23/01/2026
10 things I’ve learnt since 2016
1 Trust the Parents & babies/children
Parents know their children better than anyone. My role isn’t to be the expert on their child—it’s to listen, observe, and work alongside their instincts. The best outcomes happen when we trust parents and children, using their insights alongside clinical assessment (parenthood comes with a big enough to-do list!).
2 Sometimes the lightest touch is the most powerful.
I’ve learned to do less, observe more, and trust the body’s capacity to develop naturally when given the right support.
3 Parents are doing their best
Every family comes with their own story, stressors, and resources. Sleep deprivation, conflicting advice, financial pressure, isolation—parenting is hard. I’ve try to meet families exactly where they are, without judgment, and celebrate every small win alongside them.
4 Sometimes the Best Treatment Is Reassurance
Not every presentation needs hands-on intervention. Sometimes parents need information, validation, and space to see their baby is developing beautifully (you get so little feedback at the start!). Knowing when not to treat is as important as knowing when to act.
5 The most challenging cases always taught me something
The cases is that challenged my clinical reasoning —those were my greatest teachers. Discomfort is where growth lives.
6 Other allied health professionals are truly allies
They’re collaborators. OT’s, Physiotherapists, midwives, lactation consultants, speech therapists, GPs—we’re all pieces of the same puzzle. The children who thrive most have professional who communicate well.
7 Stay Curious, Keep Learning
The field evolves. Research emerges. Techniques are refined. The practitioners who served me best were the ones still asking questions after decades. I aim to be one of them.
8 Mentorship Goes Both
Ways I’ve learned as much from mentoring newly qualified osteopaths as I did from my own mentors. Teaching forces you to question your assumptions, refine your reasoning, and stay humble. It’s a gift to both people.
Continued in the comments …
