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Vibe

Osteopathy

Baby Tongue & Lip Tie Support in Brisbane

Babies are an amazing gift and bring so much joy to a family However, a baby that is unhappy, over-tired or distressed can affect the whole household.

Having a baby who struggles with feeding can be immensely stressful. It may increase stress in both baby and mother, create self-doubt about one’s ability to feed their child, and cause some mothers to feel as though they are failing. In an already emotional time, these are not feelings you want to be experiencing. Not to fear, you are not alone, and there are a variety of reasons that may explain the problem’s you are experiencing.

Infant feeding difficulties, latch problems, tongue and lip ties

The act of baby breast or bottle feeding is quite a complex one, with babies attempting to perfectly coordinate the latch, suck, swallow and breathing actions for effective feeding. It also requires the coordination of the mouth, tongue, throat and neck in order to effectively latch and suck. Needless to say, there is a lot going on in a simple feeding session! With so much going on, it can be common in the newborn period for feeding problems to arise. Issues may occur due to an infant tongue tie or lip tie, but can be due to tightness or misalignment through the baby’s neck, jaw, upper back or shoulders.

Baby tongue tie and lip ties can be a controversial subject amongst medical professionals. That's why it's important to not only assess for tongue or lip tie, but to consider baby's whole muscular function when it comes to feeding.

The Osteopaths at Vibe Natural Health in Brisbane treat babies every day. When our Osteopath's see a baby presenting with feeding problems or suspected tongue or lip tie, they will:

  • Assess your baby's structure as a whole.
  • Assess your baby's skull shape - which can affect the palate in the mouth, movement of the jaw, and movement of the neck and shoulders.
  • Gently treat any restriction or disfunction in the musculoskeletal system, with the goal of assisting your baby to move freely and easily.

Baby's body can be restricted in utero or from the process of being born. Getting these things moving well may improve the way baby feeds and ensures that a holistic view is taken to helping baby feed better, rather than only focusing on the issue of tongue or lip tie - which may or may not be part of the problem.

Some signs that your baby may have a feeding problem include:

  • Can only feed well on one side if breastfeeding
  • Constantly restless throughout feeding
  • Loses attachment frequently
  • Feels more like a biting rather than sucking action
  • Can hear them taking in a lot of air/gulping air during feeding

Our Osteopaths can assess these issues with their extensive training in the musculoskeletal field. When treating babies, gentle techniques with minimal pressure are used to address any issues of the head, neck, jaw, back and shoulders that may help improve latch. If the problem is a tongue tie, Osteopathy may help to aid the adjustment process before and after surgical or laser tongue tie release or frenectomy. Treatments would aim to reduce tension through the neck and jaw, correct any alignment issues through the head, neck, jaw and shoulders, and calm down the nervous system.

You and your baby

in great hands

Book your Osteopathy Appointment

What to expect during your baby's osteopathic session

Initial Osteopathic consultations for babies at Vibe Natural Health in Brisbane are for up to one hour, where we really get to know you and your child. We take a comprehensive health history before doing any hands on work to ensure that we assess your baby and his / her unique situation in a holistic manner.

Dr Emma then uses a series of very gentle techniques that address any areas of imbalance in the musculoskeletal system and may help to balance the nervous system. This may have a flow on effect to assist colic and reflux in babies.

Follow up consultations are for half an hour. Emma enjoys working as an Osteopath treating babies and children and has joined the team at Vibe Natural Health in Brisbane so she can work alongside a team of family focused team of Naturopaths, Nutritionists, Chiropractors, Acupuncturists and Massage therapists, dedicated to looking after the health of you and your children.

PRICING Emma Kopcikas:

Initial Consultation (Under 10 yrs) - 30 minutes - $120

Follow Up Consultation - 30 minutes - $115

Meet the Osteopaths at Vibe Natural Health Brisbane

Emma Kopcikas Osteopath North BrisbaneEmma Kopcikas

"As I have spent my life surrounded by fitness, I do have a special interest in sporting injuries. From rising stars to weekend warriors, the ability to recover and keep going with your sporting and fitness goals is important to me.

I definitely have an interest in treating babies and children. I never get tired of watching how quickly they respond to treatment. I want to do whatever I can to give a child the best possible start to life whether they are new born, on the move or starting big school."

 

 

 

 

 

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