Breastfeeding and Latching Issue

Breastfeeding

The benefits of breastfeeding, for both mum and baby, are well known.

Breastmilk contains the perfect nutrients for a baby’s growth and development and can help protect against infections and disease. Breastmilk can even reduce a child’s lifetime risk for conditions such as diabetes and obesity. The benefits for Mum range from weight loss to a reduction in depression and certain types of cancer. Breastfeeding can be a rewarding and enjoyable experience yet as anyone who has breastfed knows - it isn't always easy!

Latching Issue

Some babies are unable to settle on the breast, become fussy and appear to tire quickly which can result in Mum experiencing pain. This can be a sign of a latch issue. If there are mechanical stresses through the head, face, and throat, feeding may be tiring for the baby. If your baby has had an assisted delivery, such as a forceps or ventouse, it may have resulted in tightness in the bones within the skull and jaw.
The intense pressures of labour and baby’s position in the womb can result in difficulty finding a comfortable breastfeeding position as baby's can often develop a preference for feeding on one side. Using alternative feeding positions can assist in the short term, but with the help of your osteopath, tensions can be released that can assist in more balance and comfort with feeding positions for a longer term solution.

How Can Osteopathy Help?

Osteopaths can help babies to improve latch by assessing and using gentle techniques to treat the skull bones, jaw, palate, and nerves supplying the tongue.

If you have any breastfeeding concerns speak to our Osteopath to learn how we can help!

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