Breast feeding provides bubs with all the nutritional components necessary for their healthy development and has long term health benefits including a reduced incidence of obesity, juvenile diabetes and heart disease.
Not only does breast feeding benefit bubs it also has health benefits for mums including the ongoing release of oxytocin which helps the body return to its pre pregnancy state.
The majority of mums and bubs are able to breast feed but there are components on both sides that are required for successful breast feeding.
The baby’s ability to receive milk depends upon the mechanics of the baby’s skull, jaw and neck, the nerve supply to the area, and central nervous system considerations. These factors apply with bottle and other means of feeding also.
For mums to be able produce milk, release it from the breast and pass it onto bub, requires sufficient mechanics of the pectoral girdle, thoracic spine and outlet, sufficient hormonal control, nerve and blood supply, and lymphatic drainage.
Some signs to look for if you’re having difficulty with breast feeding or attachment are:
- Bub has more difficulty feeding off one breast in comparison to the other
- A lack of co-ordination of sucking, swallowing and breathing (lack of rhythmic suck, suck, swallow)
- Lack of motion of the whole skull while feeding (only the jaw is moving or the jaw may be restricted as well)
- Mum experiences pain with bub’s attachment
- Mum has back or neck pain and tends to only be comfortable with bub on one breast or only in certain positions
- Feeding difficulty is associated with a traumatic birth (long labour, use of assistance etc.)
Osteopaths can help both mums and bubs with breast feeding by identifying and treating any mechanical issues that may be impeding breast feeding and assess whether it necessary to refer to other practitioners, which may include a lactation consultant.