Can Speech Pathologists Help with Breastfeeding?

Can Speech Pathologists Help with Breastfeeding?
Breastfeeding is often regarded as one of the most natural and essential acts a mother can perform for her infant. Yet, for many mothers, breastfeeding can be fraught with challenges such as soreness, bleeding, pain, and various feeding issues. These difficulties can lead to feelings of frustration and inadequacy. While lactation consultants, specifically International Board Certified Lactation Consultants (IBCLCs), are typically the first professionals mothers turn to, speech pathologists also play a critical role in addressing breastfeeding issues, particularly those related to oral motor function.

Understanding Oral Motor Function in Infants

Oral motor function refers to the movement and coordination of the muscles in the mouth, lips, tongue, and cheeks. For effective breastfeeding, an infant needs to latch properly, which requires coordinated movements of these muscles. Speech pathologists are experts in diagnosing and treating oral motor dysfunctions, which can significantly impact breastfeeding.

Structural Issues Affecting Breastfeeding

Several oral motor issues can interfere with an infant's ability to breastfeed effectively. These include tongue tie, lip tie, and buccal ties.

• Tongue Tie (Ankyloglossia): Tongue tie, or ankyloglossia, is a condition where the strip of tissue connecting the tongue to the floor of the mouth is tight than expected. This restricts the tongue's movement, making it difficult for the infant to latch properly onto the breast. Signs of tongue tie include difficulty lifting the tongue, trouble moving the tongue from side to side, and a heart-shaped tongue tip when extended. This condition can cause significant pain and nipple damage for the mother and poor milk transfer for the baby. A tongue tie can be present by itself, or in combination with a lip tie.
• Lip Tie: A lip tie is present when the tissue connecting the upper lip to the gums is too tight, limiting the upper lip's movement. This condition can prevent a baby from achieving a deep latch, leading to inadequate milk intake and sore nipples for the mother. A lip tie typically means there is a tongue tie, compounding feeding difficulties.
• Buccal Ties: Buccal ties refer to tight bands of tissue that restrict the movement of the cheeks. These ties can prevent an infant from forming a proper seal while breastfeeding, leading to inefficient feeding and discomfort for the mother.
  
  

How Speech Pathologists Can Help

Speech pathologists, with their expertise in oral motor function, are well-equipped to identify and treat these issues. They employ various techniques to improve oral motor skills, ensuring that infants can latch effectively and feed comfortably.
Assessment and Diagnosis: A thorough assessment is the first step in addressing breastfeeding challenges. Speech pathologists conduct comprehensive evaluations to identify any oral motor dysfunctions. This includes examining the infant's mouth structure, muscle tone, and movement patterns. They also observe the breastfeeding process to pinpoint specific issues affecting latch and milk transfer.
Treatment Strategies: Once an assessment is complete, speech pathologists develop individualized treatment plans tailored to the infant's needs. These plans may include: 

• Oral Motor Exercises: Targeted exercises can strengthen the muscles involved in sucking, swallowing, and breathing. These exercises help improve tongue mobility, lip closure, and cheek muscle strength, facilitating a more effective latch. 
  
• Techniques for Improving Latch: Speech pathologists teach mothers various techniques to achieve a deeper and more comfortable latch. This may involve different breastfeeding positions, strategies for encouraging wide mouth opening, and tips for maintaining a good latch throughout the feeding session. 
  
• Addressing Dysphagia: Dysphagia, or difficulty swallowing, can sometimes accompany oral motor issues. Speech pathologists can identify signs of dysphagia and provide appropriate interventions to ensure safe and efficient feeding. 
  

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Collaboration with IBCLCs

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Speech pathologists often work closely with IBCLCs to provide comprehensive care. This collaborative approach ensures that all aspects of breastfeeding, from milk supply to latch mechanics, are addressed. 

The Importance of Early Intervention

Early intervention is crucial for addressing breastfeeding challenges effectively. Infants with untreated oral motor dysfunctions may experience poor weight gain, prolonged feeding times, and increased maternal discomfort. By seeking help from a speech pathologist early on, mothers can prevent these issues from escalating and ensure a positive breastfeeding experience.

When to Seek Help 

Mothers should consider seeking help from a speech pathologist if they notice any of the following signs: 

• Persistent pain during breastfeeding despite proper latch techniques
  
• Bleeding or blistering nipples
• Infant's difficulty latching or staying latched
  
• Poor weight gain or slow growth
  
• Clicking or smacking sounds during feeding
  
• Lip blisters on the infant
• Excessive gassiness or fussiness after feeds
  
• Excessive reflux after feeding
• Visible signs of tongue tie, lip tie, or buccal ties 
  

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Conclusion

Breastfeeding can be a challenging journey, but with the right support, mothers and infants can overcome these difficulties. Speech pathologists play a vital role in addressing oral motor issues that impact breastfeeding. Through comprehensive assessments, individualized treatment plans, and collaboration with other professionals like IBCLCs, speech pathologists help ensure that both mothers and infants have a positive breastfeeding experience. If you or someone you know is struggling with breastfeeding, consider reaching out to a speech pathologist for support.

At Thrive Speech, Feeding, & Myofunctional Therapy, we are dedicated to helping families navigate these challenges and achieve successful breastfeeding relationships. By addressing oral motor dysfunctions early on, speech pathologists not only alleviate pain and discomfort for mothers but also promote healthy growth and development for infants. Contact Thrive today to speak to a speech language pathologist.