How Chiropractic Care Can Help Newborns with Latching and Breastfeeding

There are few things more beautiful—or more challenging—than those first few weeks with a newborn. One of the biggest concerns we hear from new parents at West End Chiropractic is trouble with breastfeeding, particularly issues with latching. If you're in the thick of it right now, first off: you're not alone. And second? Chiropractic care may be able to help.

Why Babies Struggle to Latch

Successful breastfeeding involves more than just hunger—it requires proper coordination of the muscles in a baby's mouth, neck, and jaw. Several factors can affect a newborn’s ability to latch effectively, including:

• Birth trauma or tension in the neck or spine

• Restricted movement in the jaw or mouth (such as from tongue or lip ties)

• Tightness in the cranial bones

• Torticollis (a condition where the baby's neck muscles are tight on one side)

  
  

Even the most “routine” birth can place a lot of pressure on a baby’s tiny body. Whether it’s a fast delivery, a C-section, use of forceps or vacuum, or just a long labor, the newborn spine and cranium can experience misalignments that contribute to breastfeeding difficulties.

How Chiropractic Can Help

At West End Chiropractic, we offer gentle, specific adjustments tailored for the tiniest patients. Pediatric chiropractic care is NOT the same as adult chiropractic care—the pressure used is similar to checking the ripeness of a peach. Safe, soothing, and often very effective.

Here’s how chiropractic care can support better latching and feeding:

1. Improving Neck and Jaw Function

If a baby has a hard time turning their head evenly or opening their jaw fully, latching can be painful or ineffective. Gentle chiropractic adjustments help restore normal movement to the spine and cranium, which can improve range of motion and reduce discomfort during feeding.

2. Relieving Tension from Birth

Even in smooth births, the birthing process can create tension in a baby’s body—especially around the upper cervical spine and shoulders. Releasing this tension can help babies feel more comfortable and coordinated during nursing.

3. Enhancing Nervous System Function

Chiropractic care supports the nervous system by ensuring that the spine is moving and aligned properly. For babies, this can improve the coordination of sucking, swallowing, and breathing—all crucial parts of a good latch and successful breastfeeding.

4. Supporting Mom, Too

Let’s not forget about mom! Breastfeeding challenges can be incredibly stressful and emotionally exhausting. We offer care for postpartum mamas as well—helping to alleviate pain, tension, and stress so you can feel more at ease while nourishing your baby.

Real Results from Real Families

We’ve been honored to witness incredible changes in our little patients. Many parents have reported improvements in latching, longer nursing sessions, less fussiness, and better sleep—all after just a few gentle adjustments.

One of our favorite moments? Seeing the look of relief (and sometimes tears of joy) when a baby finally latches comfortably—and mom knows she’s not in this alone.

If you're struggling with breastfeeding, we’re here to support you.At West End Chiropractic, we believe every family deserves a strong, confident start. If you’d like to learn more about how chiropractic care can support your breastfeeding journey, we’d love to chat.

Schedule a newborn evaluation today—we’re here for you, every step (and suckle) of the way.