Understanding Latch Dysfunction: A Whole-Body Approach

With our fantastic pediatric Chiropractor, Dr. Karishma

You may have been told to “just put the baby on the breast”—but quickly realized it’s not always that simple. Maybe the latch is painful. Feeds are taking up your entire day. Your baby seems frustrated, or never quite satisfied. What many parents don’t realize is that feeding is actually a highly coordinated skill between you and your baby—not just something that automatically “clicks.”

Feeding is a Full-Body Effort, Not Just the Mouth

Breastfeeding and bottle-feeding both rely on biomechanics. In the newborn, it’s not just the mouth, it’s the whole upper body working together. Similar to desk posture, there are more optimal ergonomics that can support an easier feed. Here is a simplified break down on what’s involved:

1. Turning towards the Breast or Bottle (Neck Rotation)

   
   

Before anything else, your baby needs to be able to comfortably turn their head toward you. This seems instinctive—and it is— but if there’s tension through the neck, shoulders, or mid-back, this movement can be limited.

You might notice:

• A head preference (or preference for one breast)

• Irritability or arching of your baby’s back

• Clenched fists or a generally “tense” baby

2. Chin Up, Not Tucked (Head Extension) 

The head will be the heaviest part of your newborn that needs to be supported to allow the chin to be up against the breast. This position helps support your baby in opening their mouth wider, achieving a deeper latch, directing the milk passage from the nipple to the back of the throat or high palate, and breathing comfortably during feeds.

If this position is restricted, you might notice:

• Your baby’s chin tucked into their chest

• A shallow latch (most of your areola around the nipple is not covered)

• Frequent unlatching

3. A Wide, Deep Latch (Jaw Opening)

A good latch is deep, requiring the mouth to open wide and take in enough breast tissue when feeding. A wide gape allows your baby to use the muscles of the cheeks, lips, and jaw effectively to suck, rather than compress the nipple with their lips, allowing for greater efficiency.

If jaw opening is limited, you may notice:

• Nipple pain, or a flattened or compressed nipple

• Inward curling of your baby’s lips (or lip blisters - can look like very dry lips)

• Milk leaking from the sides of your baby’s mouth

4. Tongue Function (The Real Workhorse)

The tongue does most of the work during a feed. It needs to cup around the breast, protract forward, and create a smooth, wave-like motion for milk transfer.

While the main consequence of limited tongue function is inefficient feeding (or prolonged feeding times), you may also notice:

• Clicking sounds at the breast

• Falling asleep at the breast without a full feed

• Gassiness or increased air intake

You may have heard of the term “tongue-tie” which occurs when the frenulum (the tissue that connects the underside of the tongue to the floor of the mouth) is shortened and restricts tongue movement. While this can impact feeding, it is important to know that not all breastfeeding challenges are “tongue-ties” or structural in nature - many are related to tension, coordination, and positioning.

When Feeding Feels Harder than it Should

When one or more of the above isn’t working well, feeding can feel extremely stressful, painful and never-ending. Most importantly, it is not a reflection of you or your effort. 

Studies have found that latch difficulties and pain are among the most commonly reported reasons mothers stop breastfeeding earlier than they intended (Odom et al., 2013).

In other words, support early on can make a big difference.

Why Chiropractic Care is a Great Fit

Chiropractors are recognized experts in treating conditions of the muscle, joints, and nervous system - every mechanical step noted above is in our scope of care. Chiropractic care for infants is gentle, thorough, and collaborative.

Gentle body work and guidance may help:

• Reduce areas of tension in your newborn

• Improve the range of motion of the tongue, neck, and/or jaw

• Reduce pain during feeds

• Support more efficient feeding mechanics long-term

Common Signs of Newborn Feeding Difficulties

• Difficulty latching or staying latched

• Clicking or leaking milk

• Preference for one breast/side

• Gassiness or reflux-like symptoms

• Parental pain during feeds

Trust Your Instincts

Whether you’re a first-time parent or not, your instincts are strong. If something feels off, it’s worth exploring with a complimentary consultation with one of our experienced pediatric chiropractors. Feeding doesn’t have to feel this hard—and with the right support, it often gets much easier.

Dr. Karishma Kapoor, D.C.