Breastfeeding challenges can be stressful and disheartening for families. While lactation consultants are often the first step in support, many families also find relief and improvement by working with bodyworkers or manual therapists—licensed professionals trained to address muscular and structural issues in infants and parents.

These practitioners can play a crucial role in identifying and treating underlying physical causes of breastfeeding difficulties, particularly when it comes to latching problems, painful nursing, or tongue ties.

• Shallow or painful latch
• Frequent popping off the breast
• Clicking sounds while nursing
• Gassy, fussy, or colicky baby
• Preference for nursing on one side only
• Nipple damage or maternal discomfort
• Suspected or diagnosed tongue or lip tie

Bodyworkers (like pediatric chiropractors, craniosacral therapists, osteopaths, and specialized physical or occupational therapists) assess and treat the muscular tension, alignment, and fascial restrictions in both babies and nursing parents. Here’s how they can help:

1. Improving Oral Function & Jaw Mobility

Tension or asymmetry in a baby’s neck, jaw, or cranial bones can restrict their ability to open their mouth wide enough for a good latch. Bodywork can gently release these restrictions, leading to better suck strength and coordination.

2. Supporting Babies with Tongue Tie

Even after a tongue or lip tie release (frenectomy), some babies still struggle due to tight oral or neck muscles that developed as compensations. Manual therapy can:

• Improve post-release healing
• Reduce tension in the floor of the mouth and neck
• Help integrate new feeding patterns

Bodywork may also be recommended before a tongue tie release to prepare the tissues and support better outcomes.

3. Addressing Birth-Related Tension

Long or difficult births (including C-sections or use of forceps/vacuum) can cause muscular strain or misalignment. Bodywork helps restore comfort and symmetry, making it easier for babies to nurse comfortably and effectively.

4. Parental Support

Some therapists also work with mothers to address postural strain, neck/back pain from feeding positions, or recovery from birth trauma—supporting the breastfeeding relationship holistically.

If your baby has seen a lactation consultant and is still struggling with feeding—or if a tongue or lip tie has been diagnosed—it may be time to explore manual therapy. Many families find that a collaborative approach involving both lactation consultants and skilled bodyworkers leads to significant improvement.