Breast Feeding

Osteopaths are not trained lactation consultants but can be useful when there is a feeding issue. Often the baby is unable to latch if they have a tongue or jaw dysfunction. This can make it uncomfortable for the baby to suck or they may tire quickly. Treatment to restore normal jaw and face function can assist feeding.

In some cases the latching problem is due to a fast let down and flow causing the baby to clamp down on the nipple to try to slow the flow or gulp. These babies are often colicky. This problem is usually easily alleviated by leaning back to feed the baby, making sure that one breast is fully drained before offering the other or in extreme cases feeding for two consecutive feeds on the same breast for a period of 24 hours.