Case Study- Breastfeeding difficulties and nipple damage

As a Paediatric Osteopath, it is a common presentation for a mum to bring a baby in as young as 2 weeks old complaining of sore nipples and that she is having difficulty with the baby latching properly.

Todays case study is in fact a 6 week old bub with feeding issues.

This baby was born without any complications, vaginal delivery, no assistance, with 8 hours of active labour. This was Mum’s first pregnancy without any complications.

From birth mum was told the baby had a small jaw. Mum came to see me having been recommended by a lactation consultant.

The assessment that I conducted included a full musculoskeletal examination, reflexes and oral examination. For this bub, the standout features were:

• When he sucked on my finger he at first would push it out and then draw it back in. His suck came from the front of his tongue whilst the back of the tongue didn’t move.

• A Tongue tie was discovered, but the tongue was flexible and moving about.

• Right jaw was restricted along with the right side of his neck.

In this situation, as a Paediatric Osteopath our aim is to find freedom in all joints and muscles. We aim to free restrictions in the neck and jaw so this baby can open their mouth wide, extend their neck to latch on. Without this freedom in the neck and jaw, this is when nipple trauma can occur.

Dr Carly Broadbent is a Paediatric Osteopath with over 20 years of experience. Every case study is different as every baby is different. If you and your baby are having breastfeeding issues please make an appointment for a consultation. Carly works closely with Lactation Consultants, Maternal Child Health nurses, GP’s, dentists and paediatricians and is happy to refer when necessary.