Breastfeeding is a pivotal experience. Chiropractic supports the health of both the nursing mother and baby for the best experience possible. Adjustments can be especially useful when there are latching issues, torticollis, or posture problems.
Common Breastfeeding Issues
Is your baby having trouble…
- Latching, trouble staying latched, painful latching, chewing instead of sucking
- Coordinating sucking, swallowing, breathing
- Only wanting to nurse in certain positions
- Wanting to suck all the time
- Seeming hungry or unsatisfied
- Falling asleep or seeming fatigued
Iconic pediatric chiropractor Dr. Jeanne Ohm said, “In the case of breastfeeding difficulty, as with many childhood disorders, the cause of the problem often traces back to undetected biomechanical injuries to the spine and cranium at birth. The failure to recognize these biomechanical injuries and their relationship to difficulty in breastfeeding leads to incorrect conclusions and, therefore, inadequate recommendations and treatments.” Pathways To Family Wellness, Ohm 2006 (1)
Breastfeeding Starts at Birth
During even the gentlest, most natural birth, there may be as much as 16-pounds of force (2) on the baby’s neck during delivery. Their tiny spine can become easily misaligned during this process, putting pressure on the nerves. We call this a subluxation.
If that can happen through natural birth, then imagine the trauma that any interventions may add. Forceps, vacuum extraction, and other methods increase the amount of force and stress on this brand new baby’s nervous system.
Babies that are pulled and extracted during a cesarean also don’t have the benefit of their head molding to fit through the birth canal. Instead of a fused adult skull, babies have separate, moveable plates. Doctors have discovered a link between trouble latching and these bones being stuck and immobile. (3)
If not identified and corrected, subluxations create a variety of issues with movement, function and development. Not just with breastfeeding issues, but with other functions that may not show symptoms for years.
Dr. Megan Afshar Martins nursing her newborn a few hours after birth.
Torticollis and Chiropratic
Any mother who has nursed can tell you the importance of both breasts being emptied equally. Does your baby turn her head fully on both sides to nurse? When a baby has a preferred side, or refuses to nurse on one side, we want to make sure there aren’t any restrictions in the neck.
Subluxation can result in various degrees of torticollis, where the baby’s head is held at a tilt, making it hard for them to turn their head to nurse or sleep.
Thankfully, chiropractic gets to the cause of torticollis and any other restrictions that keep a baby’s head from rotating.
These adjustments have been shown to be extremely effective while very gentle. A 2019 case report of a 13-day old baby who struggled to nurse, showed that his torticollis and other issues was resolved after a lip and tongue tie revision, and just 6 weeks of chiropractic care. (4)
(If you suspect your baby has also lip or tongue tie issues, we can refer you to some amazing pediatric dentists in the Greenville area.)
What an achivement! Dr. Megan breastfeeding in a ring sling.
How Chiropractic Adjustments Helps Nursing
Pediatric chiropractic is non-invasive and natural, using gentle movement and pressure. The adjustment moves the bone back into place so that the flow of information between brain and body can continue uninterrupted.
Your baby knows innately how to root, suckle, latch and nurse. A nervous system clear from interference helps them to function as intended. With proper nerve flow, the body begins to heal, whether symptoms are present or not.
Chiropractic adjustments are also wonderful for mom! Nursing often means we get into less-than-ideal postures. Unconsciously, your shoulders may be hunched as you curl forward. Or you may twist into awkward positions while lying down to nurse. This can create a lot of tension and pain in the neck, shoulders and back.
Subluxations from these postures will reduce how well you are functioning overall, as well as how you are producing milk.
Adjustments release tension and nerve pressure, bringing you back into a state of ease. Relaxing and enjoying your breastfeeding journey is important too, providing easier letdown and increased connection with your baby.
If you’re looking for a pediatric chiropractor, go here to the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association.
Upstate Specific Chiropractic serves the Greenville, SC area, specializing in pregnancy and pediatric care. To find out how chiropractic can help your family, CLICK HERE to schedule a FREE consultation.
References:
- Breastfeeding Difficulties and Chiropractic, Pathways to Family Wellness https://pathwaystofamilywellness.org/Breastfeeding/breastfeeding-difficulties-and-chiropractic.html
- HOPKINS-DESIGNED BIRTH SIMULATOR HELPS PHYSICIANS I.D. LEAST FORCEFUL WAY TO MANAGE PROBLEM DELIVERIES Johns Hopkins Medicine https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/Press_releases/2005/01_04_05.html
- Fetal head moulding: finite element analysis of a fetal skull subjected to uterine pressures during the first stage of labour R J Lapeer 1, R W Prager https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11506783/
- Resolution of Torticollis, Breastfeeding Difficulties & Cranial Distortion in a Twin Infant Undergoing Chiropractic Care for Vertebral Subluxation: A Case Report & Review of the Literature – Journal of Pediatric, Maternal & Family Health Chiropractic, Volume 2019
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