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How Osteopathy Addresses Feeding Issues in Babies

At City Osteopathy, parents often come to us with concerns about their baby’s feeding. It’s not uncommon for them to ask, “Why does my baby struggle to latch?” or “Why is feeding such a battle?” These are questions we hear regularly, and it’s completely natural to be concerned when feeding doesn’t go smoothly.

Feeding issues can be frustrating for both baby and parent, and we understand the stress this can cause. The good news is that, in many cases, osteopathy can help. Here’s how we approach feeding challenges and why parents have turned to us for support.

Common Feeding Issues We See

In our experience, feeding difficulties often arise due to structural or musculoskeletal issues. Babies might be struggling with:

• Latching difficulties: A common concern we hear is that a baby isn’t latching properly. This can be caused by restricted movement in the neck or jaw, preventing the baby from feeding effectively.
• Favouring one side: Some babies will only feed comfortably from one breast, or they might always tilt their head to one side during feeding. This postural preference can make feeding awkward and uncomfortable.
• Fussiness during feeds: Parents often tell us that their baby becomes fussy and unsettled during or after feeding, pulling away or crying. This can be due to discomfort caused by digestive issues or tightness in the body.

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Our Approach to Resolving Feeding Issues

We’ve seen that many feeding challenges are linked to musculoskeletal imbalances in babies. Whether it’s a tight neck or jaw, postural asymmetry, or tension in the diaphragm, these underlying factors can make feeding difficult.

Here’s how we help:

1. Releasing Neck and Jaw Tension
   Parents often ask why their baby struggles to latch. What we’ve found is that tension in the neck or jaw is often the culprit. Babies with this type of tightness can’t move freely enough to latch properly, making feeds stressful for both baby and parent. Using gentle osteopathic techniques, we release this tension, improving mobility and allowing your baby to latch and feed more comfortably.
2. Encouraging Symmetrical Movement
   Many babies have a preference for turning their head to one side, making it hard for them to feed evenly from both breasts. We’ve had countless conversations with parents who’ve noticed this and felt unsure of how to help. Osteopathy works by gently encouraging symmetry, helping your baby move more freely and reducing any discomfort they may feel during feeding.
3. Easing Digestive Discomfort
   We frequently hear from parents that their baby seems fussy after feeding. In many cases, this can be due to digestive discomfort, such as reflux or colic. Osteopathy can help reduce tension in the diaphragm and abdomen, promoting better digestion and making feeding a more pleasant experience for your baby.
4. Supporting Healthy Breathing
   Good feeding relies on proper coordination between sucking, swallowing, and breathing. If your baby is struggling with any of these, it can make feeding difficult. We use osteopathic techniques to support the diaphragm and ribcage, helping your baby breathe more easily and feed more efficiently.

Why Specialised Care Matters

At City Osteopathy, we know that babies aren’t just mini adults—they have their own unique physiology and developmental needs. This is why our paediatric osteopaths have advanced qualifications, ensuring that we’re equipped to provide the specialised care that babies and young children require. Not all feeding issues are the same, and a baby’s musculoskeletal system can have a big impact on their ability to feed.

Parents often express relief after learning that osteopathic treatment can help address these issues. We work closely with you to assess your baby’s posture, movement, and any areas of tension or discomfort. Our goal is to provide gentle, non-invasive care that tackles the root cause of feeding difficulties, not just the symptoms.

The Importance of Early Intervention

Some parents come to us after weeks of struggling with feeding, while others visit early on, just to make sure everything is on track. What we always emphasise is that early intervention can make a big difference. If feeding issues are left unresolved, they can sometimes lead to longer-term difficulties, both in feeding and development.

By addressing these issues in the early months, we can help prevent more serious problems down the line. Even if your baby’s feeding concerns seem minor, an early assessment can help us catch any underlying musculoskeletal issues before they become bigger challenges.

Our Holistic Approach

At City Osteopathy, we believe that every baby deserves the best start in life, and feeding is a huge part of that. Our approach is holistic and personalised, ensuring that we address the unique needs of each baby we treat. We also provide parents with the knowledge and tools they need to support their baby’s feeding at home, empowering you to feel confident and in control.