soft, loose layers.
- Share any birth details and feeding history you think matter.
After Your Visit
- Expect calmer feeds/sleeps as the body adapts.
- We’ll give simple at-home holds or positioning tips to reinforce gains.
- We coordinate with your care team if additional support is helpful.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is iCST safe for newborns?
Yes. Techniques are feather-light (about the weight of a nickel) and always baby-led. Your baby stays clothed, in your arms or on the table next to you. We watch cues continuously and pause for feeding, snuggles, or diaper changes as needed. If anything feels “too much,” we stop and reset.
How many sessions will my baby need?
Most families notice changes within 3–6 visits, sometimes sooner. Frequency depends on your baby’s history (birth, feeding, sleep, tension patterns) and how they respond between sessions. We reassess each visit and taper care as improvements hold. You’ll get simple at-home tips to reinforce gains.
Can iCST help with tongue-tie or after a release?
Often, yes. iCST can ease tension in the jaw, neck, floor of mouth, and cranial tissues that influence latch and function.
Post-release: supports mobility, reduces compensations, and pairs well with oral motor work and lactation follow-up.
We collaborate with your IBCLC, pediatric dentist/ENT, PT/OT, and pediatrician when appropriate.
Pre-release: helps prepare oral tissues and nervous system for an easier procedure and recovery.
Do you take insurance?
Many wellness services like iCST are self-pay. We’ll provide a clear receipt (superbill) you may submit to HSA/FSA or your plan for possible reimbursement. If you have coverage questions, call our front desk—we’ll explain current options plainly and help you avoid surprises.