Bodywork and Lactation Care
As a IBCLC, my approach to supporting breastfeeding is holistic. I work closely with both mother and baby as a unit. Sometimes, this includes collaborating with other healthcare professionals, such as osteopaths and chiropractors, to help babies feed more effectively and comfortably.
As a lactation consultant, I can often identify challenges in breastfeeding related to positioning or latch. These can usually be improved with targeted techniques. However, if a baby consistently, prefers one breast over the other, causes more nipple damage on one side or favours turning their head in one direction it often suggests an underlying issue such as torticollis, a form of neck strain. In these cases, bodywork care can be incredibly effective. With gentle therapy and guided parent-led exercises, osteopaths can help improve the baby’s neck mobility, allowing for better movement at the breast, less clamping down on the nipple, and a more relaxed feeding experience.
Tongue ties can significantly affect a baby’s ability to breastfeed well. I often work together with bodyworkers to assess these babies and implement a plan that includes stretches, oral exercises, and improved feeding techniques. With the family’s input and informed decision-making, we create a tailored plan—whether that involves releasing the tie or managing it conservatively with ongoing support.
Birth can also impact breastfeeding. I also often refer babies for a bodywork assessment if they've had forceps or vacuum-assisted delivery or a history of breech positioning. These situations can put strain on the baby’s body, particularly the neck and cranial sutures. Bodywork can help ensure that any restrictions or asymmetries are gently addressed, allowing babies to feed more comfortably and move more freely.
Babies who are not experiencing physical discomfort tend to feed more calmly and effectively. This often results in:
Better breast drainage
Reduced risk of mastitis and supply issues
Less nipple pain or damage
A more positive feeding experience for both mother and baby
Strong professional relationships are key. Trust and open communication allow us to provide seamless, integrated care. When a family gives us permission to collaborate, we can, share insights which allows us to strategise and tailor care plans to that dyad. Being able to pick up the phone and coordinate timely referrals and appointments helps to alleviate that stress on the family as well.
This cohesive approach leads to faster, more effective outcomes—and happier, more comfortable families.
Below left - A photo of me being told to breastfeed on the table to help my son latch. He had torticollis and preferred one side. I think my face says what I was thinking!
Below right - Osteopath Vanessa Fisher - The Willow Clinic - treating my son - He always loved his visits with her.
