The role of body tension in feeding difficulties

As both providers and parents, we are innately more inclined to first look into the basics of infant feeding, such as milk supply, proper latching, tongue ties, etc. However, there is another critical aspect that may be 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 looking into a tongue tie release?

Sometimes, with infant feeding concerns, there is a tongue tongue involved. HOWEVER, a tongue tie release should NOT be performed without first evaluating and releasing body tension and it’s contributions to symptoms. Body tension itself can create symptoms similar to that of a tongue tie (ex. tightness in the mouth, jaw and neck can lead to feeding difficulties). IF a baby’s body tension has been addressed, functional concerns are still present, and a frenectomy is needed- the bodywork both pre and post-release greatly contributes to better results. When babies experience tension in their bodies, it can interfere with their ability to latch, suck, and swallow effectively and conservatively addressing other contributing factors prior to a release should 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 the feeding process, 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 the infant’s hips are tight, it can cause a rotation or pull up into the torso, pulling into shoulders, pulling into the neck and lastly… 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, including 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 the baby's latch. A tight jaw or tense facial muscles can make it challenging for the baby to open their mouth wide enough to latch onto the breast or bottle properly. This can result in a shallow latch and compensation which may lead to nipple pain and poor milk transfer. Tension through one side of the body (think of baby being scrunched up in - utero) can also create a “power breast” that has higher production that the other. This can be due to dysfunction with how baby is able to coordinate feeding on one side, causing ineffective transfer!

Common signs and symptoms of body tension in infants during feeding

Identifying body tension in infants during feeding can be challenging, as they may not be able to communicate their discomfort verbally. However, there are several signs and symptoms that parents can look out for that may indicate the presence of body tension. A few common signs include (but are certainly not limited to):

• Difficulty feeding (pulling away, arching, poor latch, pain/discomfort with feeding, etc.)

• Torso is curved into a C - shape

• One hip is hiked higher than the other

• Fists are consistently clenched

• Curling of toes when feeding

• Reflux

• Colic | Fussiness

• Constant squirming | restlessness

• Preference for one side

• Flat spots on the head

• 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 has connections to other providers 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 incredibly effective in alleviating body tension in infants. These therapies focus on releasing tension that may be greatly impacting the function of the face, neck and jaw which are SO incredibly important in 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 what additional training they have had in tethered oral tissues as well as fascial work when seeking out a professional to work with feeding concerns. These therapies can be a valuable tool in addressing body tension and improving feeding outcomes for infants, but they should always be used in conjunction with other strategies such as lactation (IBCLCs with additional oral motor training), Occupational Therapy, or Speech Language Pathologists). Your provider should have extensive knowledge, understanding and network of providers to direct you to based on your specific concern.

Tips for reducing body tension in infants

First and foremost- FIND A CARING AND KNOWLEDGABLE PROVIDER! Symptoms that accompany body tension can be overwhelming and incredibly difficult for parents to manage. A good provider should provide empowerment through knowledge, referrals, solutions and offering at-home care recommendations to help you feel as though YOU have the ability to help improve how our little one is feeling, feeding, moving and growing!

Gentle at-home parent-infant massage can also be beneficial in releasing tension as well as improving nervous system regulation and improving bonding. If you are a parent struggling with feeding challenges, please know that it is VERY common to feel as though you aren’t connecting with your baby in the way that you may have anticipated.

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 tension in babies on a daily basis. 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 are receiving the best opportunity to function optimally! PLEASE reach out with any additional questions!