If Breastfeeding is painful, frustrating or exhausting, it is common but not normal. Often, the issue isn't due to milk supply, it's tension in your baby's body that makes latching hard.
Breastfeeding pain is often linked to restricted movement or tension in a baby's:
-Jaw
-Neck
-Shoulders
-Upper spine
These restrictions can develop from birth positioning, long or fast deliveries, C-section birth, vacuum or forceps use, or in-utero positioning. When a baby can't turn their head to one side or open their jaw fully, tension can be the cause. Due to tightness, a deep, comfortable latch becomes difficult because baby can't relax, extend the head and open the jaw.
You may find that baby chomps down on the nipple, sucks or pulls inward, or suckles without transferring. Nursing that takes 45 minutes to an hour or baby falls asleep constantly on the breast can both be signs that baby is utilizing other muscles instead of the tongue to transfer milk.
These are signs of body tension in baby:
-baby holds arms and knees to the chest consistently without relaxing
-baby favors turning their head to one side vs the other
-baby can latch on one breast but has difficulty with the other
-gas pains, constipation, and difficulty burping
Lactation specialists, pediatricians, pediatric dentists and Chiropractic care can offer invaluable tools to improve nursing. Chiropractic care help your baby and you with breastfeeding success. At Shaker Women's Wellness, Dr. Angela Sedgwick has 20 years of experience treating infants with latching issues, so you can be assured that you and baby are in the best of hands when it comes to pediatric chiropractic and body work for baby. Infant care is gentle, with no "popping", and most moms say that it is like a mini spa treatment. Don't suffer with pain and latching dysfunction. Call us today to schedule a consultation to see if chiropractic care can help!
Angela Sedgwick, DC
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