Breastfeeding is often described as a natural and beautiful experience, but for many new parents, it can be unexpectedly challenging. If you’re struggling with pain, frustration, or uncertainty during feeds, you’re not alone. Difficulty with latching is one of the most common reasons parents seek support, and often, the root cause may be physical tension in your baby that osteopathy can gently address.

While every baby is unique, certain issues frequently arise:

• Shallow or Painful Latch: Baby struggles to take enough breast tissue into their mouth, causing pinching, cracking, or bleeding.
• Clicking Sounds During Feeding: Often indicates a break in suction, potentially due to tongue or jaw tension.
• Fussiness or Pulling Away: Baby may seem frustrated, cry at the breast, or frequently unlatch.
• Poor Weight Gain: Inefficient milk transfer can affect growth.
• Long or Frequent Feeds: Baby feeds for extended periods yet seems unsatisfied afterward.

Many latching difficulties stem from physical restrictions that limit your baby’s ability to open their mouth widely, coordinate sucking and swallowing, or maintain a secure seal. These may include:

• Tongue-Tie (Ankyloglossia) or Lip-Tie: Restricted movement of the tongue or lip due to tight tissue.
• Tension in the Jaw (TMJ) or Neck: Often related to birth positioning or delivery, making it uncomfortable for baby to turn their head or open their mouth fully.
• Cranial Strain: Subtle misalignments or compression in the skull (from birth) can affect nerves that control sucking and swallowing.
• Tightness in the Shoulders or Upper Back: This may impact how baby positions themselves during feeding.

Osteopathic care takes a whole-body approach to identifying and releasing the physical tensions that may be interfering with breastfeeding. Using gentle, precise hands-on techniques, an osteopath can:

1. Release Jaw and Tongue Tension: Improve mobility of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and ease restrictions around the hyoid bone and muscles that control tongue movement.
2. Address Neck and Shoulder Tightness: Help baby achieve a more comfortable, aligned position during feeding.
3. Ease Cranial Restrictions: Encourage balanced movement of cranial bones and relieve pressure on nerves involved in sucking and swallowing.
4. Support Diaphragm and Digestion: Improve overall comfort, which can reduce fussiness and reflux during or after feeds.

Treatment is safe, gentle, and tailored to your baby’s specific needs. Many parents notice improvements in latch, feeding efficiency, and comfort—for both baby and themselves—after just a few sessions.

An osteopathic assessment for breastfeeding issues may include:

• Discussion of your birth experience, feeding history, and specific challenges.
• Observation of your baby’s movement, posture, and oral function.
• Gentle evaluation of your baby’s head, neck, jaw, and body for areas of tension.
• Soft, rhythmic techniques to release restrictions and support optimal function.
• Practical advice for positioning and soothing your baby at home.

While professional support is often essential, these strategies may help:

• Experiment with Positions: Try laid-back breastfeeding, cross-cradle hold, or side-lying to reduce pressure on tense areas.
• Practice Tummy Time: Strengthens neck and shoulder muscles, supporting better feeding posture.
• Gently Massage Your Baby’s Jaw: Using a clean finger, make small circular motions along their jawline to encourage relaxation.
• Seek Lactation Support: A certified lactation consultant (IBCLC) can provide tailored guidance and assess for ties.

1. Fraval, M. (2019).Osteopathic management of birth-related cranial and cervical strain in infants with feeding difficulties. International Journal of Osteopathic Medicine, 32, 27-33.
2. Miller, J. E., et al. (2009).Cranial strain patterns and breastfeeding difficulties. Journal of the American Osteopathic Association, 109(8), 432-434.
3. Vismara, L., et al. (2021).Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment of the Occiput Influences Suckling and Breastfeeding. Journal of the American Osteopathic Association, 121(5), 451-460.
4. Herzhaft-Le Roy, J., et al. (2017).Efficacy of an osteopathic treatment coupled with lactation consultations for infants’ biomechanical sucking difficulties. Journal of Human Lactation, 33(1), 165-172.