Breastfeeding Part 2

THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE CRANIUM, FACIAL BONES AND ORAL CAVITY

In a previous post I have explained the nutritional and immunological aspects of breastfeeding. There is another compelling benefit to breastfeeding: It is important for the correct development of the cranium, facial bones and oral cavity.

First of all, let me explain you some basic concepts without which it would be difficult to understand.

Sucking and swallowing become fully established around week 33 in the uterine life.

The swallowing of the amniotic fluid represents a daily exercise that allows the foetus to stimulate the maturation of structures such as palate, lips, tongue and pharynx. This development will carry on once we’re born.

At the time we’re born we have 14 underdeveloped bones in the cranium that need to be stimulated by the mechanical activity of sucking and swallowing. Since the largest increment of cranial and facial development occurs within the first 4 years of life, how we develop in those early years impact on our development greatly!

This is one of the reasons why I am a strong advocate of early osteopathic assessment and treatment! I believe it can make a big difference in the child’s growth and overall health.

Bones are alive and constantly “remodelled” throughout life by several processes, one of which is movement.

The key to the importance of breastfeeding from an oral cavity development perspective, is that breastfeeding develops a proper peristaltic / rocker action of the tongue. This correct / normal motion of the tongue is what dictates the shape of the oral cavity, teeth position, airways (nose, mouth..) and facial form.

One of the tenets of osteopathy is that body structures and functions, are strictly interrelated, they influence each other. If any body parts is under undue tension, it will negatively impact on the function that, that body part has to perform.

This concept is perfectly illustrated in this area.

If the tongue is not correctly positioned in the oral cavity or its correct movement is impeded, due to a tongue-tie or abnormal tensions in the child’s body, it can affect things such as the proper U shape development of the palate, with possible consequences later on, on mastication, position of teeth, speech etc.

The development of muscles around the mouth, involved with breastfeeding, is also very important.

Breastfeeding requires coordinated efforts of all the muscles of the mouth and jaw. During breastfeeding, infants have to ‘exercise’ all these muscles.

When the infant grasps the mother’s nipple with his/her tongue against the palate, this causes movement of the bones that make up the cranium.

The micro motions from the infant suckling, cause stimulation to the growth centres of the facial bones, to grow and develop normally.

The intra-oral vacuum required during sucking on the breast, helps also remoulding and the resolving of retained compressive forces in the baby’s head due to the birth process.

The suction created with breastfeeding helps to clear the Eustachian tube and inner ears of any fluid build-up. This prevents the build-up of a fertile breeding ground for bacteria, thus preventing ear infections. This suction also stimulates the pumping of the lymphatic system. This system serves as a transport mechanism for the white blood cells necessary for an immune response.

It is also very important to make sure that the child takes the milk from both breasts to ensure a symmetric development of bones.

Everything in nature has been designed to allow our bodies to growth with optimum health.
Osteopathy draws from this principle. The treatment aim is to restore the natural body balance. A balance that is unique for each of us.

Find out more about osteopathy for children and  Get in touch to discuss how i can help your child.