How Craniosacral Therapy Can Help Babies Struggling to Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding is meant to be a natural and beautiful experience, but for many families, it comes with unexpected challenges. If your baby is struggling to latch, fussy at the breast, or seems uncomfortable while feeding, there may be tension or restrictions in their body that are making breastfeeding harder than it should be. This is where Craniosacral Therapy (CST) can make a difference.
As a Boise IBCLC and Craniosacral Therapist, I’ve seen firsthand how gentle bodywork can help babies breastfeed more effectively and comfortably. Let’s dive into what CST is and how it can support your baby’s feeding journey.
What is Craniosacral Therapy?
Craniosacral Therapy is a gentle, hands-on technique that helps release tension and improve movement in the body. It focuses on the craniosacral system, which includes the skull, spine, and the soft tissues that surround the brain and spinal cord. Because these areas are connected to feeding, sucking, swallowing, and digestion, any restrictions can impact how well your baby breastfeeds.
CST is especially beneficial for babies who experienced:
• A long or difficult labor
• Birth interventions like forceps, vacuum, or C-section
• Tightness from positioning in the womb
• Tongue tie, lip tie, or oral restrictions
• Excessive fussiness, reflux, or colic
By using light touch, CST helps babies feel more relaxed, improves their oral function, and allows them to breastfeed with greater ease.
How Can Craniosacral Therapy Help My Baby Breastfeed?
Many babies have tightness in their jaw, neck, or shoulders that makes it hard to latch deeply or suck effectively. Some signs that your baby may benefit from CST include:
Difficulty latching or maintaining suction
Clicking sounds while nursing
Leaning or turning their head to one side more than the other
Arching their back or appearing tense during feeds
Gassiness, reflux, or excessive spit-up
A baby’s body works as a whole, meaning even small restrictions in their neck, jaw, or mouth can lead to feeding struggles and frustration. By releasing tension and improving movement, CST allows babies to latch more comfortably, transfer milk more effectively, and breastfeed with less stress.
A Holistic Approach to Breastfeeding in Boise
At Boise Lactation, I take a whole-body approach to breastfeeding challenges. As an IBCLC and Craniosacral Therapist, I combine lactation support and gentle bodywork to help babies feel comfortable in their bodies and nurse with ease.
If you’ve been struggling with breastfeeding and are looking for Craniosacral Therapy in Boise, I’d love to help!
Schedule a consultation with Melanie Henstrom, IBCLC, at www.boiselactatioin.com and let’s work together to make feeding easier and more enjoyable for both you and your baby.