CranioSacral Therapy For Instant Nursing Difficulties

Babies who are unable or unwilling to nurse properly may benefit from CranioSacral therapy (CST). During a CST session the Registered Massage Therapist manipulates the bones of the skull to enhance the functioning of the body that surrounds the brain. This technique is useful in treating a diverse range of symptoms and conditions – from simple headaches to spinal cord injuries to infants and breastfeeding.

The causes of poor nursing may include birth injuries, congenital or neurological problems, or the effects of drugs used before the baby's birth amongst others.  Circumstances surrounding the birth which may be the cause of injury include a very fast birth, a cesarean birth, the use of vacuum extractor or forceps, an unusual presentation, or a baby with a large head. Even a normal birth can cause trauma to a baby's head and spine. Traumatic events during the birth can result in excess pressure on the cranial nerves, particularly those that control the jaw, tongue and mouth. Compression of these cranial nerves (glossopharyngeal, vagus and hypoglossal) can cause nursing difficulties as they may lead to baby being unable to open their mouths widely enough to latch effectively. These babies can cause pain to the mother by clamping on the nipple.

CST can also be beneficial for babies who are hypertonic with the classic "arching" posture. Arching or hypertonic babies are considered "tight." This may be a sign of difficulties with the nervous system, possibly caused by pressure on the nerves that occurred during the birth. CST is often dramatically effective in reducing hypertonic behaviour and encouraging the baby to nurse more efficiently by very gently relieving pressure on the nerves.

The routine use of epidurals, mothers birthing in a supine position, the use of vacuum extraction and forceps, and the high rate of cesarean birth, may cause babies to be at increased risk for craniosacral problems. Of course, it's necessary for babies' skulls to mold, to allow them to pass through the birth canal. The skulls correct themselves after birth, although many can use assistance in achieving a well-balanced, optimal shape. A CST practitioner will gently examine the baby's head for overlapping cranial sutures, asymmetry, and "missing" or unusually large or small "soft spots." The techniques used in CST to encourage the body to correct itself are also evaluative techniques that inform and guide the practitioner (The Upledger Institute 2001). With under 5g. of pressure (the weight of a nickel) CST is the treatment of choice for babies with latch difficulties as well as many other health concerns. CST practitioners with experience in pediatrics work in collaboration with Lactation Consultants, Midwives, Doulas, Physiotherapists, Chiropractors, Naturopathic Doctors, and often can be of greatest help when traditional techniques for correcting latch-on problems are not completely successful. It is common for babies to need continued treatments over a period of weeks, even when the initial CST work greatly improves the situation. If basic issues such as positioning, latch-on, and milk supply have not been properly addressed, adjunct treatments like CST are unlikely to help. It is important to remember that even after CST treatments mothers and babies may need additional breastfeeding help.

Some mothers have found CST helpful when they are experiencing low milk supply and other lactation-related problems; experiencing CST herself may help a mother feel more confident in choosing that treatment for her baby.

CranioSacral Therapy offers a promising approach to solving difficult breastfeeding problems. It helps bring mothers and babies together in the

loving  relationship of breastfeeding.