I have asked Dr. Sharon Vallone, a chiropractor who specializes in the
treatment of infants and children, to comment on the discussion on palatial
manipulation. I have forwarded her reponse below. Hope they are of help.
Kathleen Fallon Pasakarnis, M.Ed. IBCLC
Nurturing Family Lactation and Parenting Services
Kathy,
I would certainly like to add to the discussion on Lact Net about palatal
remodeling, that cranial manipulation (osteopathic and chiropractic) has
assisted in shifting an altered palate when the neonate has sustained
abnormal forces during gestation (in utero constraint, sucking on their own
hand, etc.) and labor and delivery (i.e. pelvic disproportion, the fetal lie,
extension of the cervical spine as well as the use of forceps or vacuum
suction).
Cranial molding due to such forces can result in a shift of the facial bones,
the integrity of the temporomandibular joint or a change in the cranial vault
that would effect not only the position of the bones that make up the palate,
but the muscles that affect the action of the jaw and create forces that
continue to mold the cranium aberrantly.
Craniosacral therapy and gentle, nonforce forms of cranial adjusting and
myofascial release have been successfully employed to help improve the
articular restrictions that result in an altered palatal shape and
unsuccessful latch and suckle. These technics can be employed by a myriad of
healthcare professionals, chiropractors and osteopaths, medical physicians
interested in manual medicine, as well as physical therapists, occupational
therapsists, massage therapists, dentists and orthodontists. Not all of the
aforementioned professionals practice this art so networking to find the
people who are experienced is important!
I strongly encourage that you seek out not only a person trained in
craniosacral technics, but one who is comfortable working with infants. The
vulnerability of the neonate and the breastfeeding dyad demands immediate
attention, well developed manual skills and an understanding of how to assist
the nursing couple, or a close working relationship with an ICBLC to provide
in conjunction, both the mechanical therapy as well as the functional and
ergonomic guidelines to assure a successful outcome.
Including the parents is important and can also improve your outcome. I have
demonstrated many simple technics to IBCLC's and parents to gently encourage
proper muscular activity using gentle stroking and fingertip massage. The
very nature of a parent's loving touch can be one of the strongest tools
employed in remodeling the cranium.
Thanks for the opportunity to contribute my thoughts, Kathy!
Sharon A. Vallone, DC, DICCP
Hartford/Tolland, Connecticut
Kentuckiana Children's Center, Louisville, KY
"What the caterpiller calls the end of the world, the master calls a
butterfly."
***********************************************
To temporarily stop your subscription: set lactnet nomail
To start it again: set lactnet mail (or digest)
To unsubscribe: unsubscribe lactnet
All commands go to [log in to unmask]
The LACTNET mailing list is powered by L-Soft's renowned
LISTSERV(R) list management software together with L-Soft's LSMTP(TM)
mailer for lightning fast mail delivery. For more information, go to:
http://www.lsoft.com/LISTSERV-powered.html
|
