Newborn Latching and Feeding Difficulties: Osteopathic Evaluation and Treatment

Newborn latching and feeding difficulties can be a source of stress for both infants and parents during the early stages of life. When a baby struggles to latch effectively, feed comfortably, or gain weight consistently, it may signal underlying tension or restriction in the musculoskeletal system that affects function. At a practice specializing in Osteopathic Neuromusculoskeletal Medicine, we provide gentle, hands-on evaluation and treatment to support infants experiencing latching and feeding difficulties, helping promote comfort, coordination, and healthy development.

Understanding Latching and Feeding Difficulties

Feeding is one of a newborn’s most complex early skills to learn, requiring coordinated movement of the tongue, jaw, and neck along with proper breathing and swallowing. When any of these systems are restricted, latching and feeding can become inefficient for the infant and may be painful for the nursing parent. Symptoms of latching and feeding difficulties may include poor suction, frequent slipping from the breast or bottle, prolonged feeding times, excessive gas, irritability during or after feeding, and uneven weight gain.

They can be associated with other common newborn conditions including:

·      Torticollis or a twist in the head and neck due to tight neck muscles (Please see Plagiocephaly and Torticollis)

·      Plagiocephaly or a flattened head often due to head positioning (Please see Plagiocephaly and Torticollis)

·      Reflux and spitting up

·      Colic and fussiness

·      Sleeping challenges

Osteopathic medicine recognizes that subtle strains from birth—whether from a prolonged labor, vacuum assistance, or surgical birth—can influence how an infant’s cranial bones, neck, or jaw move and function, contributing to challenges with latching and feeding.

Common Causes and Contributing Factors

Several structural and functional factors may lead to newborn latching and feeding difficulties, including:

·       Neck, face, or jaw tension resulting from positioning during pregnancy or from birth strain.

·       Cranial molding or asymmetry after birth.

·       Restricted tongue, lip, or palate movement (sometimes accompanying “tongue-tie”).

·       Feeding position or latch technique challenges.

When these restrictions are present, a baby may struggle to maintain an effective latch, transfer milk or formula efficiently, or feed comfortably—potentially leading to frustration, fatigue, and altered feeding behaviors over time.

Who Is Affected

Latching and feeding difficulties can affect babies born by any method, though babies who experienced complicated, assisted, or prolonged births are at higher risk. Both breast- and bottle-fed infants may exhibit signs of feeding dysfunction. Parents often notice early challenges such as clicking sounds during feeding, milk dribbling, or discomfort during nursing. Addressing these issues promptly is important to support successful feeding and optimize early growth and bonding.

The Role of Osteopathic Neuromusculoskeletal Medicine

Osteopathic Neuromusculoskeletal Medicine provides a safe, gentle, and holistic approach to treating newborn latching and feeding difficulties. An Osteopathic Physician (DO) trained in this specialty evaluates the baby’s cranial, spinal, and limb structures to identify subtle restrictions that may hinder feeding function. Treatment uses extremely light pressure and specialized techniques such as cranial osteopathy, balanced ligamentous tension, and myofascial release to ease strain, enhance mobility, and support the infant’s natural feeding coordination.

By relieving soft tissue tension and optimizing the movement of the jaw, tongue, and neck, Osteopathic treatment can help infants feed more effectively and comfortably. This approach also supports relaxation, digestion, and respiratory function—key components of overall newborn health.

When addressing latching and feeding concerns, your baby will likely also show an improvement in other commonly associated conditions including torticollis or twisted neck, plagiocephaly or head flattening, reflux and spitting up, colic and fussiness, difficulty sleeping, and so on.

Seeking Care for Feeding Concerns

If your newborn continues to struggle with latching, experiences prolonged or stressful feeding sessions, or shows signs of discomfort, Osteopathic evaluation may offer meaningful support. Gentle, early intervention can improve function, enhance feeding success, and reduce parental stress in the early weeks of life. Osteopathic care is appropriate as a complementary approach alongside lactation consulting, pediatric care, and feeding therapy.

Our practice is dedicated to supporting infants and families experiencing newborn latching and feeding difficulties through careful evaluation and gentle, hands-on treatment. If your baby is experiencing feeding challenges, we encourage you to schedule an appointment with Dr. Levi. Our goal is to provide effective, compassionate care that fosters comfort, coordination, and healthy development for your newborn.

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A Special Note…

*Dr. Levi acknowledges the early postpartum period to be a crucial transitional time for both newborns and their families.*

Dr. Levi acknowledges that the care of a new baby involves a profound shift in day-to-day body mechanics for all parents and caregivers, regardless of their direct or indirect involvement in the birthing and feeding of the baby.  Adjusting to lifting and holding an infant, sleep disturbances, and new life stressors can contribute to the surfacing of new health ailments and body concerns.  If you are experiencing neck and shoulder tension, wrist and hand pain, worsening of migraines/ headaches, TMJ pain, back pain, etc., you are encouraged to schedule an appointment with Dr. Levi.

Dr. Levi also offers specialized care for the birthing parent during pregnancy and the postpartum period (Please see Pregnancy and Postpartum).  She has additional training in Osteopathic treatment of common concerns of the Nursing Dyad (baby + nursing parent).  For the nursing parent, this can include conditions such as neck, upper back or rib pain; hand and wrist pain such as de Quervain’s tenosynovitis or carpal tunnel syndrome; milk supply issues including “clogged” ducts or mastitis; and so on. If you are experiencing these conditions, you are encouraged to schedule an appointment with Dr. Levi.