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Breastfeeding is a natural process, but it's not without its potential complications. For some babies, breastfeeding challenges can happen due to physical discomfort or structural issues. That's where Craniosacral Therapy (CST) comes in as a gentle, supportive treatment that can significantly benefit both mother and child.
Who is Qualified to Perform CST?
CST should be performed by a trained therapist – often these professionals come from a background in osteopathy, chiropractic, physiotherapy, lactation (IBCLC), speech pathology, or massage therapy, having completed additional specialized training in craniosacral therapy.
How CST Can Help Breastfeeding Babies
1. Oral Dysfunctions or Restrictions: Conditions such as a tongue-tie or lip-tie can be barriers to successful breastfeeding. CST can be a complementary therapy alongside medical treatment for these conditions. We provide personalized instructions and exercises before referring you. If a referral is made and a release is performed, we continue to personalize stretches and exercises to best achieve maximum range of motion, strength, and efficiency. A plan is put into place to help you reach your feeding goals.
2. Easing Birth Traumas: The birthing process can be stressful on an infant's body. Some of the things we can help with are a baby born by c-section, forceps or vacuum delivery, prolonged labor, difficult labor, or precipitous labor. CST is well known for its ability to release tension and ease the strain in a baby’s body, potentially correcting the misalignments that can hinder breastfeeding. CST has been shown to promote relaxation and reduce discomfort, making feeding times calmer and more successful.
3. Improving the Latch: An infant must be able to open their mouth wide and maintain a nicely sealed latch and suck on the breast for effective breastfeeding. CST may help improve these functions by releasing restrictions in the muscles and fascia around the mouth and jaw.
Bottle-feeding babies can also benefit greatly from all of these same techniques.
About our Cranial Sacral Therapist/ Myofascial Release Provider
Kristi, our CST/Myo facilitator, has completed coursework and over 100 clinical in-person hours of specialized training. Combining that with 25 years of experience working with pregnancy, new Moms, and babies, she provides a wealth of knowledge and hands-on techniques available to our online and local Richmond, Virginia Community.
As an IBCLC, International Board Certified Lactation Consultant, Kristi completed 1000+ clinical hours in education and research for infant and baby feeding, nutrition, and anatomy of the breast, muscles, cranial nerves, tendons, and fascia of the head, mouth, and upper body needed for feeding an infant, baby or toddler.
She currently heads up our Lactation Department and sees patients regularly in the office and some home visits.
She completed TOTS Training (Tethered Oral Tissues), Dysfunctional Labor Maneuvers, Dynamic Body Balancing, Spinning Babies, and Lamaze Childbirth Educator Training.
Additional education in Doula work for Birth and Postpartum Doula, Pregnancy and Postpartum Nutrition, and a few foundation courses with the Upledger Institute make her education advanced and well-rounded.
Kristi will have limited availability from Nov-Dec 2023 and more openings in January 2024. Contact us to set those appts up.
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