Addressing Jaw Tightness (Latching Issues) in Babies

Breastfeeding is a beautiful bonding experience between a mother and her baby, but it can become challenging when your little one faces latching issues. Sometimes, these difficulties can be attributed to jaw tightness or misalignment.

We’re here to help you overcome latching challenges and foster a positive breastfeeding experience for you and your baby.

Why won't my baby latch?

What causes latching issues in babies?

Breastfeeding is a natural process, but sometimes babies face difficulties when it comes to latching onto the breast. Understanding the potential causes behind latching issues can help parents navigate this challenge more effectively. Here are some common reasons why babies may struggle to latch:

Inadequate latch technique

A proper latch involves the baby taking a sufficient amount of the breast’s areola into their mouth, not just the nipple. If the latch is shallow or incorrect, it can lead to difficulties in effective breastfeeding.

Tongue tie or lip tie

Tongue tie refers to a condition where the thin piece of tissue connecting the tongue to the floor of the mouth (lingual frenulum) is too tight or short. Similarly, lip tie occurs when the tissue connecting the upper lip to the gum is overly restrictive. These conditions can restrict the baby’s tongue and lip movement, making it challenging for them to latch properly.

Jaw tightness or misalignment

Jaw tightness or misalignment can result from tension in the jaw muscles or issues with the jaw joint. This can make it difficult for babies to open their mouths wide enough to latch effectively.

Premature birth or low muscle tone

Babies born prematurely or with low muscle tone may have weaker sucking reflexes, making latching more challenging for them. These infants may require additional support and techniques to establish a successful latch.

Nipple confusion

Introducing artificial nipples, such as pacifiers or bottle nipples, too early can cause confusion for babies, as they may struggle to differentiate between the different sucking techniques required for breastfeeding and bottle feeding.

Engorgement or flat/inverted nipples

Breast engorgement, where the breasts are excessively full and firm, or having flat or inverted nipples can make latching difficult for babies. Engorgement can make it hard for the baby to latch onto the breast, while flat or inverted nipples may require specific techniques to facilitate a successful latch.

Maternal stress or anxiety

Babies are sensitive to their mother’s emotions, and if the mother is experiencing high levels of stress or anxiety, it can affect the baby’s ability to latch. Creating a calm and relaxing environment during breastfeeding can help alleviate these challenges.

It’s important to note that latching issues are common and can usually be resolved with appropriate support and techniques. Consulting with a paediatric physiotherapist or an osteopath can provide valuable guidance and assistance in addressing the underlying causes and improving the latch for a successful breastfeeding experience.

Symptoms of Jaw Tightness Causing Latching Issues

When babies experience jaw tightness, it can lead to specific symptoms that indicate difficulties in latching onto the breast effectively. Here are the symptoms commonly associated with jaw tightness causing latching issues, along with additional signs to look out for:

Baby won't latch on one side

If your baby constantly has trouble latching onto one breast specifically, while latching well on the other side, it could be a sign of jaw tightness. Uneven tension in the jaw muscles can make it challenging for the baby to open their mouth wide enough or position their jaw properly on one side, resulting in difficulty latching.

Baby latching and unlatching repeatedly

During a feeding session, you may observe your baby repeatedly latching and unlatching from the breast. This behaviour can be a manifestation of the baby’s struggle to maintain a secure latch due to jaw tightness. They may try different approaches to find a comfortable position and latch properly, but the tension in their jaw muscles hampers their ability to sustain a good latch.

Baby keeps pulling off the breast and relatching

Babies with jaw tightness may frequently pull away from the breast during feeding and then attempt to re-latch. This can occur because the baby is trying to readjust their latch, seeking a more comfortable position or attempting to relieve any discomfort caused by the tension in their jaw muscles. However, the underlying jaw tightness makes it challenging for them to find a satisfactory latch and maintain it consistently.

Difficulty opening mouth wide

Babies with jaw tightness may struggle to open their mouths wide enough to achieve a deep latch. You may notice that their jaw movements are limited, and they have difficulty achieving the optimal mouth positioning required for effective breastfeeding.

Clicking or smacking noises during feeding

Due to jaw tightness, babies may produce clicking or smacking noises while feeding. This can be a result of their jaws not aligning properly or their inability to create a proper seal around the nipple, leading to ineffective sucking and swallowing patterns.

Frequent feeding sessions or short feedings

Jaw tightness can affect the baby’s ability to effectively extract milk during feeding. As a result, they may need to nurse more frequently or have shorter feeding sessions to compensate for the inefficient latch and reduced milk transfer.

How Do We Address Latching Issues & Jaw Tightness in Babies?

Here at City Osteoapthy & Physiotherapy, we have 2 main approaches towards effectively addressing your little one’s condition:

How Can Paediatric Physiotherapy Help Improve Latching?

Paediatric physiotherapy is a specialised branch of physiotherapy that focuses on treating infants and children. When it comes to latching issues caused by jaw tightness, paediatric physiotherapy can play a vital role in improving the situation.

Paediatric physiotherapists are trained to assess and address the underlying causes of latching issues. Through gentle exercises and techniques, they can help relax the jaw muscles, release tension, and promote proper alignment. This, in turn, can lead to improved latching and a more comfortable breastfeeding experience for both the baby and the mother.

Physiotherapy Techniques to Address Jaw Tightness & Improve Breastfeeding Experience

Paediatric physiotherapy offers several ways to help improve latching in babies with jaw tightness:

Muscle relaxation techniques

Paediatric physiotherapists can employ specific techniques to relax the jaw muscles in infants. These techniques may include gentle massage, stretching exercises, or manual therapy to release tension and increase flexibility in the jaw area. By addressing tightness and promoting relaxation, the baby’s ability to open their mouth wider and achieve a better latch can be enhanced.

Oral motor exercises

Paediatric physiotherapists may introduce oral motor exercises tailored to the baby’s needs. These exercises aim to strengthen the muscles involved in breastfeeding, such as the jaw, tongue, and lips. By improving muscle tone and coordination, the baby can develop better sucking and swallowing patterns, leading to improved latching and more efficient milk transfer.

Positioning and alignment

Paediatric physiotherapists can provide guidance on optimal positioning and alignment during breastfeeding. They can help parents understand how to position the baby in a way that minimises strain on the jaw and facilitates a deeper latch. Proper alignment of the baby’s head, neck, and body can also contribute to improved latching and reduce discomfort for both the baby and the mother.

Parent education and support

Paediatric physiotherapists work closely with parents to educate them about the specific challenges their baby is facing and provide practical strategies to support latching progress at home. They can demonstrate techniques and exercises that parents can continue to practise between therapy sessions, ensuring consistency and progress outside of the clinic.

Collaboration with other healthcare professionals

Paediatric physiotherapists often work collaboratively with lactation consultants, speech-language pathologists, and other healthcare professionals involved in infant feeding. This multidisciplinary approach ensures comprehensive care and addresses all aspects of the baby’s feeding challenges, including latching issues caused by jaw tightness.

It’s important to note that paediatric physiotherapy should be carried out by qualified professionals with expertise in working with infants. They will assess each baby’s specific needs and develop an individualised treatment plan to address their unique latching issues.

Through regular sessions and consistent home practice, paediatric physiotherapy can significantly improve jaw tightness and contribute to a successful breastfeeding journey for both the baby and the mother.

When Should I Consider Paediatric Physiotherapy for My Baby?

If your baby continues to experience latching difficulties, despite your best efforts, it may be beneficial to consider paediatric physiotherapy. Seek the guidance of a qualified professional who specialises in treating infants. They will assess your baby’s condition, provide appropriate treatment, and guide you on exercises and techniques to support your baby’s latching progress.

MEET OUR PAEDIATRIC PHYSIOTHERAPIST

Wan Ying Teh - Senior Physiotherapist

With a rich 13-year background, Wan Ying has passionately dedicated her career to aiding infants and children with developmental delays and physical disabilities. She firmly advocates the potency of early intervention and efficacious therapeutic assistance for her patients – Tackling issues in their initial stages lays the groundwork for children to attain their utmost potential and embrace happy & healthy lives.

Wan Ying’s extensive proficiency spans a diverse spectrum of conditions. Her mastery shines in cases encompassing developmental delays, coordination disorders, cerebral palsy, paediatric brain and spinal cord injuries.

Furthermore, Wan Ying has adeptly assisted children contending with plagiocephaly, torticollis, and musculoskeletal variants such as flat feet, knock knees, and in-toeing.

Restoring Latching Success through Osteopathy: Gentle Manual Techniques to Alleviate Jaw Tightness in Babies

Apart from paediatric physiotherapy, osteopathy is another alternative approach that can help improve jaw tightness in babies. Osteopaths use gentle manual techniques to assess and treat the musculoskeletal system, including the jaw. By restoring balance and alleviating tension in the jaw muscles, osteopathy can contribute to improved latching and breastfeeding success.

Osteopathy Techniques to Address Jaw Tightness & Improve Breastfeeding Experience

Here’s how osteopathy can help improve jaw tightness and its impact on latching:

Assessment of jaw alignment

Osteopaths specialising in paediatric care have the expertise to assess the alignment and movement of the jaw in infants. Through gentle palpation and observation, they can identify any restrictions or imbalances in the jaw muscles, joints, and surrounding tissues that may be contributing to latching difficulties.

Manual techniques to release tension

Osteopaths use gentle, non-invasive manual techniques to release tension and restore optimal function in the jaw area. These techniques may include gentle stretches, joint mobilisation, and soft tissue manipulation to address tightness, improve muscle tone, and enhance the range of motion in the jaw.

Promoting cranial & musculoskeletal balance

Osteopathy takes a holistic approach to therapy, considering the interconnectedness of the body. By addressing not only the jaw but also the cranial and musculoskeletal systems, osteopaths aim to restore balance and alignment. This can have a positive impact on jaw tightness and contribute to improved latching.

Enhancing nervous system function

Osteopathic techniques can help optimise nervous system function, which plays a crucial role in the coordination of muscle movements, including those involved in breastfeeding. By improving nerve supply and communication, osteopathy can support the baby in achieving a more coordinated latch and sucking pattern.

Collaboration with paediatric physiotherapists

Our osteopaths often work collaboratively with our paediatric physiotherapists. This multidisciplinary approach at City Osteopathy & Physiotherapy ensures comprehensive care and allows for a holistic assessment of the baby’s needs, contributing to improved latching outcomes.

When Should I Consider Osteopathic Care for My Baby?

If you suspect that jaw tightness is causing your baby’s latching issues, consulting with an osteopath can be beneficial. They will conduct a thorough evaluation and provide appropriate therapies tailored to your baby’s needs. Osteopathy can be a complementary approach alongside paediatric physiotherapy to address jaw tightness and promote effective latching.

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