Sometimes what appears to be a newborn problem may be mom’s issue.
A three-month-old presented with breastfeeding issues. Mom’s IBCLC said that she had nipple vasospasms. They occur when the blood vessels supplying the nipple go into spasm (tighten), reduces its blood flow, and affects the flow of milk. Thank you, PregnancyBirthBaby.org.au.
Her newborn latched right away, but mom had bleeding nipples in the hospital. She later had nipple vasospasms during the day where they turned white.
Her IBCLC felt that the problem was due to the infant’s oral ties and was considering laser surgery. She believed that the infant was causing mom’s problem. The fact that the baby latched and nursed right away made me think that mom could be the source of the issue.
When the infant presented for evaluation, I kept an open mind. Her lower body felt loose with a little strain in the diaphragmatic area, just enough to cause some reflux.
I did not find any oral strain. The TMJs, tongue, cheeks, ties, and oral soft tissues felt fine, even after double-checking them.
Since my assessment was that the baby was not the source of the problem, mom agreed for me to check her. When I took a brief history, she had back, abdominal, and TMJ problems.
I found that her tight upper-body web was pulling into each nipple. Since one area of the web can pull and affect any other part, unusual connections can exist.
For example, fascial strain in the left ankle may be pulling on the upper right first molar tooth. I theorized that her upper body fascial strains were causing her nipple vasospasms.
When she held each nipple through her clothes, her entire upper body began to revisit traumas and release. I am hopeful that with continued care, her web will fully open up, her nipples will heal, and successful breastfeeding will commence. Gillespie Approach Training is a must for all newborn providers.
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