The Hidden Link: Understanding the Impact of Body Tension on Infant Feeding
The Role of Body Tension in Feeding Difficulties
As both providers and parents, we are innately more inclined to first examine the basics of infant feeding, such as milk supply, proper latching, tongue ties, and similar factors. However, another critical aspect is often overlooked: the impact of infant body tension on feeding. This frequently overlooked link between body tension and infant feeding can have a significant effect on the overall feeding experience for both baby and parent.
Why Should Bodywork Be Done Prior to Considering a Tongue Tie Release?
Sometimes, infant feeding concerns do involve a tongue tie. HOWEVER, a tongue tie release should NOT be performed without first evaluating and releasing body tension and its contributions to symptoms. Body tension itself can create symptoms similar to those of a tongue tie. For example, tightness in the mouth, jaw, and neck can all lead to feeding difficulties.
IF a baby’s body tension has been addressed and functional concerns are still present, and a frenectomy is deemed necessary, bodywork both before and after the release greatly contributes to improved outcomes. When babies experience tension in their bodies, it can interfere with their ability to latch, suck, and swallow effectively. Conservatively addressing other contributing factors prior to a release should absolutely be the standard of care!
The Physiology of Infant Feeding
Infant feeding is a complex process that involves the coordination of multiple muscles, nerves, and reflexes. During feeding, the muscles in the baby's face, jaw, and throat need to be relaxed and coordinated. Any tension in these muscles can disrupt the feeding process and make it difficult for the baby to latch, suck, and swallow effectively.
Amazingly enough, tension in other parts of the baby's body can also have an impact on feeding. For example, if an infant’s hips are tight, it can create rotation or puling into the torso, which can then pull into shoulders, up into the neck, and ultimately into the jaw and structures of the mouth!
Understanding Body Tension and Its Relationship to Infant Feeding Difficulties
Body tension refers to the lack of fluid movement through the tissues of the body. In infants, body tension can manifest in various ways and can be caused by a range of factors such as in-utero positioning, birth trauma, or physical discomfort. When it comes to feeding, body tension can significantly impact the baby's ability to feed comfortably and efficiently.
One common way body tension affects infant feeding is by interfering with their latch. A tight jaw or tense facial muscles can make it challenging for a baby to open their mouth wide enough to latch properly onto the breast or bottle. This can result in a shallow latch and compensatory patterns, which may lead to nipple pain and poor milk transfer.
Tension through one side of the body, such as from being scrunched up in utero, can also create impact effectiveness at one breast and create a “power boob” with higher production that the other. This can be due to dysfunction in how baby coordinates feeding on one side, leading ineffective transfer at one breast.
Common Signs and Symptoms of Body Tension in Infants During Feeding
Identifying body tension during feeding can be challenging, as they aren’t able to verbally communicate their discomfort. However, there are several signs parents can look out for that may indicate the presence of body tension. These include, but are certainly not limited to:
Difficulty feeding (pulling away, arching, poor latch, pain or discomfort with feeding)
One hip is hiked higher than the other
Fists are consistently clenched
Curling of toes during feeding
Constant squirming or restlessness
Asymmetries in facial features
If your little one hits more than a few of these symptoms, it may be time to reach out to a provider that works with infant tension and collaborates with other professionals based on you and your baby’s specific symptoms!
The Role of Bodywork in Alleviating Body Tension
Bodywork therapies, such as chiropractic adjustments AND myofascial work (Dr. Dani is specifically trained in CFT- Craniosacral Fascial Release), can be highly effective in alleviating body tension in infants. These therapies focus on releasing tension that may be significantly impacting the function of the face, neck, and jaw, all of which are essential for coordinating an effective feeding pattern.
It is important to note that bodywork therapies should be performed by qualified professionals who have experience working with infants. ASK your provider about additional training in tethered oral tissues and fascial work when seeking out care for feeding concerns.
Bodywork is a valuable tool in addressing body tension and improving feeding outcomes, but it should always be used in conjunction with other strategies such as lactation support (IBCLCs with additional oral motor training), Occupational Therapists, or Speech Language Pathologists. Your provider should have the knowledge and professional network necessary to guide you to based on your specific concerns.
Tips for Reducing Body Tension in Infants
First and foremost, find a caring an knowledgeable provider. Symptoms associated with body tension can be overwhelming and incredibly difficult for parents to manage. A good provider should empower you through education, referrals, practical solutions, and at-home care recommendations so you feel confident in supporting how your little one is feeding, feeling, moving, and growing!
Gentle at-home parent-infant massage can also help release tension, improve nervous system regulation, and strengthen bonding. If you are struggling with feeding challenges, please know that it is VERY common to feel disconnected from your baby in ways you did not anticipate!
Chiropractic, Newborn Body Tension, and Feeding
As a Denver-based pediatric chiropractor with loads of additional training in tongue ties and gentle myofascial release techniques, I work with baby tension daily. I regularly witness the impact that fascial tension can have on a newborn’s ability to feed effectively. Addressing the body as a whole plays such a huge part in ensuring infants have the best opportunity to function optimally!
PLEASE reach out with any additional questions!
Hi there!
My name is Dr. Dani and I’m an in-home chiropractor for busy women and infants within the Denver Metro area. I work with women of all ages and stages, but truly shine with the pregnancy, postpartum, and pediatric populations. I strive for quality care through extended appointment times, diverse treatment modalities, personalized home-care recommendations, and education so families can feel both empowered and cared for!
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