Feeding can feel really hard when youâre in the middle of it, but help is available, and small changes can often make a big difference
If feeding your baby doesn’t feel quite right, you’re not alone. Our gentle baby osteopathy appointments can help identify areas of tension that may be affecting feeding, latching and comfort at the breast or bottle.
Feeding can feel really hard when you’re in the middle of it, but help is available, and small changes can often make a big difference.
You may have noticed that:
We see many babies come to us with these signs and symptoms, and in many cases, gentle treatment and support can help them feel much more comfortable.
Feeding doesn’t always come naturally straight away, and many babies need a little support along the way.
Whether you’re breastfeeding, bottle feeding, expressing, or using a combination of feeding methods, we’re here to support you and your baby and help make feeding a more comfortable and enjoyable experience for you both.
We regularly support babies experiencing:
Many of these symptoms can be linked to tension around the jaw, mouth, neck or body, and a gentle assessment can help identify whether these factors may be contributing.
There can be many reasons why a baby finds feeding difficult.
Sometimes their time in-utero or the birth itself can leave babies with tension through their jaw, neck or shoulders, making it harder for them to open their mouth widely, get comfortable during feeds, latch well and feed effectively.
In other cases, there may be a tongue tie affecting how their tongue moves during feeding. The tongue plays a central role in feeding, swallowing and oral development, so restrictions can sometimes have a significant impact.
Sometimes the signs of feeding or latching problems are more subtle. If your baby’s mouth isn’t sealed well around the teat or nipple, they may take in air during feeds, leading to trapped wind, reflux-like symptoms or tummy discomfort. Clicking noises or milk leaking from the side of the mouth can be signs that this is happening.
Every baby is different, which is why we take time to understand your baby’s feeding history, birth experience, symptoms and development before creating a personalised treatment plan.
As osteopaths, we take a holistic approach, looking at how your baby is moving, feeding and behaving as a whole.
Our gentle hands-on treatment aims to release areas of tension that may be contributing to feeding difficulties. These commonly involve the jaw and mouth, head and neck, shoulders and along the spine.
By helping these areas move more freely, treatment may support your baby’s ability to feed more effectively, feel more comfortable and relaxed, and carry out the important tasks of feeding, sleeping and growing with greater ease.
We will always explain everything we find during the assessment and talk you through any treatment we provide.
You’ll also receive practical advice and simple exercises to support your baby’s progress at home. This information will be summarised in a follow-up email, so you don’t need to remember everything from the appointment.
No. Osteopathic treatment for babies is extremely gentle and tailored to their age and comfort. Similar to adults, some areas of tension may feel a little sensitive while they’re being treated, but we always work carefully and at your baby’s pace.
There is usually an adjustment period while both you and your baby are learning to breastfeed, and some initial discomfort can be normal during the first week or two.
Many parents notice discomfort during the first few seconds after latching. If the discomfort continues throughout the feed, it may be worth seeking support, as ongoing pain is not something you should simply have to put up with.
This can suggest that your baby’s latch is shallow, their jaw is tight, or they may have a tongue tie. These factors can lead to your baby gripping or clamping rather than maintaining a comfortable latch using their tongue and oral muscles effectively.
Absolutely. Feeding difficulties can affect breastfed, bottle-fed and combination-fed babies alike.
We assess how your baby feeds, moves and settles, then provide gentle treatment and practical advice based on their individual needs.
Some common signs include:
If we suspect a tongue tie, we’ll recommend a formal assessment with a lactation consultant.
This can be arranged through the NHS or privately with Polly, our lactation consultant and infant feeding specialist.
We’ll work alongside any recommendations provided and continue supporting your baby’s feeding journey, whether or not you choose to have the tongue tie divided. We’d Love to Help
If feeding feels painful, stressful or harder than you expected, please know that support is available.
You don’t need to wait until things feel really difficult before asking for help.
We’ll listen to your concerns, gently assess your baby, and help you understand what may be contributing to their feeding difficulties so that you can move forward with confidence.
Fees may be covered by your private insurance provider.
Aviva, Cigna, Simply Health, Vitality, WPA, BUPAÂ and AXA PPP may cover your sessions with us, but this depends on your individual policy, so be sure to always check with your insurer before contacting us.
We kindly ask you directly pay for your appointment and claim your payment back from your insurance provider. Please get in touch with your provider prior to your appointment, to confirm you are covered and check what documentation is needed to process your claim.
We are happy to provide a detailed invoice to assist with your claim.
Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions or would like any further assistance with claiming Osteopathy on your insurance.
