Infant Bodyworkers in Baltimore
What is Bodywork?
I often recommend bodywork for infants having trouble at breast, chest, or bottle. Pregnancy, labor and birth can be really hard on an infant’s body, they can easily get out of alignment. It means working with a chiropractor, craniosacral therapist, or occupational or physical therapist to improve body mechanics.
As part of my lactation assessment for baby, I look for:
-Asymmetry anywhere in the body
-A head turning preference, or preference laying one way or another
-Tightness in the body such as shoulders, jaw, hips
-Any compensations that may be in place due to limited oral function
Feeding at the breast/chest is a full body experience.
Babies should be able to plant their hands and feet to feel secure, tilt their head back and extend, and bring their jaw in first then gape widely to latch deeply. If a baby is really tight, preferring one side, and can’t relax into it, I will refer out for bodywork. Bodywork can also help prepare a baby for a tongue/lip tie procedure if that is part of the issue.
A skilled chiropractor can work on a baby’s nervous system, reflexes, and alignment. A craniosacral therapist can release tension in the soft tissue and calm the nervous system. Some babies may need OT/PT for complex issues such as plagiocephaly, torticollis or hypotonia.
Referrals are a way to build your care team, and collaboration is key to moving forward. All of us working together, with you and your baby, can help you reach your lactation goals. If you need an in-home lactation appointment in Baltimore, find more information here!
Research shows bodywork can:
-Be a safe and effective treatment
In Baltimore, we are lucky to have some great options!
Here are some Baltimore chiropractors, craniosacral therapists, and other therapy programs that help support lactation.
First Step Chiropractic: Dr. Pamela Woodward operates a family friendly office with a playroom for older kids. She does gentle adjustments prenatal/postpartum and for babies, children, and adults. Located in Mount Washington. Her office participates with many insurance plans.
Nourish & Align: Austin Rees is a Craniosacral therapist and IBCLC who is trained in a the TummyTime method. She will also do family adjustments or parent/infant or child adjustments together. Located in Mount Washington. Self-pay or HSA/FSA only.
Thrive Chiropractic: Dr. Sharon Dongarra provides gentle adjustments for infants and children in her office also located in Mount Washington. Her office participates with many insurance plans.
Pelvic Pride: Pelvic Pride’s office now offers “Baby & Me” therapy. Their therapists can provide pelvic floor therapy for the parent and therapy for torticollis, plagiocephaly, and/or gross motor skills for your baby at the same time. They are in South Baltimore near Cross Street Market. Self-pay or HSA/FSA only.
TOTs at Kennedy Krieger: The Tethered Oral Tissue (TOTs) program offers comprehensive care for families dealing with oral restrictions such as tongue or lip ties. They offer lactation support in tandem with speech therapy, occupational therapy, and physical therapy for breast/chest or bottle feeding babies. They participate with many insurance plans.
If you are experiencing difficulty breastfeeding, chestfeeding or combination feeding with a bottle, and live in the Baltimore metro area, submit your insurance to work with me today!
