Until recent times it was believed that babies compressed the nipple to extract milk from the breast. Research has since demonstrated that an important element of breast feeding effectiveness is about the ability of the baby to use muscles of the face, mouth and tongue to establish a vacuum, which draws the milk out. Babies that are compromised by illness/prematurity may struggle to find the strength to form a vacuum and can slip off the breast. They may present as fussy feeders or sleepy feeders. Likewise the presence of a tongue-tie may affect this process as the tongue is not able to elevate towards the roof of the mouth. The presence of an upper lip tie can also affect these mechanics by restricting the muscle which encircles the mouth and interrupting attempts to generate a seal at the breast. In my practice I also see babies that are struggling to attach for no obvious reason.This may or may not be accompanied by pain and nipple trauma, and/or recurrent bouts of mastitis. These babies respond very well to chiropractic treatment aimed at strengthening signals to the relevant muscles required for sucking and swallowing. I see many mums who are on the brink of giving up as their time is spent expressing and bottling. How many times have I heard the words I wish I had come sooner.......
Posted on: Mon, 22 Dec 2014 13:15:57 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015