Trust your baby, trust yourself. ~ Teresa Pitman, La Leche League
Help with breastfeeding is one of the most frequent reasons I see newborns. I get referrals from midwives, doulas and lactation consultants, including the International Breastfeeding Centre.
When I assess an infant, I look for physical strains that might be inhibiting breastfeeding or creating discomfort. Neck and shoulder tension, jaw or palate imbalances, and retained moulding of the head are common findings. These strains can affect not only latch and swallowing but also digestion and the nervous system. Think ‘fight or flight’ versus the the desired ‘rest and digest’. I check mom’s alignment to make sure her systems are functioning well too. Treatment then addresses specific needs to facilitate breastfeeding.
In addition to hands-on help, I encourage my clients to trust their instincts and take the time to relax and get comfortable with their newborn. Teresa Pitman’s What Your Baby Knows About Breastfeeding is an excellent resource. She offers tips on positioning for both mom and baby and reading your child’s cues. She also outlines often overlooked reasons an infant might not be breastfeeding.
You can find more of Teresa’s wisdom online at the La Leche League’s Breastfeeding Today and Today’s Parent.
If you have any questions about how osteopathic treatment can help you and your baby with breastfeeding, please get in touch.
Let me know what you think!