Latching Problems While Breastfeeding...A Simple Solution for a Stressful Situation

When a baby is delivered, cranial bones move and overlap to allow for flow through the birth canal. With the added use of delivery tools such as forceps, vacuum suction, and hands during c-sections, misalignment of the bones of the cranium and neck is a common result.  These misalignments (or subluxations) irritate the cranial and spinal nerves in the newborn. Specifically for breastfeeding infants, irritation to cranial nerves 9-12 can inhibit the suck-swallow-breathe sequence which is vital for success.  Gentle, specific chiropractic adjustments to the upper neck (cervical) and jaw joints allow for babies to latch and feed without these irritations.

A 2015 case report describes a one month old infant presenting with difficulties with latching and not breastfeeding successfully.  After only one adjustment, this infant immediately latched on and the suck-swallow-breathe reflex was restored to full function.  Imagine the relief that not only the patient but the patient's mother experienced! Breastfeeding is not only difficult, but extremely stressful.  When you throw in difficulties latching and staying latched, the rate at which mom's stop breastfeeding skyrocket.  The number one reason more moms don't breastfeed past 2 weeks is a lack of support during the high stress time of mom and baby learning how to successfully breastfeed.  Breastfeeding is completely natural, and it provides excellent nutrition for healthy immune systems, growth and development.

Chiropractic adjustments can help mom, too!  Adjustments to the upper cervical neck for mom allows for the nerve interference to be removed allowing for proper let down of milk during feeding sessions.  Also, chiropractic care reduces stress and pain in the shoulders, neck, and back that are often associated with breastfeeding positions.  Proper alignment and function is necessary for successful breastfeeding for both mom and baby!



Drobbin, Danielle, DC and Jessica Stallman, DC.  "Resolution of Breastfeeding and Latching Difficulty Following Subluxation Based Chiropractic Care: Case Report and Review of the Literature." J. Pediatric, Maternal & Family Health (2015): 102-08. Web.

Dr. Nicholas J. Knutson

Owner/Doctor

MOUNTAIN ISLAND CHIROPRACTIC

10917 Black Dog Ln., Suite 101 

Charlotte, NC 28214

Tel (704) 394-8556

Fax (704) 395-8556

mtnislandchiro.com

"If you laugh, you think, and you cry, that's a full day. That's a heck of a day. You do that seven days a week, you're going to have something special." JV