Therapy for Breastfeeding Problems, Houston, TX

One focus of my osteopathic treatments is correcting anatomical dysfunctions to allow for better function. For example, at the base of the skull, there is a bone called the occiput. In newborns, the occiput is made up of four separate parts, and one of the cranial nerves, the hypoglossal nerve, travels between these parts. The purpose of the hypoglossal nerve is to aid in the sucking reflex.

Now, imagine a traumatic birth experience where the bones of the occiput compress this nerve. In this case, the newborn’s sucking reflex would not be as strong or efficient as it should be. This can cause breastfeeding difficulties because the baby has trouble latching or sucking properly. My role as an osteopathic physician is to help restore the bones of the occiput to their proper alignment, relieving pressure on the hypoglossal nerve. This adjustment allows the baby to have an easier time latching and sucking on the nipple, which can make a big difference for mothers facing difficulty breastfeeding.

Through osteopathic manipulative treatment, we can improve these functions and help newborns breastfeed with more ease and comfort.

Why do I have breastfeeding issues?

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 of the child to the mother. However, many mothers experience breastfeeding problems, making this journey more challenging than expected.

Breastfeeding is considered the most economical and effective method of transitioning your child from the secure environment of the womb to the more challenging external world. However, difficult deliveries and long labor can put the baby under stress, as they may be twisted, compressed, or stuck in one position for an extended period. C-sections and time spent in the NICU can also separate the mother and child during a critical bonding time. This extreme tension can manifest as breastfeeding problems, including issues with latching or sucking.

The latch may be painful, shallow, or even “bitey” or “chompy.” There could be challenges with transferring enough milk from the breast to the baby, leading to concerns about weight loss or inadequate weight gain. Breastfeeding problems such as these can be distressing for both the mother and baby. Fortunately, osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT) has been shown to be beneficial in addressing these difficulties.

Many breastfeeding problems stem from the trauma of giving birth. The baby’s skull bones are designed to be flexible, allowing them to pass through the birth canal. However, sometimes these bones can become misaligned, which may affect the nerves responsible for breastfeeding. This is especially common in situations where the baby experiences birth trauma, leading to problems with breastfeeding, including difficulty with latching and sucking.

Studies have shown:

• Osteopathic manipulative techniques can be highly effective in treating breastfeeding problems.
• OMT has helped improve nipple-feeding skills in premature infants with nipple-feeding dysfunction.

By addressing these structural issues through OMT, we can significantly improve the breastfeeding experience for both mother and baby, helping to restore the natural flow of feeding and promote better outcomes for both. Whether dealing with a common breastfeeding problem or seeking support for more complex feeding difficulties, understanding the role of OMT can make a significant difference.

For additional resources or visuals on breastfeeding techniques, many parents find breastfeeding SVG illustrations helpful in understanding correct latching positions and other essential aspects of nursing.

Sometimes, there is a physical restriction of the lip and/or tongue, commonly known as tongue tie, that prevents the baby from forming the proper suction and tongue movements required during 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 even frequent popping off the breast. These signs are common in babies with tongue tie or lip tie, which can significantly affect breastfeeding.

Achieving your breastfeeding goals is much easier when you have a team to support you. This team may include an osteopathic doctor to address any restrictions like tongue tie and help with the healing process if a tongue tie revision is needed, a lactation consultant, a pediatrician specializing in breastfeeding medicine, a pediatric ENT or dentist, and sometimes a speech/language pathologist.

The movements of the tongue and mouth are essential not only for feeding but also for proper speech development. If your baby does require a tongue tie revision, it’s crucial to have osteopathic treatment both before and after the revision. This can help ensure the best results and aid in recovery, promoting more effective feeding and smoother overall development.