On Fri, 10 Aug 2001 09:21:25 EDT Barbara Latterner <[log in to unmask]>
writes:
> Sharon, you stated:
>
> << The later you intervene, the more neurologic
>  programming has occurred and you need to override this programming
> with
>  healthier habits. >>
>
> Could you please explain what you mean by "override this programming
> with
> healthier habits?"
>
> What type of treatment is helpful for babies who are treated later
> in life,
> say 2-3 mos?  Sometimes moms won't consider chiro or CST until later
> when
> "tincture of time" has made no difference with suck.  Would
> appreciate your
> input; thanks.
>
> Barbara Latterner, BSN, RN, IBCLC
> Brewster, NY
>

Dear Barbara,

When a baby is born, the neurologic system is like a fresh chalk board.
All of their experiences (all senses and motor function) "ignite" the
system and begin to be recorded. Nerve pathways become "facilitated" as
an experience is repeated over and over again.  If an infant's
temporomandibular joint is tractioned during delivery and they do not
have proper excursion of the jaw (opening and closing the mouth...you see
it move right or left; the yawn or cry does not reveal a perfect "O" of a
mouth), their latch will probably not be optimum.  The muscle that
controls lip action will be pulled one way or the other so when it
contracts the lip will be "sucked" in. Just as in any exercise, the
incorrect muscle action will be reinforced at each feeding.  It is very
true that many infants "self correct" by suckling (another benefit of
breastfeeding): the tongue on the roof of the mouth serves to help
facilitate articulation of the cranial bones by pushing one bone into
another (the hard palate pushes the vomer which pushes the sphenobasilar
junction, etc.) which causes a domino effect of correction. Sometimes,
the trauma was too severe and they cannot self correct. This is when a
chiropractor or cranial therapist or massage therapist or a loving
mother's hand might assist them.

Anyway...after you correct the mechanical problem, the brain and muscles
only know the "old way" of suckling...whatever compensation they managed
to overcome the poor latch is the "programming" that needs to be
overridden with the experience of latching and suckling correctly.  I
just encourage mom's to be patient and keep gently assisting the
correction by following the IBCL's instructions (gently massaging the
mouth around the lips, gently pulling the lips out, etc.).  With a little
time and practice, they usually get the "hang of it" and new programming
has overridden the old programming.  The longer the baby has been doing
it (1 week vs. 3 months) the more patient you need to be with the infant
in relearning the process.  But I have never told anyone it's too late to
work with an infant.  The problem you see with nursing at this age, might
later be demonstrated by speech problems, dentition problems, etc. in
later life .

Hope that helps!

Sharon A. Vallone, DC, DICCP
Hartford, CT
Kentuckiana Children's Center
Louisville, KY

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