Face, jaw, head or chest tension patterns can affect the body's ability to coordinate sucking, swallowing and breathing. The sinuses of a baby are tiny but the nasal passages and throat must be clear and open to allow the baby to breathe while feeding. Head tension patterns often reflect in the face. Cranial sessions can help resolve any membranous tension in the head, allowing the face to move and work properly.

Early help may often mean early resolution of feeding issues which prevents milk stasis from interfering with milk production and makes mastitis or nipple damage less likely.

Breastfeeding is dynamic and, as mentioned earlier, involves many muscles acting on the bones of the head, neck and chest. They move the face, jaw, throat and chest in sucking (at the rate of about one suck a second), swallowing and in breathing. The head and neck nerves (C1-3 especially) are important in conducting this symphony of movements.

Breathing is most important. Any breathing issue no matter how minor will affect feeding and must be treated first. The head, neck, throat, diaphragm and chest must all be checked for any restriction that may influence breathing. These restrictions may be small but their effect might be significant.

Restoring even a small degree of motion at key areas makes a big difference to the wellbeing of the baby.

Birthing practices affect breastfeeding and also the way the palate develops. Early events such as the cord being clamped too early or cut too quickly, stalled, short labour or induction, the use of forceps, ventouse or C section and the drugs used in labour (which reduce babies early respiration and the strength of the first breath) can all influence the mechanics, shape and function of the palate and cause narrower arches. It is not our intention to question a mum's birth experience or to engender a feeling of despair. Good, sensible birth preparation of both body and mind is sensible, and cranial osteopathy may do much to resolve these difficulties.

Inappropriate use of dummies (pacifiers) may also have an impact and mum is best taking advice about their use, if she can. Tongue tie or a short lip frenulum can also affect the development of the primary dentition and be associated with a high palate or larger gaps between teeth.

Establishing good breastfeeding habits early gives the best chance for good oral and throat development, as well as seeking help for any problems that present themselves, before milk flow is affected.

Seeking an experienced breast feeding counsellor/lactation consultant and cranial osteopath is well advised, alongside advice from your other caregivers.