Bodywork for Breastfeeding Difficulties

Many babies with difficult births or with anatomical issues (tongue-tie, high palate, torticollis, high or low muscle tone) benefit from bodywork to help improve their functional ability to breastfeed. Babies who spend several hours a day in a swaddle or infant gear also benefit from bodywork. Bodywork is broad term that includes any intervention that helps the function of muscles, nerves and bones - all of which are involved in the highly coordinated movements needed to effectively latch at the breast and suck. Some types of bodywork are simple and can be done by parents, such as infant massage and ensuring baby does tummy time each day. A bodyworker who specializes in babies with feeding problems can also be an invaluable resource. This might include a chiropractor, massage therapist, occupational therapist or speech therapist. The important thing is not the credential, but the breastfeeding-specific experience. According to skilled provider, Dr. Stefanie Gross Rodstater, of Adjusting the World Chiropractic in Huntersville,

"The birth process can be a traumatic experience on the spine of an infant, and the nerves that control the muscles of the neck and mouth are controlled through the spine.  If a child is having trouble latching or seems to favor a side breastfeeding or sleeping, the cranial bones can be affected causing asymmetry and overall dysfunction.  As a chiropractor certified in pediatrics, I see the trauma to the spine resulting in nervous system disruption that can cause colic, acid reflux, constipation, difficulties latching, etc.  Correction of the misalignment of the spine and cranial bones is an easy, non-invasive solution for many infants in our office, especially in conjunction of a great lactation specialist.  I encourage every mom to have their child's spine checked after delivery."