Newborn Breastfeeding Difficulty & Tongue-Tie Treatment in Houston, TX

Osteopathic Treatments for Newborns in Houston

One focus in my osteopathic treatments is correcting anatomical dysfunction to allow for better function, particularly when it comes to difficulty breastfeeding newborns. For example, one of the bones at the base of the skull is called the occiput. In newborns, the occiput is made up of 4 different parts, and one of the cranial nerves, the hypoglossal nerve, travels between these parts.

The hypoglossal nerve plays a crucial role in the sucking reflex, which is essential for breastfeeding. Now, imagine a traumatic birth experience where the bones of the occiput press against this nerve. This pressure could interfere with the proper functioning of the sucking reflex, making it harder for the newborn to latch or suck effectively.

My job is to help restore the bones to their proper positions, relieving pressure on this nerve, which can make it easier for your baby to latch and suck on the nipple.

Breastfeeding is a critical stage in a newborn child’s development. It plays a major role in long-term health protection, disease prevention, overall development, and the psychological attachment between the child and mother.

Breastfeeding is also considered the most economical and effective method of helping your child transition from the secure environment of the womb to the more challenging external world.

However, difficult deliveries and prolonged labor can put the baby under a lot of stress. Babies may be twisted, compressed, or stuck in one position for extended periods. C-sections or time spent in the NICU can also separate the mother and child during this crucial time. Extreme tension and stress during birth can present as difficulty in breastfeeding, particularly breastfeeding difficulties in the first week.

For example, the baby’s latch may be painful, shallow, “bitey,” or “choppy.” There could be problems with transferring enough milk from the breast to the baby, potentially leading to concerns about weight loss or inadequate weight gain. Fortunately, osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT) has proven helpful in addressing these issues.

A significant number of breastfeeding difficulties arise from birth trauma. The bones in a newborn’s skull are designed to be flexible to aid in the passage through the birth canal. However, in some cases, the bones can become misaligned, which affects the nerves crucial for breastfeeding.

Studies have shown:

• osteopathic manipulative techniques can be effective in treating these issues.
• In fact, OMT has helped improve nipple-feeding skills in premature infants with nipple-feeding dysfunction

Sometimes, there is a physical restriction of the lip and/or tongue that prevents the baby from forming the proper suction and tongue movements required for breastfeeding. You may notice this as clicking sounds while feeding.

Not maintaining proper suction can lead to swallowing more air than necessary, which can cause discomfort, gassiness, fussiness, and the baby repeatedly popping off the breast.  

To achieve your breastfeeding goals, having a team of specialists is essential. This may include an osteopathic doctor to address restrictions like tongue tie or lip tie, and to help with the healing process if a tongue tie revision is needed. A lactation consultant, pediatrician, pediatric ENT, dentist, and sometimes a speech/language pathologist, all work together to ensure the best results.

The movements of the tongue and mouth are vital not only for effective breastfeeding but also for proper speech development. If your baby does require a revision, it is important to have osteopathic treatment both before and after the revision to achieve the best results and support recovery.

At Osteopathic Healing Hands, we offer tongue-tie treatment and breastfeeding therapy without surgery. Our holistic approach helps address the root causes of breastfeeding difficulties. You can visit or call us for a consultation. Book an appointment today to get the support you need for better breastfeeding and a smoother feeding experience for your baby.