Sara Bailes is an osteopath practising at Essence Osteopathy in Singapore. Originally from South Africa, she graduated from the University College of Osteopathy in London in 2002 and completed paediatrics training with the same institution.
She has experience in newborn osteopathy, having worked at the Osteopathic Centre for Children in London. Her practice focuses on infants, expectant and postnatal mothers, using a gentle, predominantly cranial approach alongside structural techniques.
Clinical focus
Paediatric & infant osteopathy.
Qualifications (as publicly listed)
B.SocSci (Econs), BSc (Hons) Ost, University College of Osteopathy, London.
Where they practise
- Clinic / practice: Essence Osteopathy — Orchard Road
Getting to the clinic
Sara Bailes practises at Essence Osteopathy on Orchard Road. The Orchard belt is one of the easiest parts of Singapore to reach by public transport. The nearest MRT stations are Orchard (NS22/TE14), linking the North-South Line and the Thomson-East Coast Line, and Somerset (NS23), both with sheltered access through the surrounding malls and walkways. Depending on the exact address along the Orchard stretch, Orchard Boulevard (TE13) on the Thomson-East Coast Line may also be convenient. The whole corridor is served by numerous bus routes running along Orchard Road and Orchard Boulevard, and taxi stands are available at the major shopping centres, which makes drop-off simple if you are arriving with a baby or young child.
If you are driving, the buildings along Orchard Road sit within commercial and mixed-use developments that provide paid visitor parking, though these fill quickly at weekends and over lunchtime. It is worth allowing extra time to park and to walk to the clinic, especially during busy shopping periods. As family appointments often involve prams and bags, ask the clinic about the most convenient entrance, lift access and drop-off point when you book, and confirm the exact building and unit so you arrive at the right place with time to settle in.
What paediatric and infant osteopathy covers
Osteopathy is a form of manual medicine concerned with how the body’s joints, muscles and connective tissues move and function. Sara Bailes focuses on infants and on expectant and postnatal mothers, using a gentle, predominantly cranial approach alongside structural techniques. Cranial osteopathy uses very light contact and is often chosen for babies and for people who prefer subtle treatment. Her experience includes newborn work, having previously worked at an osteopathic centre for children in London.
Paediatric and infant osteopathy of this kind is generally aimed at supporting comfort and settling through gentle manual approaches, and it sits alongside, not in place of, the care of a paediatrician or family doctor. For mothers during and after pregnancy, manual approaches are commonly used to ease the musculoskeletal discomfort that accompanies the changes of pregnancy and the postnatal period. Where any symptom suggests a medical concern, especially in a baby, prompt medical assessment is the priority and a referral back to a doctor is appropriate.
What to expect at a consultation
A first visit usually begins with a detailed discussion. For an infant, this covers the pregnancy and birth, feeding, settling and general health; for an expectant or new mother, it covers your stage of pregnancy or recovery and any advice from your obstetric team. A gentle physical examination follows, with hands-on assessment appropriate to a baby or to an adult. Cranial techniques are calm and use very light contact. The osteopath then explains their impression and discusses a plan, and parents should feel free to ask what each technique involves beforehand.
Preparing for your appointment
To make the visit smoother, it helps to bring:
- Photo identification and any GP, polyclinic, paediatric or obstetric referral letter.
- Relevant records — for a baby, details of the pregnancy and birth and any health notes; for a mother, relevant obstetric records.
- A current list of any medications or supplements.
- A written list of concerns and questions.
- For infants, the usual feeding and changing items, plus a note of any feeding or settling difficulties so they can be discussed.
For mothers, comfortable clothing that allows movement is helpful.
After your consultation and follow-up
After the session you will usually receive advice and be told whether further visits are suggested. Gentle manual approaches often work gradually, so a short series of reviewed appointments is common. The osteopath should advise you to consult your paediatrician, GP or obstetric team where appropriate, and you can seek a second opinion if you are uncertain. Seek prompt medical attention for warning signs in a baby — such as poor feeding, persistent high temperature, breathing difficulty or unusual lethargy — which are matters for a doctor rather than manual therapy.
Booking, referrals and fees
You do not generally need a referral to see a private osteopath in Singapore and can usually book directly. A GP, polyclinic or paediatric referral may still help if you also need investigations or subsidised care in the public system. Osteopathy is a private, out-of-pocket service and is not covered by MediSave or MediShield Life, which apply to defined medical procedures; some private or employer insurance plans include allied-health benefits, so it is worth checking your policy. As fees vary by clinic and session, confirm current charges with Essence Osteopathy when you book.
Common questions
Is infant osteopathy gentle?
The approach here is gentle and predominantly cranial, using very light contact suited to babies, alongside structural techniques where appropriate.
Does this replace my paediatrician?
No. Osteopathy sits alongside medical care. Keep your paediatrician or family doctor informed and seek medical assessment for any health concern in your baby.
Is osteopathy regulated in Singapore?
It is not statutorily regulated here and there is no government register. Reputable practitioners hold recognised overseas qualifications, such as from the UK.
How many sessions will my child need?
This varies with the concern and how it responds, and is reviewed at each visit.
Related guides
See also: our editorial directory of osteopaths in Singapore and our shortlist of osteopathy clinics.
This is an independent, factual profile compiled from the public sources listed above — not a paid listing, advertisement or endorsement. Note: osteopathy is not a statutorily regulated profession in Singapore (there is no government register); reputable osteopaths hold recognised overseas qualifications (e.g. from the UK or Australia) and may be registered with bodies such as the UK General Osteopathic Council. Where “Dr” is shown it is a courtesy title, not a medical degree. Confirm qualifications directly with the clinic. This page is general information, not medical advice. See our editorial policy.
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