Physiotherapy in Breastfeeding is a specialized branch of physical therapy dedicated to supporting the mother-baby dyad. This specialty focuses on assessing, diagnosing, and treating any breastfeeding-related issues that may be causing difficulties during this period. As an expert in breastfeeding physical therapy, they work closely with mothers and their babies to identify and resolve issues that may interfere with a successful and comfortable breastfeeding experience.
What types of problems can be assessed and addressed by Breastfeeding Physiotherapy?
- Problems with latching and/or sucking in the baby.
- Baby's discomfort during or between feedings.
- Sleepy or irritable baby.
- Eternal or overly recurrent shots.
- Weight loss or poor weight gain in the baby.
- Pain in the nipple or breast and cracks.
- Noises and clicking when breastfeeding or taking a bottle.
- Ankyloglossia and post-frenotomy or post-frenectomy rehabilitation.
- Retrognathia, cleft palate, cleft lip
- Infant colic, gas and constipation
- Gastroesophageal reflux and vomiting.
- Lack or excess production of breast milk in the mother.
- Engorgement, obstructions and mastitis in the breasts.
When to attend a Breastfeeding Physiotherapy session?
Tips for Successful Breastfeeding and Troubleshooting Common Problems
Before Birth:
If you are pregnant and planning to breastfeed, I recommend that you attend a prenatal consultation. At this consultation, I will inform you about the factors that contribute to a good start to breastfeeding. I will guide you through common problems and warning signs to look out for. My goal is to give you the tools you need to deal with any difficulties from the beginning.
After Birth:
If you have already given birth and are facing breastfeeding problems such as pain, cracking, low weight gain in your baby, prolonged feedings, drowsiness while breastfeeding, irritability, gas, noises or clicking when breastfeeding, poor sleep, constipation, unusual stools, preference for one breast, difficulty in opening the baby's mouth, suspected tongue tie or ankyloglossia, breast engorgement, blockages or mastitis, we are here to help you.
Artificial Lactation:
If you choose artificial breastfeeding or need to resort to it and you notice problems such as poor bottle suction, excessive gas, noises during feeding, milk spillage or any of the symptoms mentioned above, we can advise you to ensure adequate and comfortable feeding for your baby.
Evaluation and Treatment:
In cases of difficulty with breastfeeding, whether breastfeeding or formula, I will perform a complete assessment of your baby and his feeding habits. My focus is on identifying the cause of the problem in order to offer effective treatment and improve the feeding experience for both of you.
What is a Breastfeeding Physiotherapy session with Fisiopequeando like?
Personalized Breastfeeding Counseling: Consultation and Home Care
Initial Consultation:
We will begin with a personalized interview, either in the office or at home. This interview will allow me to learn the medical history of the mother and the baby, including details of the pregnancy, the birth, the first hours and days of life up to the present time.
Comprehensive Assessment:
During the consultation, we will review a breastfeeding session to assess latch, postures and positions, sucking, and noises during feeding. It is essential to assess the neuromusculoskeletal status of the baby, including his skull, face, spine, pelvis, tongue, orofacial system, reflexes, and general movements. Based on what we find, I will propose a personalized treatment and action plan, addressing the affected structures.
Nursing Mother Care:
I will also assess the condition of the nursing mother's breasts, her milk production, the presence of pain, and the efficiency with which the baby empties the breast. We will work together on handling the baby during feedings, offering techniques to improve latch-on and feeding efficiency, especially in cases of prolonged feedings or if the baby is not gaining enough weight.
Support in Artificial Breastfeeding:
If bottle feeding is done, I will review a feeding session to see how the baby handles the feed and we will adjust the feeding technique if necessary.
Comprehensive Breastfeeding Guidance:
We will discuss all aspects related to breastfeeding, including supplementation and the use of breast pumps. We will talk about the different options and techniques according to the specific needs of each case.
Commitment and Support:
I am committed to advising and supporting families in this beautiful stage of life, offering my experience and knowledge for the care and treatment of your little one.
