Presentation Information

Identifying and Addressing Compensations and Inefficient Movement Patterns in the Tongue-Tied Baby

• Speaker: Allyson Wessells , PT, IBCLC
• Presentation Type:
• Duration: 60 Mins
• Credits: 1 CERP, 1 Nursing CEU, 1 CME

Abstract:

Knowledge of whole-body movement, reflexes, and posture as related to breastfeeding is essential to IBCLC competency. A newborn human emerges from a physiological flexed position from which gradual unwinding occurs over months. Functional breastfeeding facilitates unwinding, requiring upper body extension, reflexive movement, and reciprocal posturing between each breast. Compensatory breastfeeding inhibits movement progression, coordination of upper body posture, lower body stability and the reflexive motion expected for functional feeding. Examples of compensations during feeding may include chomping, limited jaw gaping, excessive jaw excursion, clicking, arching, burrowing, and whole-body restlessness. Signs of compensations can include lip blistering, favoring one side, head turning preference, and overactive or underactive reflexes. All should be assessed and optimized in preparation for oral restriction assessment. This presentation will focus on improving posture, infant-led/reflexive breast attachment, feeding frequency/motor memory, and emotional well-being before and after frenectomy. Identifying and addressing whole body compensations and inefficient movement patterns will be reviewed. Resources for expanding expertise as well as when care beyond one’s own expertise may be necessary will be provided. Presented by an IBCLC/physical therapist, breastfeeding as a vital sign and first movement milestone in need of more definition as such across the healthcare continuum will be underscored.