Supporting Breastfeeding Naturally: How Chiropractic Care Can Help
National Breastfeeding Week is a time to celebrate the incredible journey of nurturing life and the many benefits breastfeeding provides both mother and baby. Yet, as natural as it is, breastfeeding doesn’t always come easily. Many mothers experience challenges such as latching difficulties, painful feeding, or tension in the shoulders and neck from nursing positions. That’s where chiropractic care can play a vital role.
Why Do Some Mothers and Babies Struggle With Breastfeeding?
Even when everything is done “right,” breastfeeding can still be challenging. Some common reasons include:
Birth trauma or difficult deliveries – Babies may experience neck or jaw tension that makes latching difficult.
Maternal posture issues – Hours of feeding can strain a mother’s neck, shoulders, and upper back, leading to pain and fatigue.
Unbalanced nervous system function – Tension and misalignments in both mother and baby can impact overall feeding comfort and efficiency.
Breastfeeding Challenges: It’s Not Always “Easy”
While breastfeeding is natural, it often requires support.
Some common concerns parents face include:
Latching issues – The baby struggles to latch or stay latched.
Pain for mom – Sore nipples, neck, and upper back discomfort from prolonged feeding postures.
Baby discomfort – Fussiness, favoring one side, or reflux-like symptoms.
These challenges can sometimes be linked to subtle restrictions or tension in the baby’s body, often from birth positioning, a difficult labor, or a tongue/lip tie.
Birth Trauma, Subluxations, and Breastfeeding Challenges
Even in the smoothest births, the process of delivery places a great deal of stress on a baby’s delicate spine and nervous system. For babies born via C-section, with the use of forceps or vacuum, or after a long or difficult labor, these stresses can be even greater.
What Is a Subluxation?
A subluxation is a misalignment or restriction within the spine that can interfere with how the nervous system functions. For newborns, subluxations often occur in the neck or upper back region due to the forces involved during delivery.
How Subluxations Impact Breastfeeding
•Neck and jaw tension: A baby with a restricted neck or jaw may struggle to latch or feed effectively.
•Favoring one side: Some babies will only turn their head one way or feed better on one breast, which can indicate spinal imbalance.
•Digestive stress: Subluxations can affect the nervous system’s regulation of digestion, contributing to fussiness or reflux-like symptoms.
How Chiropractic Care Supports Breastfeeding
Our Chiropractors at ONE are trained in infant care and will assess the baby’s spine, cranial bones, and nervous system to detect and gently correct areas of tension or misalignment. These areas can affect how the baby moves, feeds, and digests.
Benefits for Babies
Improved latch and sucking – By helping reduce neck and jaw tension, babies can often feed more efficiently.
Greater comfort – A balanced spine and relaxed nervous system can support better digestion, reduced fussiness, and calmer feeding sessions.
Symmetry in movement – Babies who prefer turning their head one way or struggle to feed on one breast may benefit from gentle adjustments to restore balance.
Benefits for Moms
Reduced pain – Gentle chiropractic care can ease upper back and neck strain caused by feeding postures.
Better posture – Supporting spinal alignment can make breastfeeding positions more comfortable.
Enhanced bonding – With less pain and more ease, both mom and baby can enjoy calmer, more connected feeding times.
Stress reduction and improved energy – A balanced nervous system supports overall wellbeing, which is essential for a positive breastfeeding experience.
The Connection Between the Nervous System and Breastfeeding
The nervous system controls every function of the body, including feeding and digestion. When the nervous system is balanced and free of interference, the body can function at its best. For babies, this means a more effective latch, better digestion, and improved comfort. For mothers, it means less pain and more ease while feeding.
Our Approach at ONE Chiropractic Studio
At ONE Chiropractic Studio, we’re passionate about supporting families in their breastfeeding journey. Our gentle, specific chiropractic techniques are safe for babies and focused on restoring balance to the body and nervous system. We assess what your nervous system is doing, by using our INSiGHT CLA scans. We collaborate with lactation consultants and other health professionals to ensure moms and babies receive comprehensive care and support.
You’re Not Alone
If you’re experiencing challenges with breastfeeding, know that support is available. From lactation consultants to chiropractors, there’s a village ready to help you and your baby thrive.
Take the First Step Today
Breastfeeding should feel natural and nurturing, not stressful or painful. If you or your baby are experiencing breastfeeding challenges, we invite you to schedule an appointment with our caring team at ONE Chiropractic Studio.
Together, we can help you enjoy more comfort, better bonding, and a healthy start for your little one.
📞 Call us today or book at our Utrecht or Amersfoort studios to begin your journey.
Follow us on Instagram @onechirostudio_utrecht & @onechirostudio_amersfoort for more family wellness tips.
Happy National Breastfeeding Week!
Let’s celebrate the strength, resilience, and beauty of every breastfeeding journey.
Research articles :
Heidi Haavik Research https://chiroshub.com/research/chiropractic-care-and-breastfeeding/
ICPA :
