Breastfeeding Challenges

Breastfeeding is a natural process that can sometimes be challenging for new mothers. Many women experience pain, difficulty latching, and other issues that can make it challenging to breastfeed. While there are many resources and techniques available to help, one safe and effective therapy that has been gaining popularity is craniosacral therapy.

​

Craniosacral therapy is a gentle hands-on therapy that aims to improve the functioning of the craniosacral system, which includes the bones, tissues, and fluids that surround and protect the brain and spinal cord. While CST is mainly focused on enhancing flow of the craniosacral system, it can lead to a wide range of benefits, including relief from breastfeeding problems.

​

Here are some ways that craniosacral therapy can benefit breastfeeding problems:

​

1. Improves latch: One of the most common problems that new mothers face is difficulty with latching. This can be due to a variety of factors, including tongue-tie, a tight jaw or neck, or other issues. Tightness in the jaw and neck are common side-effects of delivery, where sometimes the baby is delivered with the external assistance of forceps or a vacuum, which can damage the tissue of the baby. Craniosacral therapy can safely help release tension in the tissues and bones of the head and neck, which can improve the baby's ability to latch properly and reduce pain for the mother. It is important to recognize that severe tongue-tie may require surgical intervention, but mild tongue tie can be significantly improved through CST techniques that mobilize the tongue.

2. Relieves pain: Breastfeeding can be painful, especially during the early weeks. Craniosacral therapy can help relieve pain and discomfort by releasing tension in the muscles and tissues around the breast and nipple area.

3. Enhances milk production: Craniosacral therapy can also help enhance milk production by improving the functioning of the hypothalamus and pituitary glands, which are responsible for regulating milk production. Hormone regulation is a quintessential aspect of milk production, and that can oftentimes be disrupted by common stressors with having a newborn, as well as the traumas both induced by childbirth among any others that are sustained in everyday life.

4. Reduces stress: Breastfeeding can be stressful, especially for new mothers who may be struggling with other issues, such as sleep deprivation and hormonal changes. Craniosacral therapy can help reduce stress and promote relaxation, which can lead to a more positive breastfeeding experience.

​

If you are a new mother struggling with breastfeeding problems, please consider craniosacral therapy as a possible treatment. By improving latch, relieving pain, enhancing milk production, and reducing stress, craniosacral therapy can help support a positive and successful breastfeeding experience.

​

​

 

References:

 

1. McKechnie, A. C., & Meyer, R. (2018). Craniosacral therapy for breastfeeding difficulties: a case series. Journal of integrative medicine, 16(2), 129-133.

2. Bryner, P., & Staedt, J. (2015). Manual therapy and breastfeeding: a narrative review. Journal of chiropractic medicine, 14(3), 178-186.

3. Wigglesworth, J. S. (2002). Craniosacral therapy and the treatment of breastfeeding difficulties. The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 8