How Chiropractic Helps Breastfeeding Moms & Babies
Chiropractic Helps With Breastfeeding

The benefits of chiropractic for breastfeeding moms and babies are numerous! However, many don't know how or why. *This is not about the benefits of breastfeeding - that is for another post. This is for understanding the biomechanics of mother, baby, and the latch that connects them.
Let's start with mom...
Breastfeeding can be a HUGE challenge for new mothers. It is a skill that must be taught and practiced in order for it to be a positive experience. Many times, the stress of breastfeeding is enough to lower milk supply, increase anxiety, and create a disconnect between mom and baby. Not only the mental/emotional aspect, there's also the physical demands on mom's body. The posture for breastfeeding is tough on the neck and upper back. The increased demand by baby to nurse during nights can lead to sleep deprivation and exhaustion.
Breastfeeding often leads to:
- Tight neck/shoulders
- Rounded posture
- Numbness/weakness in the hands
- Less mobility
- Forward head carriage
- Fatigue
The great news is, chiropractic can help manage all of this! The physical and the emotional aspects. The chiropractic adjustment not only reduces pain and stiffness, but puts the brain and nervous system in a state of ease.
Breastfeeding babies need chirpractic too! No matter how they are born, the process is a challenging one. The most important thing to know from a chiropractic persepective is this:
Nerves control everything, including the latch/suck/tongue/swallowing reflexes. The nerve in particular that drives the latch/jaw muscles/tongue strength, exits from the first bone in the neck. This means that if there is any issue in this area, then the effect is a neurologically poor latch.
Aside from the nerves, there are structural things to consider as well. Many times babies are born with tension and misalignments in their upper neck due to the process of birth. This can cause issues with turning the head towards the breast during feedings. Neck tension also causes them stress and will often lead to less time on the breast. After even a short amount of time, baby will not gain weight or properly develop strength in their mouth, tongue, swallowing muscles, TMJ, and lips.
Adjustments done by a pediatric chiropractor can be LIFE SAVING in these instances. Performing gentle, neurologically focused adjustments to these baby's nervous systems can be the solution to achieving your breast feeding goals.

