There is another modality that is very effective in helping infants with
sucking problems called Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine or OMM
(sometimes called OMT). I work as a lactation consultant at an osteopathic
hospital, MetroHealth, in Grand Rapids MI. After many years at another
hospital I was frustrated, given the short amount of time mothers and
babies are in the hospital, when I would come across a baby that I knew
had sucking problems due to birth trauma. I knew about Cranial Sacral
Therapy, and know it is very helpful, but there were very few
practitioners, and none I could refer to in the hospital. I learned of OMM
at Metro. Since working there, I daily see the benefits this gentle
manipulation has on infants and breastfeeding problems. OMM is performed
by Osteopathic physicians trained to work with babies. We are also very
fortunate to have our pediatricain/neonatologist very willing to order OMM
if the lactation consultant feels there is a need (he will also clip tight
frenulums if we see a need!)
The babies that seem to need OMM the most are long deliveries, fast
deliveries, scheduled c/s, babies with head molding, etc. If the baby
bites or tremors when sucking, if they "just don't get how to suck", tight
jaws etc.
The babies are placed on a memory foam pillow and the Physician performs
gentle cranial and spinal manipulation. You should see the infants faces
when they are receiving this gentle loving treatment. They look like they
are in bliss. Within 4 hours, of, especially the second treatment we
usually see dramatic suck changes. The babies can be seen outpatient also
to continue if necessary. Our babies breastfeed right after delivery and
we do alot of skin to skin, but sometimes that is not enough given the
tight time frame before mom goes home and the increased amount of medical
interventions. I also find babies tend to develope the sucking problems
about 18 hours after birth when the painful stresses of birth set in. Moms
can also receive OMM.
Our physicians are training many osteopaths to do this treament. There are
many fine osteopathic physicians, but they often need additional training
to work with the babies.
Sandy Wesorick RN, IBCLC
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www.breastfeedingguide.com
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