Chiropractic and breastfeeding: it has more spill-over than you might thing…but how?

Hundreds of concerned parents are coming to Straightahead seeking help and hope for their breastfeeding babies…many referred by other professionals, like: Lactation Consultants, Midwifes, Pediatricians, Dentists and Obstetricians; while others have been lead to us by friends, family, Facebook and social media groups, and local businesses serving kids and families who have seen the positive effects care in our office has created.  Still yet, and perhaps most of all, families are directed to our office by other families who have experienced what many have called “life changing” results.

I have written preceding posts on this topic (they can be read here and here) which served to set the stage for this discussion below.  Spanning from a shallow/pinching/lazy latch, gas, fussiness, irregular bowel movements, to poor sleep patterns, there is a common theme that quite honestly is not talked about enough, yet is undoubtedly a “game-changer.”  This theme is found in and around the Nervous System and more specifically the Central Nervous System’s ability to control, communicate, and ultimately coordinate the intricate process of breastfeeding.

Now, I have mentioned before that I am analytical and a total nerd when it comes to neurology, physiology, and the function of the human body…but I understand that you likely are not.  That said, I will lay out this content in overview form, all the while staying true to the original intent of diving “into the “how’s” (physiology) behind the “what’s” (symptoms), which will lead us to the “why’s” (causes of the issues).”  Please keep in mind this will only be a small fraction of the magnitude and scope of research and study I have buried myself in for the past many years.

As we dig a bit deeper in this discussion to understand the content and context of what we are about to unpack, it may require a programming or reprogramming of what you know about Chiropractic?  I have mentioned this before, but it is worth repeating…there is a widespread misunderstanding/ misconception/misrepresentation (whatever you want to call it) of Chiropractic that limits it only to an alternative or “natural” treatment for various aches and pains.  What I mean by “misunderstanding” is that Chiropractic in its’ truest sense has always been about the restoration and maintenance of a fully and optimally functioning Nervous System and Body.  I will say, Chiropractic Care has great success at alleviating many aches and pains, but as a side effect of its’ ability to maximize the ability of the brain and body to communicate with each other.  Limiting Chiropractic Care for the treatment of a back pain or headaches is like buying an iPhone 7 because you need a calculator.

Ok, that said, let’s dive in…

All of us are born with an innate set of reflexes, called Primitive Reflexes.  The purpose of these reflexes is quite simple: survival.  Of primary concern in this discussion are the “Rooting” and “Sucking” reflexes (many of the others like Moro’s spinal gallant, palmer grasp, etc. will be covered in future post, like those focused on Neurodevelopment Disorders (Autism, OCD, ADHD, etc.).  In short, these reflexes serve to help regulate and initiate certain processes, like feeding, to occur instinctively, as the brain is still in early and rapid development.  Most of the reflexes should be present for a certain amount time and diminish or disappear within a specific time frame as well (sustained Primitive Reflexes is something we will be certain to discuss when we talk about ADHD, Autism, and Sensory Processing).

In the last post, we talked about the various causes or culprits of tension and dysfunction found in the spines and Nervous Systems of babies.  Namely, we saw that some form of early developmental trauma or stress (C-Section, Traction Forces, Long/Short Labor, In-Utero Constraint, etc.) precedes and initiates dysfunction.  Research published as recently as mid-2016 has shown mobility and function of the spine is directly related to the function of the brain, specifically the Pre-Frontal Cortex.  We also know crucial anatomical structures lie in close enough proximity to each other that malposition or dysfunction of one structure will likely influence the position and function of another.  One such pivotal interaction of structure is the Vagus Nerve (Cranial N. 10) and is the first Vertebrae in the neck (C1 or Atlas). 

Andrew Towbin, a prominent researcher in the realm of birth trauma sums up this concept well when he says: “Survival of the newborn is governed mainly by the integrity and function of the vital centers in the brain stem, yet paradoxically, the importance of injury at birth to the brain stem and spinal cord are matters which have generally escaped lasting attention.”

Now to the interactions of the symptoms, causes, and care…

As previously mentioned, a baby with breastfeeding issues likely has an overlap of factors contributing to it, yet most corresponding with the functionality and coordination of the neurophysiology.  What this means is that all the variables required for a good latch and draw are governed and controlled by a balanced and well-functioning Nervous System.  Compromise of the integrity of the Vagus Nerve, discussed previously, has multiple undesirable outcomes, which we will outline in association with the common concerns and symptoms listed previously…

1. Shallow, Pinching, or Lazy Latch:

   1. The motor (movement) division of the Vagus N. is the Pharyngeal Nerve, which controls in large part, the Soft Palate. The function of the Soft Palate during breastfeeding is to close off the nasal passages when swallowing, as well as to raise the roof of the back of the mouth, drawing the Uvula (aka punching bag) up and out of the way to diminish the gag reflex. Interference with the Vagus N. can decrease overall muscle tone and give the impression the baby is just being “lazy,” when in reality the muscles are not getting enough information (power) from the brain to function well.

   2. When the Vagus N. is not fully engaged (we refer to this as low Vagal Tone) the gag reflex is more prevalent, as is the likelihood of choking from milk leaking into the nasal and/or air passages. Parents, primarily Mamas, will mention that is seems like their baby of choking or unable to keep up with the flow of milk. Both are true.

   3. The other aspect of the soft palate not fully elevating is that it creates a loss of pressure (negative pressure to be more precise), making the latch and suck less strong. This translates into a shallower latch (i.e. the nipple is not fully drawn in) that often becomes “chompy” or “pinchy” as the baby attempts to compensate for its’ poor latch and draw.

2. Gassy, irritable, and spitting up:

   1. When the baby’s latch is shallow, the seal is generally compromised, leading to an undesired passage and swallowing of air. The air must go somewhere…up or down, as the body will not absorb it. Often when it comes up (burp), it does so with contents of the stomach (aka spitting up). When it goes down through the GI System, it causes cramping pain in the abdomen, which often causes the baby to appear and be uncomfortable.

   2. Another aspect regarding irritability and feeding is that hungry babies tend to be a bit grumpier. Likewise, overfed babies also then to be irritable. Through Vagal control, an overfed baby with low tone will often want to eat continually. They will act hungry (i.e. rooting, fussing, etc.) yet only snack. Part of this could be comfort, but that still begs the question, are they innately seeking comfort because they are uncomfortable? Think of a time you have been fighting a stomach ache…you get that feeling of “I am either really hungry” or “I am about to vomit.”

   3. Communication of and along the Vagus N. is two directional. We have discussed its’ communication to the body, but its’ primary function is taking information from the body to the brain…to which the brain simply responds and adapts the best it can based on its’ functionality and level of interference or freedom. These sensory (afferent) fibers are throughout the whole body, and in feeding there is a loop that controls digestion. The function of the soft palate and tongue stimulate the secretion of digestive enzymes as well as gut motility (peristalsis). Side note: Babies with lip and tongue ties often fit in here as full mouth movement is needed to trigger their brains to promote digestion. This is often why babies will spit-up an hour or more past their last feeding...the milk has not gone anywhere, and the body expels it as it instinctively does not see a use for it just sitting there or it begins to reject it as it has begun to spoil (that sour spit-up).

3. Irregular Bowel Movements

   1. If the body does not expel the milk, it will often move or leak into the GI Tract, partially and incompletely broken down (and mixed with air), leading to irregular consistency and timing in Bowel Movements. This may not translate into constipation or diarrhea, but parents may notice that their child is bouncing between the two, or having clusters of movements with day spans between, mixed with bouts of excessive gas. Ideally, with feeding being at regular intervals, we like to see Bowel Movements follow that pattern also, which will vary from child to child, even amongst siblings.

4. Sleep Pattern Disturbances:

   1. The last little bit that I will say for now in this discussion is that babies cared for in our office sleep better. The most common “praise report” that we get from families is that their children have been: “napping better,” “sleeping longer durations,” “falling asleep easier and quicker’” and are more “self-soothing and content” since beginning care. This is an effect, a side effect even, resulting from a more efficiently operating system. With the body in balance, the brain can delegate its’ energy more effectively, allowing the body to rest and recover.

   2. There are two divisions of the Autonomic Nervous System: The Parasympathetic (rest and digest) and the Sympathetic (fight or flight). The Parasympathetic division is like the brake system and is necessary to regulate growth and development, and to calm us from stress. The Sympathetic controls our response to acute stress, such as: if we see a dog chasing us, do we stand our ground and fight or do we run (aka flight). Dysfunction of and in the spine, leads to an imbalance of the Autonomic Nervous System toward what we call Sympathetic Dominance, where the acute stress mechanisms are stuck on, leading babies, and this same thing is certainly true for adults, worn out and on edge. Re-establishing homeostasis and balance pulls babies (and adults) out of overdrive so their bodies can function optimally and efficiently as they have been originally designed to do.

“Ok, so what?” some of you may be saying…or maybe not since you have read and gotten to the end of this long post.  Well, as I have said before, the ultimate purpose behind these posts, and Straightahead Chiropractic, is to help inform and serve as many people as possible.  If you or someone you know is struggling or simply interested in more information, please reach out… help and hope are Straightahead.

Here’s the thing, there are many options and treatments available to help a baby breastfeed, most of which are valuable and helpful.  Considering what we looked at in the information provided above, if the root cause of any breastfeeding issues a child is experiencing are centered around or derived from dysfunction in the spine and Nervous System, there are no other options of correction other than Chiropractic Care.  This most certainly does not mean or imply in any other way that other services are less important, nor is the intent to say Chiropractic is of supreme importance; it is simply to suggest that all families struggling with a baby who’s not breastfeeding ideally should have them checked to see if Chiropractic may be a piece of the puzzle.  Likewise, because of the importance and expansiveness of the Vagus N., if not addressed early, the ramifications could be magnified with time.

In all, we are here to help.  Please let us know how we can help you and your family.

Thanks,

Dr. Stein