Osteopaths Cheshire – Breastfeeding Tips from Edge Osteopathy

We’re so pleased to bring you this Guest Blog from Kate from Edge Osteopathy, who gives some tips on breast feeding which she hopes will be of help to any news mums out there… 

As an osteopath I often see mums in clinic who are having a few issues with feeding. It’s a whole new skill for both mum and baby to learn together and it can be very confusing as there as so many things that can affect feeding. This blog looks at common issues and what you can do to help.

Feeding can often be affected by things such as; positioning and handholds, neck and jaw tightness, and tongue tie.

Neck tension can lead to a baby having a preference as to which way they like to look, and feed. It may be due to things such as a tricky birth, possibly with forceps or ventouse and the position that the baby was in-utero.

For example, if a baby is more comfortable looking to their right side they may feed well when they are turning that way, but when they are feeding on Mum’s right side they are being encouraged to look to their left, it may not be as easy.

The muscles in the neck are closely related to the muscles that control the jaw movements too. Sometimes neck tightness can contribute to jaw tightness, particularly if a baby has had a tongue tie or if they are struggling to opening their mouth wide to establish a deep latch.

Things to look out for are:

• Always looking one way – often noticeable when asleep – do they always let their head rock to the same side?
• If they have a particular preference for which side they feed from. Often if feeding is only an issue on one side this is a good indicator. Do they click when feeding just on one side?
• Any flattening on one side of their head. The bones in babies skulls are not fully fused when they are born, meaning their skulls are slightly softer. If they put more pressure on one side of their head this can lead to flattening on that side – often referred to as a plagiocephaly.

What can you do to help?

• Repositioning – encourage your baby to look to their less preferred side while playing, talking to them on that side and you can arrange their crib so that you are on their less preferred side.
• Different feeding positions – they may find one more comfortable, such as the rugby ball, koala or side lying position. There are lots of feeding support groups available for more advice.
• Tummy time – this is a great way for babies to build their neck strength and stretch the muscles at the front of their neck. Tummy time on your chest is a great one because they are supported but can still see and interact with you.

Osteopathy works to reduce muscular tensions and can work alongside lactation consultants to give postural advice related to breast feeding. Osteopathy is very gentle and includes massage that may help soothe your baby.

If you have any questions please do get in touch – my contact details are below.

Kate

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