Poor Latch in Infants: Could NeuroStructural Chiropractic Help?

By Dr. Evan R. Christman, DC

Premier Chiropractic | Bel Air, Maryland

Poor latch is one of the most common breastfeeding challenges new parents encounter. Some infants struggle to latch effectively, nurse on only one side, become fussy during feedings, make clicking sounds while nursing, or cause persistent maternal nipple discomfort.

While breastfeeding difficulties can have many causes, one often-overlooked factor is the function of the infant’s nervous system. At Premier Chiropractic, we evaluate whether NeuroStructural Shifts may be affecting the communication between the brain and body that is necessary for successful feeding.

If you’re unfamiliar with our approach, learn more about NeuroStructural Chiropractic and how nervous system function influences overall health and development.

Poor Latch May Involve More Than the Mouth

Successful nursing depends on much more than the lips and tongue. An infant must coordinate sucking, swallowing, breathing, jaw movement, tongue movement, and neck mobility while maintaining a comfortable feeding position.

Because these functions are coordinated by the nervous system, efficient communication between the brain and body plays an important role in a baby’s ability to feed effectively. When that communication is functioning properly, babies are often better able to perform the complex movements necessary for successful breastfeeding.

Research has demonstrated important relationships between breastfeeding and infant growth, neurological development, and overall health outcomes. Parents interested in learning more can review the peer-reviewed article Relationship Between Breastfeeding and Infant Development.

Could Birth Stress Play a Role?

The birth process places significant forces on an infant’s head, neck, and spine. While most babies adapt remarkably well, some may develop areas of tension or NeuroStructural Shifts that influence movement patterns, comfort, and nervous system function during the early weeks and months of life.

Parents commonly report concerns such as poor latch, difficulty nursing on one side, a head-turning preference, excessive arching, difficulty with tummy time, or ongoing feeding challenges despite lactation support.

Published case reports have described improvements in feeding, cervical mobility, jaw function, and breastfeeding difficulties following gentle chiropractic care in some infants experiencing birth-related musculoskeletal challenges. Additional research is needed to better understand these relationships.

What Is a NeuroStructural Shift?

At Premier Chiropractic, we evaluate for NeuroStructural Shifts that may create what we refer to as an Obstruction within the nervous system. An Obstruction is a communication interruption that may affect how the brain and body work together.

Because feeding depends on coordinated movement, muscle function, and neurological control, these disruptions may contribute to breastfeeding challenges in some infants. Our goal is not simply to address symptoms but to identify and correct underlying NeuroStructural issues that may be affecting nervous system performance.

What Does an Infant Evaluation Involve?

A NeuroStructural infant evaluation is gentle and non-invasive. During the examination, we assess head and neck positioning, spinal balance, range of motion, neurological indicators, and areas of tension that may be affecting normal function.

The goal is to determine whether NeuroStructural Shifts could be contributing to feeding challenges or other concerns observed by parents. Many families choose to schedule a consultation before beginning care so they can ask questions and determine whether a NeuroStructural evaluation is appropriate for their child.

Gentle Chiropractic Care for Infants

One of the most common questions parents ask is, “How can you adjust a baby?”

The answer often surprises them.

NeuroStructural Chiropractic corrections for infants use approximately the same amount of pressure you would use to test the ripeness of a tomato or the amount of pressure you could comfortably place on your own closed eyelid. There is no forceful twisting, cracking, or popping.

Because an infant’s nervous system is highly responsive, very little force is required to deliver a specific correction. The purpose is not to force the body into position but to provide a precise neurological stimulus that helps the body recognize and correct a NeuroStructural Shift.

Most infants remain calm during the procedure, and some sleep right through it.

When Should a Baby With Poor Latch Be Evaluated?

A NeuroStructural evaluation may be worth considering if your infant experiences:

• Poor latch
• Difficulty maintaining a latch
• Difficulty nursing on one side
• Clicking during feeding
• Reflux-like symptoms
• Head-turning preference
• Torticollis
• Persistent feeding difficulties

Early evaluation may help identify structural and neurological factors that could be contributing to breastfeeding challenges.

Schedule a Consultation

Premier Chiropractic provides NeuroStructural Chiropractic care for infants and families throughout Bel Air, Forest Hill, Fallston, Abingdon, Churchville, and Harford County.

If your infant is experiencing poor latch, breastfeeding difficulties, or a persistent head-turning preference, a NeuroStructural evaluation may help determine whether underlying structural or neurological factors are contributing.

Learn more about Pediatric NeuroStructural Chiropractic, What Is a NeuroStructural Shift?, or Schedule a Consultation to determine whether NeuroStructural Chiropractic may be appropriate for your child.

About the Author

Dr. Evan R. Christman has been serving the Bel Air community since 1998 and is the founder of Premier Chiropractic. He focuses on NeuroStructural Chiropractic care for infants, children, and adults using objective findings to identify and correct NeuroStructural Shifts that may interfere with optimal nervous system function.