For the Health of It: Birthing issues and early intervention

Tyler Ryan and Hima Dalal discuss how OT/PT can help with birthing issues

COLUMBIA SC (WOLO) –

What Are Birthing Injuries?
Birthing injuries refer to physical trauma sustained by a newborn during labor and delivery. These injuries can
include:
● Nerve damage (e.g., brachial plexus injuries like Erb’s palsy)
● Fractures (commonly clavicle)
● Muscle tone abnormalities
● Torticollis
● Cranial molding or cephalohematomas
● Feeding and sensory challenges
Some symptoms appear immediately, while others—like delayed development or asymmetrical
movement—may emerge over time.

The Importance of Early Intervention
Early intervention takes advantage of the brain's neuroplasticity during infancy. Timely therapeutic support can:
● Prevent or reduce developmental delays
● Promote healthy motor and sensory processing
● Improve feeding, bonding, and emotional regulation
● Reduce the impact of trauma and support optimal function

Integrative Occupational Therapy at Hima Dalal Integrative Health
At Hima Dalal Integrative Health, early intervention occupational therapy combines conventional pediatric OT
with evidence-based integrative therapies to address the whole child — body, mind, and environment.
Approaches may include:
● Neurodevelopmental therapy (NDT)
● Craniosacral therapy
● Feeding therapy and oral-motor interventions
● Sensory integration therapy
● Infant massage and therapeutic touch
● Parent-infant bonding strategies
● Holistic education and parent coaching

Therapeutic Goals
1. Neuromotor Rehabilitation
○ Restore symmetry, coordination, and range of motion
○ Prevent compensatory patterns and postural issues
2. Sensory and Emotional Regulation
○ Support calming, self-soothing, and body awareness
○ Address tactile, vestibular, and auditory sensitivities
3. Feeding and Oral Development
○ Improve latch, suck-swallow-breathe coordination
○ Reduce oral aversion and stress responses
4. Developmental Milestone Support
○ Promote tummy time, grasping, head control, rolling, and more
○ Play-based engagement for cognitive and motor growth
5. Family Empowerment
○ Education for caregivers on safe handling and supportive routines
○ Strengthening parent-infant attachment through guided interaction

When to Seek OT Support
● Favoring one side of the body
● Feeding difficulties or poor weight gain
● Flat spots on the head or limited head movement
● Excessive fussiness or difficulty calming
● Missed or delayed motor milestones
● Birth trauma (vacuum, forceps, C-section, shoulder dystocia, etc.)

About Hima Dalal Integrative Health
Hima Dalal is a nationally recognized occupational therapist and founder of Hima Dalal Integrative Health
with decades of experience in pediatric and integrative care. Her approach combines holistic healing,
evidence-based therapies, and compassionate family-centered care.
� Website: www.himadalalintegrativehealth.com
Conclusion
Integrative occupational therapy, especially when initiated early, can significantly enhance recovery and
developmental outcomes for infants with birthing injuries. At Hima Dalal Integrative Health, care is not only
therapeutic — it's transformative, supporting children and families in their journey to thrive.