Feeding difficulties in babies
Your baby may have problems latching on, or staying at the breast for a long time without actually suckling. Or they may not be gaining weight even though they appear to be feeding normally. This is often due to mechanical problems caused by the stress and strain of delivery leading to poor coordination of swallowing.
Labour and delivery put a tremendous strain on the muscles and tissues of the base of the skull. Osteopaths feel that this can irritate the nerves as they pass through to supply the muscles of the tongue and throat. Birth-related trauma may also affect the muscles that stabilise the throat and the base of the tongue during swallowing. Feeding can therefore become tiring due to these mechanical stresses through the head, face and throat.
Gentle manipulation to release tension and strains to the cranial bones and muscles of swallowing can sometimes help to improve the coordination, allowing your baby to suckle more efficiently.
