Breastfeeding and Cranial Osteopathy
Breastfeeding difficulties can occur for many different reasons. We have written this blog to explain how cranial osteopathy can help support your baby establish an effective latch to make breastfeeding a positive experience for both mum and the baby.
Feeding Difficulties in Infants: How Osteopathy Can Help
Feeding difficulties in infants can be a significant concern for parents and healthcare providers. These challenges not only impact a baby's nutrition and growth but also strain the emotional and physical well-being of the family. While conventional approaches such as lactation consultations and medical interventions are essential, osteopathy offers a complementary solution. Indeed, a recent randomised controlled trial suggests the addition of cranial osteopathy to regular lactation consultations is beneficial and safe for babies with feeding difficulties. This blog explores the nature of feeding difficulties, the potential underlying causes, and how osteopathy can support infants and families on their journey to recovery.
Understanding Feeding Difficulties in Babies
Feeding difficulties in newborns can manifest in various ways, including poor latch, inefficient sucking, prolonged feeding times, weight loss or over reliance on formula supplements. These issues often stem from structural, neurological, or functional imbalances that may arise during pregnancy, labour or delivery.
Common Causes of Feeding Challenges
Birth Trauma:
The birthing process exerts significant pressure on a newborn's body. A rapid or prolonged labour, nuchal cord presentation or the use of interventions like forceps can lead to compressive forces on the baby's head and neck, potentially impacting cranial and neural structures essential for feeding.Intrauterine Moulding:
During pregnancy, a baby may experience restricted movement due to limited uterine space or suboptimal positioning. This can result in muscular or skeletal imbalances that persist after birth.Tongue and Lip Ties:
A restrictive frenulum (tongue or lip tie) can significantly affect a baby’s ability to latch effectively. Surgical correction, such as a frenulotomy, is often combined with therapeutic support to optimise feeding mechanics.Cranial Nerve Impingement:
The hypoglossal, glossopharyngeal and vagus nerves play pivotal roles in feeding. Compression or strain on these nerves during birth may disrupt their function, leading to poor sucking, swallowing, or digestive difficulties.Other Factors:
Delayed first breath or postural imbalances can also interfere with an infant's ability to feed effectively.
How Osteopathy Can Help
Osteopathy offers a gentle, non-invasive approach to addressing feeding difficulties by identifying and treating underlying structural and functional imbalances. The focus is on restoring balance and supporting your baby’s natural ability to feed and thrive.
Key Areas Osteopathy Can Address
Cranial and Spinal Compression:
Osteopaths use gentle cranial techniques to release compressive forces on the occiput and cervical spine, which are common after challenging births. For example, decompressing the atlanto-occipital (O/A) joint can enhance neck mobility, improve latch and support better feeding dynamics.Cranial Nerve Function:
Techniques targeting the hypoglossal, glossopharyngeal and vagus nerves can help improve tongue function, swallowing coordination and overall feeding mechanics.Reduce Digestive Issues:
Addressing restrictions in the thoracic cavity and diaphragm can aid in improving a baby’s respiratory and digestive efficiency, which are essential for feeding.Postural Alignment:
Releasing tension in areas like the sternocleidomastoid muscles and trapezius can alleviate subtle asymmetries, such as torticollis, that affect head positioning and feeding.Overall Nervous System Regulation:
Osteopathy supports the parasympathetic nervous system, promoting relaxation and optimises digestive and immune functions.
A Case Study: Infant with Feeding Challenges
Presentation:
A three-week-old baby presented with significant feeding difficulties, including poor latch and a 12% weight drop since birth. The history revealed a rapid labor with a nuchal hand presentation and third-degree tear in the mother. A posterior tongue tie was identified, with a frenulotomy planned shortly after the initial osteopathy consultation.
Osteopathic Assessment and Diagnosis:
The baby showed signs of intrauterine moulding and birth strain, including cranial compression and reduced neck mobility. The hypoglossal nerve appeared affected, contributing to poor tongue function. Delayed first breath likely influenced cranial bone positioning, further impacting feeding mechanics.
Treatment Approach:
Session 1: Focused on decompressing the occipital base to release tension and improve neck rotation. Parents were advised to encourage neck rotation movements and stretches during sleep and play.
Session 2: Followed the frenulotomy, with improvement with the latch and feeding. The treatment addressed residual cranial base compression and whole body tensions to optimise nervous system function.
Session 3 and Beyond: As feeding improved, the treatment targeted global integration, ensuring midline stability and vitality. The techniques included cranial decompression and support for thoracic spine and pelvis alignment.
By the sixth session, a stable feeding pattern was established, the baby’s weight was tracking and the baby was developing nicely.
Why Osteopathy is a Valuable Complement
Osteopathy does not replace medical or lactation support but works alongside these interventions to holistically address the root causes of feeding difficulties. The gentle, hands-on techniques are safe for newborns and tailored to their unique needs.
Benefits for Families:
Improved feeding and weight gain for the baby.
Reduced stress for parents.
Enhanced overall development and vitality.
Conclusion
Breastfeeding difficulties in babies can be multifaceted, stemming from structural, neurological or functional issues. Osteopathy provides a holistic and effective approach to supporting infants through these challenges. By addressing the underlying causes, osteopaths help babies establish healthy feeding patterns, promote growth, development and family well-being.
If your baby is struggling with feeding, consider consulting with our cranial osteopath who specialises in paediatric care. Early intervention can make a significant difference, setting your baby up for a healthy and thriving future.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can cranial osteopathy help with breastfeeding?
Yes, we can help babies to feel more comfortable with less tensions which can help with breastfeeding.
What cranial nerves are involved in breastfeeding?
You could argue all cranial nerves are involved with breastfeeding. However the most involved are 5, 7, 9, 10, 11 and 12.
How many sessions of cranial osteopathy are needed for infants?
Typically 3 or 4 sessions, however it depends on the complexity of the situation.
What to expect after cranial osteopathy?
Typically babies are relaxed and sleepy, maybe hungry, sometimes a little bit more grizzly for a day and then typically are more comfortable.
Can cranial osteopathy help baby digestion?
Yes reducing tensions in the abdomen and other areas can help with digestive issues.
Can an osteopath help baby reflux?
We regularly treat babies with reflux who tend to respond favourably but it depends on the complexity of the case.
Is osteopathy safe for newborns?
We like to treat babies as soon as possible to help with various issues. Typically babies are relaxed and sleepy following a treatment. Sometimes a little bit more grizzly for a day and then typically, are more comfortable.
Can an osteopath help with baby colic?
We have treated babies with colic who have responded positively, it depends on the complexity of the case. All babies cry, the definition of colic is if they cry more than 3 hours a day, 3 days a week for at least 1 week but are otherwise healthy. If a cranial osteopath can help to reduce tensions and potentially feel more comfortable potentially this would reduce the amount of time they spend crying.
Can an osteopath help with breastfeeding?
Yes an Osteopath can help reduce jaw tensions, address latch issues and advise on tongue tie. This could help with the effectiveness with breastfeeding where weight gain and development can be of concern.
Why would a baby see a cranial osteopath?
Breastfeeding issues, torticollis, digestive problems, reflux, being an unsettled baby and much more.
Can a baby be unsettled after cranial osteopathy?
Yes, It’s possible for a baby to be unsettled after a treatment for a day but then starts to feel more comfortable.
How does osteopathy help baby reflux?
Reduce abdomen, pelvis and hip tensions. Increase neck rotation to help nerves that supply the digestive process. Generally help the baby to feel more comfortable with supports the nervous system and therefore digestion.
Can cranial osteopathy help my child sleep?
It’s possible but it depends on why your child is not sleeping.
What are the side effects of cranial osteopathy?
Typically feeling more relaxed but it is possible to feel uncomfortable for a day or so but then better.
What is cranial osteopathy emotional release?
It is gentle but emotionally sometimes it can be quite profound. Patients have reported to feeling like a tension has lifted after sessions.
Can cranial osteopathy help flat head?
It’s possible, for example if there is a head preference to one side, increasing neck rotation both ways can help with the rounding of the head with babies with deformational head deformity.
Can cranial osteopathy help baby wind?
If babies are windy because too much air is being taken in (aerophagia) whilst breastfeeding it’s possible. Helping improve the effectiveness of the latch with cranial osteopathy can help a great deal.
Is craniosacral therapy the same as cranial osteopathy?
Similar but different with regards to practitioner training. Craniosacral Therapy, which developed in the 1970s but is often compared to cranial osteopathy, developed in the 1930s. Both approaches from a patient’s perspective involve the practitioner mainly holding the cranium and sacrum within a treatment session. However, Cranial Osteopaths requires a higher level of training with all UK Osteopaths required to complete a 4 year full time masters degree course. After that, they complete additional Cranial osteopathy postgraduate courses. Craniosacral therapy requires 1 year of diploma training as a starting point then there are additional training courses.
References
Greenwood, K. Engel, R & Grace, S. (2023) Osteopathic intervention for infants with breastfeeding difficulty: A retrospective case series International Journal of Osteopathic Medicine. Available at science direct
Herzaft-Le Roy, J. Xhignesse, M. Gaboury, I. (2017) Efficacy of an Osteopathic Treatment Coupled With Lactation Consultations for Infants' Biomechanical Sucking Difficulties; J Hum Lact Feb;33(1):165-172. Available at pubmed
Lund G.C., Edwards G., Medlin B., Keller D., Beck B., Carreiro J.E. (2011) Osteopathic manipulative treatment for the treatment of hospitalized premature infants with nipple feeding dysfunction. J. Am. Osteopath. Assoc;111:44–48 Available at pubmed
Parodi, A. et al (2024) The Efficacy of Early Osteopathic Therapy in Restoring Proper Sucking in Breastfed Infants: Preliminary Findings from a Pilot Study; May 8;12(10):961. Available at pubmed
Is our Paediatric Osteopathy specialist, passionate about helping mothers and babies overcome breastfeeding difficulties, support weight gain and development.