Breastfeeding Difficulties
Breastfeeding difficulties in infants, Brisbane - What is it, ways of treatment and how Tan Chiro Can help
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Experiencing breastfeeding dificulties?
There is no arguing that the benefits of breastfeeding are numerous and well-researched.
Organisations including World Health Organisation (WHO), the American Academy of Paediatrics (AAP), the National Health & Medical Research Council (NHMRC) have recommended exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months, followed by introduction of solids and breastfeeding up to 1-2 years old.
Benefits of breastfeeding
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Infant Benefits of Breastfeeding
Language development
General brain development
Encourages growth of healthy gut microbiome
Better immune system
Less chest infections
Less chance of developing diabetes
Better mental health protection (including hyperactivity & anxiety)
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Mother Benefits of Breastfeeding
Decreases risk of osteoporosis, breast & ovarian cancer
Reduces rates of maternal depression
Reduces risks of diabetes, high blood pressure & rheumatoid arthritis
What makes Breastfeeding difficult?
Australia has got awesome breastfeeding initiation rates. 90% of Aussie mums start the breastfeeding journey, however by 6 months only 15% is left persisting.
The most common reason for stopping breastfeeding prematurely is latching difficulties. This may include difficulties with attachment, weak or inadequate suck, or difficulties with swallowing.
Other reasons can include:
Difficult/traumatic birth
Neck tightness
GORD/Reflex
Structural conditions (like plagiocephaly or micrognathia)
Tongue ties (ankyloglossia)
Infections
Congenital muscular torticollis
How does Tan Chiro assess breastfeeding problems?
The main role of a chiropractor is to check for neck, sacrum or shoulder tightness that may have arisen that may be contributing to breastfeeding difficulties.
Whilst we often get referrals from lactation consultants, midwives or other health professionals to help tackle breastfeeding issues we understand our limitations of the scope of practice involved with breastfeeding issues.
Breastfeeding difficulties: the role of a chiropractor
Chiropractors with additional post-graduate training in paediatrics may play a role in helping alleviate breastfeeding issues.
Infants with breastfeeding issues also need to have their development tracked systematically to make sure that they continue to thrive.
Early intervention to improve breastfeeding & proper identification of more serious cases so that we may refer to other specialists are important to minimise.
Managing Restricted / Tight Neck
Chiropractors are highly trained in assessing for restriction in spinal joints (it’s the main thing we do all day, every day!).
Infants & young children are also not little adults when it comes to anatomy, so treatment pressure & techniques will be modified according to age, size & a child’s health requirements.
Treatment will only be given if appropriate.
Muscular stretching
Sometimes breastfeeding issues may be due to torticollis from a contracture of the SCM (sternocleidomastoid).
The muscle can be tight from a tumour or a muscular nodule.
Chiropractors palpate the presence or absence of a mass.
Referral for ultrasound may be needed.
Management of muscular torticollis include stretching & exercises that can be performed at home.
Co-management with Other Health Practitioners
As is with most paediatric conditions, a team effort is normally required to ensure that infants with breastfeeding issues get the best outcome possible. We also want to help mummies cruise along their breastfeeding as much as possible!
Collaborative care involving a breastfeeding or lactation consultant has been reported to be very helpful.
Other practitioners we often work with when it comes to breastfeeding issues are (1):
Paediatrician
Dentist
Registered nurse/Maternal & Child Nurse
Midwife
Other manual therapists (physiotherapy, osteopath, occupational therapists)
Naturopath
ENT surgeon
Paediatric surgeon
Speech pathologist
Oromyofunctional therapist
Breastfeeding difficulties: is spinal manipulation safe?
A 2015 systematic review states that “serious adverse events in infants & children receiving chiropractic, osteopathic, physiotherapy or manual therapy” (1).
Whilst there are no deaths recorded in research associated with chiropractic care, it is important to perform a thorough examination to exclude any anatomical or neurologic before performing any manual therapy.
Chiropractors are university-trained health professionals and undergo 5 years of education before sitting a rigorous clinical exit exam to qualify as a practising practitioner.
Chiropractic examination techniques used in infants & young children are age-appropriate and different to techniques used in adults.
Various factors taken into consideration before treatment include age, size & a child’s health status.
Before any treatment is done on your child, Dr Jace will go through a thorough assessment.
Fludder, CJ., Bourgeois-Bell, J., Thomas, J., McNamara, C. & Kyte, J. “Chiropractic Evidence-Based Management of Breastfeeding Difficulty”. Endorsed by the Australian College of Chiropractic Paediatrics.
About Tan Chiro
As a chiropractor in Chermside, Dr Jace Tan and her team provide high quality holistic chiropractic care and support to the Chermside community through better health and movement.
We pride ourselves in delivering integrity in everything we do, and because of this we continue to place significant value in providing the best chiropractic care we can - we want you to continue living the best version of yourself.
Truly passionate about her profession, Dr Tan continues to consult clients of all ages and levels of health experiencing:
Breastfeeding difficulties
Plagiocephaly (flat head syndrome)
Pregnancy discomfort
Migraines
Neck pain and stiffness
Back pain and stiffness
Knee pain and stiffness
Shoulder pain and stiffness
Jaw pain and stiffness
Sports injuries
And more.
Best yet, we’re convenient to get to. As a North Brisbane chiropractor, there’s plenty of parking available and we are close to public transport. Tan Chiro is only a short drive away from Westfield Chermside Shopping Centre.
Bulk billing and ADF $400 benefit now available
Are part of the Australian Defence Force (ADF) Family Health Program? If so, you should be entitled to $400 which could be spent on allied health and medical specialists. Under the program members are entitled $400 per financial year for each registered dependant of this benefit. Click here for more information.
Bulk billing is also available to eligible patients.