Breastfeeding is often described as “natural”, yet for many families it can feel anything but easy. Painful feeding, difficulty achieving a deep latch, poor milk transfer or an unsettled baby can leave parents wondering why breastfeeding isn’t going as expected.
While breastfeeding challenges can have many different causes, one factor that is sometimes overlooked is a baby’s movement and physical comfort after pregnancy and birth.
As an Osteopath with more than 20 years’ experience and a special interest in infant care, I have worked with many mothers seeking help for painful or ineffective breastfeeding. Alongside my Master’s degree in Osteopathy, I am also an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC), allowing me to combine gentle hands-on care with evidence-based breastfeeding assessment and support.
In this article, I’ll explain how physical factors may contribute to breastfeeding difficulties, when osteopathic assessment may be appropriate, and why a collaborative approach can help support both mothers and babies.
Many new parents are told that breastfeeding is “natural”, yet for many families it can be unexpectedly painful, stressful or difficult. While feeding challenges can have many different causes, one factor that is often overlooked is a baby’s movement and physical comfort after pregnancy and birth.
What many parents don’t realise is that babies can experience muscle tension or joint restrictions that may affect how they feed. Identifying these physical factors, alongside skilled breastfeeding support, can sometimes make an important difference.
Breastfeeding difficulties are common in the early days and weeks after birth.
An experienced IBCLC can assess positioning, attachment, milk transfer and feeding technique, while also helping to identify whether physical factors may be contributing to the problem.
Some babies may have muscle tension, reduced neck movement or jaw restrictions that affect their ability to feed comfortably and effectively.
Conditions such as torticollis (wry neck), neck tightness or restrictions involving the jaw (temporomandibular joint, or TMJ) may make it harder for a baby to achieve a deep latch. Where appropriate, gentle osteopathic assessment and treatment may help improve movement and function as part of a multidisciplinary approach.
Parents are often surprised to learn that newborn babies can experience muscle and joint tension.
These restrictions may be associated with a baby’s position during pregnancy or the physical forces involved in labour and birth, particularly after a prolonged labour or an assisted delivery using forceps or vacuum.
In some babies, tongue-tie may also contribute to feeding difficulties by restricting tongue movement.
If a baby cannot comfortably turn their head, open their mouth widely or bring their tongue forward and lift it to the roof of their mouth, achieving a deep latch may be more difficult. This can lead to ineffective milk transfer and discomfort for the mother during feeding.
While every baby is different, some signs that may suggest a physical restriction is contributing to breastfeeding challenges include:
In addition to feeding difficulties, babies may also:
These signs may indicate that further assessment by an experienced health professional could be beneficial.
Breastfeeding challenges are not limited to babies. Blocked milk ducts and breast inflammation are common concerns for many mothers during their breastfeeding journey.
Some clinicians use therapeutic ultrasound as part of the management of blocked ducts, alongside strategies such as effective milk removal and breastfeeding support.
In my practice, I follow the protocol developed by Canadian breastfeeding expert Dr Jack Newman, and many patients report that they find the treatment gentle and helpful.
Osteopathic treatment may also help improve comfort by addressing posture and restoring mobility through the neck, shoulders, rib cage and upper back.
As feeding often involves spending many hours in the same positions, improving overall movement and reducing musculoskeletal strain can help mothers feel more comfortable throughout their breastfeeding journey.
Successful breastfeeding often depends on more than one factor.
Positioning, milk supply, tongue function, maternal comfort and a baby’s physical movement all play important roles.
When breastfeeding isn’t going as expected, early assessment by an IBCLC can help identify the underlying causes. Where physical restrictions are contributing, osteopathic care may provide an additional layer of support as part of a collaborative, evidence-informed approach to care.
Breastfeeding shouldn’t be painful, and parents don’t have to struggle alone.
With the right support, many families can overcome early challenges and enjoy a more comfortable and rewarding breastfeeding experience.
Breastfeeding is a learned skill for both mother and baby, and when challenges arise, there is rarely one single cause.
Positioning, milk supply, tongue function, maternal comfort and a baby’s physical movement can all influence how feeding feels and functions.
When concerns are identified early, parents can better understand what is contributing to their breastfeeding challenges and access the right support for both mother and baby.
Every family deserves compassionate, evidence-informed care. With the right assessment and collaborative support, many families can overcome early breastfeeding challenges and enjoy a more comfortable and rewarding feeding journey.
Find out more about being supported by Kirsten Hannan Osteopath & IBCLC Sydney here and here
Kirsten is an Australian-trained and registered osteopath with over 20 years of clinical experience, offering holistic osteopathic care for the whole family. She has a special interest in pregnancy and postpartum care, and loves working with babies and children of all ages.
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