THE BENEFITS OF BREASTFEEDING AND HOW CHIROPRACTIC MAY HELP...

By Dr Orly Zuker, Chiropractor
(B.Appl Sci; Comp Med, Clin Chiro; Masters, B.Nursing)

It is well known worldwide that breastfeeding is a ‘normal’ biological way to feed a baby. Nature made no mistakes here, as breast milk is a whole and complete food for newborn babies, and can even offer benefits to toddlers. New born babies are designed to thrive exclusively on breast milk. This is possible due to; 1. The perfect balance of nutrition, and 2. The high level of antibodies/ immunoglobulins; IgA, IgD, IgG, IgE & IgM. Physiologically, breastfeeding promotes proper brain development and protects against infectious and chronic diseases.

Breastfeeding exclusively promotes ongoing milk production, whereas supplementing with formula may inhibit the natural flow and supply of breast milk and decrease the nutrient content and immune factors a baby would naturally receive. We can’t forget the priceless maternal-child bonding experience that takes place when breastfeeding as well. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends exclusive breastfeeding for a minimum of six months (and up to two years!). They encourage mothers to continue breastfeeding alongside the introduction of a healthy 'solids' diet.

Breastfeeding isn't always a smooth and easy start. Like all new tasks, skills and jobs, new mothers also have to learn and master their new job of motherhood and nourishing their new born with breast milk. It is less common than thought that a woman has low milk supply. In saying this, milk supply is most certainly affected by poor attachment of the baby, or poor breastfeeding technique. In many cases breastfeeding problems arise from issues in the baby, commonly their neck or jaw. On the other hand, if milk supply is adequate, mammary glands & ducts patent and yet your baby is just not taking to the breast comfortably or breastfeeding successfully, then perhaps a functional concern exists with your baby. Commonly newborn babies have dysfunction, known as vertebral or cranial subluxation complexes of their neck, jaw or cranial bones which often affect their ability to breastfeed comfortably, efficiently and successfully…

Chiropractic Care For Breastfeeding....

Chiropractic is based on the philosophy that the body can self heal and regulate, and that when the spine and nervous system are under stress/ ‘subluxated’ the body cannot express its full health potential. The first instance this ‘subluxation’ occurs is in babies often due to undesirable foetal position and or traumatic birthing processes, such as when the following interventions are utilised; forceps, vacuum, manual distraction or caesarean sections. Therefore, having your baby assessed and adjusted by a chiropractor shortly after birth is simply a preventative means to ensuring subluxations are removed and nervous system stress is corrected so that they may settle into their new environment happily and comfortably.

It is extremely common for chiropractors to find babies born with intervention who have colic (irritable or unsettled) and who are not a calm and happy little baby. In addition,  forceps commonly cause bruising to the face, and swelling and dysfunction to the neck and jaw. When you see forceps in action, you certainly do change your perception of being super careful and gentle when handling babies. Forceps are brutal! Vacuum suction can also cause a considerable amount of dural tension/ stress to the nervous system. In fact, any sort of manual force or stress to a baby's neck and head (including c-sections) can leave a baby with commonly undetected musculoskeletal issues. When observing your baby, concern may arise if you notice any of the following; tummy-time refusal/ fussiness, one-sided neck movement (during play and sleep), stunted/ delayed milestones, fussiness at the breast, one-sided breast preference, incomplete jaw/ mouth opening (during feeding or crying), continual crying, difficulty settling, poor sleep, crying/ screaming with neck movement to the painful side.

Today, chiropractors use a variety of techniques to correct functional vertebral stress (subluxation), of which are all gentle, safe and effective. A chiropractic adjustment of a baby involves the slightest pressure, similar to pressing on a closed eyelid, and often impacts change in a baby within hours and days. A chiropractic spinal adjustment ensures your baby has a healthy functioning nervous system as they grow and develop, allowing them to express their full potential of health and happiness!

Whilst it might be considered new to most people, there are many studies that have highlighted the benefits of chiropractic in the treatment of breastfeeding issues:

• A 1999 study of the Chiropractic management of an infant experiencing breastfeeding difficulties and colic found that crying, screaming and shaking were all reduced significantly. The mother also noted that vomiting before and after feeds had ceased and that her child was a “totally different baby”. After the third Chiropractic adjustment normal suckling was restored, and the baby began to breastfeed successfully (Sheader, WE, J Clin Chiro Paeds 1999 Vol 4, 1).

• A 1999 study of Chiropractic care for infants with dysfunctional nursing found that those babies under Chiropractic care were able to breastfeed successfully (Hewitt, EG. J Clin Chiro Paeds 1999, Vol 4, 1).

• A 1994 case study presents an infant who is unable to attach during breast-feeding. This inability to breast-feed was due to pain caused by atlas/ C1 vertebral subluxation complex and Temperomandibular joint dysfunction. This three-week-old girl had colic, flatulence and outbursts of crying from 9 PM to 1 AM since birth, 19 days prior. Chiropractic adjustments (including cranial therapy) were commenced, and by the fourth week of care, the baby began to breast-feed from both breasts successfully. The symptoms of colic; the crying outbursts subsided (Krauss, L. J Chiro Paeds. 1994 Vol 1, 3).

•  A 2000 study of a 6 month-old Chiropractic patient with resolution of suckling intolerance. The baby had an aversion to suckling. Chiropractic examination detected dysfunction of the occipitoparietal junction and the upper cervical spine (C1-C2). The patient was treated 5 times through use of cranial and atlas (C1) adjustments. The suckling intolerance resolved immediately after the first office visit and did not return (Holtrop DP, J Manip Physiol Ther 2000; Vol 23, 9: p. 615).

• A 2009 case series of the contribution of Chiropractic therapy to resolving suboptimal breastfeeding. 114 Infants  were treated with chiropractic adjustments, of which all children showed some improvement, being able to exclusively breast feed after 2 to 5 treatments within a 2-week time period (Miller etal. J Manip Physiol Ther 2009, Vol 32, 8: pp. 670-674).

• A 2008 study of Chiropractic care of a pediatric patient with symptoms associated with Gastro-Esophageal Reflux Disease. The infant had fuss-cry-irritability, with a sleep disorder syndrome and irritable infant syndrome of musculoskeletal origin. Notable improvement in the patient's symptoms was observed within four visits and total resolution of symptoms within three months of care (Alcantara, J etal. J Can Chiro Assoc. 2008, Vol 52, 4: pp. 248-55).

Doctors of Chiropractic are the only health professionals in the world who are trained to detect and correct spinal, pelvic and cranial subluxations. Chiropractic care is safe, gentle and effective, and is natural choice for health and wellness. Being cared for from birth by a Chiropractor ensures that your nervous system and spine are free of interference for good health and development, naturally.

For any questions relating to breastfeeding please contact the Australian Breastfeeding Association on the helpline: 1800 686 2 686 or refer to: www.breastfeeding.asn.au and for any further information about chiropractic please contact the Chiropractors Association of Australia on 1800 075 003 or Dr Orly Zuker on: info@waverleyroadchiro.com.au