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.