Breast Feeding Issues

Why is my baby having trouble attaching?

This blog discuses how Cranial Osteopathy can help.

If your baby prefers too attached to one breast better than another or they have difficulty attaching to one side, then its likely they have restrictions is their head and neck affecting their ability to attach. 

A cranial osteopath will be able to assess if there are any restrictions in the head, neck, spine or jaw that is preventing them from being able to move their head and neck freely in all directions. If there are restrictions in one or more of these areas it will make attachment more difficult and they will generally show preference for one side over the another. You may also find that, not only do they have difficulty attaching, they also tire more easily and are more restless during feeding. The combination of these things often means that they don’t get a full feed and miss out on important nourishment. 

These restrictions are often caused by the natural forces on your baby during birth or developed during pregnancy. If they are stuck in one position for an extended period of time during your pregnancy or birth, strain patterns commonly occur. 

Strains carried in your babies body are often naturally released through crying, sucking, sneezing, coughing, yawning. But sometimes, this is not enough and they need a little extra help. This is where cranial osteopaths can help. 

Cranial Osteopathy is a very gentle form of treatment and is particularly suited to babies. Gentle pressure is applied to different parts of your babies body to release strain patterns held in their muscles, joints and nervous system. Treatment helps to restore balance to their whole system. Treatment is very gentle and very relaxing for your baby. 

The other aspect we need to consider is whether the mother has restrictions in her neck, spine and shoulder region, preventing her from feeding comfortably. Sometimes it’s a combination of both mum and baby, so we really need to assess mum too. If we address the root cause of the problem, then breast feeding generally precedes more smoothly. 

I hope this has been helpful and informative. If you would like help with breast feeding issues, we are here to help. I can be contacted on 0409177159