When a baby struggles with feeding, experiences excessive gas, or suffers from reflux, it can be an overwhelming and exhausting time for parents. During my consultations, when I’m seeing babies that are struggling to establish an effective latch, or babies whose mothers report they can’t open their mouths wide enough, it’s crucial to observe and assess positioning and attachment.
However, it’s equally important to assess the baby’s posture, look for any tension around the neck and jaw, and check tongue mobility to rule out a tongue tie. A restrictive tongue can limit movement and force babies to compensate by using other parts of the body, like the lips, jaw, cheeks and neck.
In many of these cases, I find that collaborating with an osteopath provides a more complete picture and more effective support for both baby and family. That’s why in this occasion I’ve teamed up with Zuzanna Matras Osteopathy, to co-author this blog.
In this blog, we’ll explore together the benefits of combining an IBCLC lactation consultation and a paediatric osteopathy session care for babies, and answer the 5 WH-questions: who we are, what we do, when to seek our help, how often to book sessions, and why this collaboration can be so beneficial for both babies and parents.
Who Are We?
We are Carla Corral, an IBCLC certified lactation consultant, neonatal intensive care nurse, and founder of Carla Corral Lactation Consultant, and Zuzanna Matras, a registered osteopath specialising in paediatric osteopathy in London and founder of Zuzanna Matras Osteopathy.
Our shared passion for early childhood health led us to collaborate, combining our specialities to support babies and their families in a holistic, personalised way. By blending expert lactation support and paediatric osteopathy, we provide comprehensive care that addresses both the physical and functional challenges babies may face, particularly around infant feeding, comfort, and development. For more insights on infant care, you can check out either of our blogs here: (Breastfeeding) (Osteopathy).
What Are Our Roles?
Carla’s role as an IBCLC lactation consultant is to provide compassionate, evidence-based feeding support. As a clinical breastfeeding expert, she will:
- Observe and correct feeding mechanics.
- Evaluate baby’s latch, sucking patterns, and positioning and attachment.
- Provide guidance on low milk supply, oversupply, or pumping concerns.
- Explore your baby’s mouth and assess for oral anatomy issues like tongue tie or other restrictions.
- Offer emotional support and personalised breastfeeding plans.
- Address your fears and concerns related to breastfeeding during pregnancy.
- Help resolve painful latching and improve milk transfer.
- Assist if you have concerns about your baby’s weight gain.
- Support mixed feeding and bottle feeding.
- Guide you through weaning, relactation, or inducing lactation if needed.
Zuzanna, as paediatric/cranial osteopath, uses gentle, hands-on techniques to address structural imbalances in the body. When working with babies, she focuses on:
- Gentle manual therapy (cranial and structural techniques) to release body tension.
- Postnatal support after difficult births (e.g. forceps, ventouse, or C-section deliveries).
- Releasing muscle tightness or stiffness.
- Performing baby posture and movement assessments.
- Supporting jaw, neck, and spinal alignment to improve latch.
- Educating parents on safe holding and carrying positions.
- Assisting with reflux, colic, unsettled behaviour, sleep disturbances, and excessive crying.
- Helping with other conditions like e.g. torticollis and) or plagiocephaly or brachycephaly (flat head syndrome).
When Should you Seek Lactation and Paediatric Osteopathy Support?
There are several reasons babies may show signs of discomfort or struggle during feeding. Our combined approach can be specifically helpful in situations such as:
- Your baby has trouble latching or is fussy while feeding.
- Breastfeeding sessions are either too long or too short.
- Your baby shows signs of reflux, trapped wind, or colic.
- Your infant displays head preferences, tension, or flat head syndrome.
- Your baby isn’t regaining birth weight or growing at the expected rate.
- Breastfeeding causes persistent pain or discomfort.
- Concerns about tongue tie or other oral mobility issues.
- You want expert guidance and reassurance about your baby’s feeding and development.
- Your baby experienced a challenging birth that may have affected body alignment.
- You want to prepare for a successful breastfeeding journey before birth.
How Often Should you Book Sessions?
There is no-size-fits-all number of sessions. Some families find reassurance after just one consultation with each of us, while others benefit from a few follow-ups based on their baby’s progress. Our recommendations are always individualised, but most families benefit from at least one follow-up to reassess improvements and optimise treatment after the initial session.
Why Is a Collaboration Between an IBCLC Lactation Consultant and a Paediatric Osteopath Essential?
Working together as a team allows us to deliver more effective, integrated care. We stay in regular contact about our shared patients to ensure your baby’s progress is tracked and coordinated. Our holistic model focuses on both the structural and functional needs of your child.
Together, we provide:
1. More accurate assessments: Carla focuses on latch and feeding, while Zuzanna examine muscle tension and joint mobility. Together, we provide a complete picture.
2. Root cause treatment: Feeding issues often stem from physical restrictions, releasing tension can resolve problems without more invasive interventions.
3. Better outcomes: Babies typically respond quicker to a combined approach. They feed more efficiently, gain weight better, and experience reduced reflux, gas and fussiness, while parents gain more confidence.
4. Reduced need for medication or procedures: Our proactive care may prevent unnecessary prescriptions or tongue tie procedures.
5. Holistic support for the whole family: With two professionals on your side, you’ll feel better support, more informed, and empowered.
By uncovering and treating the underlying causes of infant feeding challenges, we offer effective, non-invasive solutions that promote your baby’s development, well-being, and your confidence as a parent.
Looking for a paediatric osteopath in London or expert IBCLC lactation consultation care? Contact us to book a joint assessment and give your baby the best start in life.
