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Have you noticed your little one struggling to latch? Perhaps they seem uncomfortable during feeds, or maybe they're arching their back or turning away? What many parents don't realise is that physical tension in your baby's body can significantly impact their feeding journey.

Why Might My Newborn Have Tension?

Even the gentlest of births can create strain patterns in your baby's delicate system. Consider what your little one has experienced:

• The journey through the birth canal involves significant pressure on their head and neck
• Assisted deliveries (forceps or ventouse) may create additional tension patterns
• C-section babies can experience sudden pressure changes and sometimes quick extraction
• In utero positioning, especially in the final weeks, can create fascial restrictions

This physical experience can leave lasting tension in your baby's body, particularly in the neck, jaw, and cranial areas - all crucial for comfortable and effective feeding.

How Does Tension Show Up?

Babies communicate their discomfort in various ways:

• Difficulty turning their head equally to both sides
• Preference for feeding on one breast over another
• Frequent unlatching during feeds
• Clicking sounds while feeding
• Excessive wind and digestive discomfort
• A tense or tight jaw when latching
• Arching away from the breast or bottle
• Crying or fussing when placed in certain positions

These signs often get attributed to "just being a newborn" or "colic," but they may actually be your baby's way of communicating physical discomfort.

How Gentle Treatment Can Help

As both a chiropractor and breastfeeding coach, I've seen remarkable changes when gentle cranial techniques are used alongside breastfeeding support. These extremely gentle techniques:

• Release fascial restrictions around the jaw and neck
• Restore natural movement patterns
• Allow your baby to turn their head comfortably
• Help them achieve a deeper, more comfortable latch
• Often provide immediate comfort and relaxation

The treatment itself involves very light touch - often no more pressure than you'd use to test the ripeness of a plum. Many babies relax deeply during treatment, and some even fall asleep!

A Whole-Body Approach

What makes my approach unique is addressing both the mechanical aspects of breastfeeding and your baby's physical comfort simultaneously. During a home consultation, I can:

1. Observe your feeding position and technique
2. Assess your baby for signs of tension
3. Provide gentle treatment right there if appropriate
4. Reassess feeding immediately afterwards

Parents often report that feeds become calmer, longer, and more comfortable - sometimes from the very next feed.

Your Baby's Comfort Matters

Remember, comfortable babies make more effective feeders. By addressing physical tension, we're not just supporting breastfeeding or bottle feeding success - we're helping your little one feel more at ease in their new world outside the womb.

If you've noticed any signs of tension or are experiencing feeding challenges, please don't hesitate to reach out. Sometimes the gentlest touch can make the most profound difference.

Would you like to learn more about how gentle cranial techniques might help your baby's feeding journey? Contact Penny to schedule a home consultation where we can address both feeding technique and physical comfort together.

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