Breastfeeding, Latching, and Oral Development
As a new mom, you will hear over and over again that “breastfed is best”. There are many reasons why someone may not want to, or be able to, breastfeed. Whether that is a lactation issue, medical issue, or personal preference, making sure your baby is fed, even with formula, is what is most important. However, it is also important to be totally informed of all facets of breastfeeding so you can make the best choice for you and your family. Keep reading to learn more about how breastfeeding and latching go beyond nutrition and can set your baby up for proper oral development for life.
Benefits of Breastfeeding Beyond Nutrition
Your newborn baby’s oral development for the rest of their life begins at birth. Proper latch and breastfeeding will provide your child with not only milk and nutrition, but also with proper jaw alignment, muscle development, and the best possible chances for good dental health throughout their life.
Breastfeeding exercises the baby’s tongue, cheek, and lip muscles. Not only does it help them eat, but it will help them later with proper speech skills, eating solids, and teeth alignment.
Bottle feeding may cause tooth decay, especially in the front teeth, and a misaligned jaw. Later in life, this can cause TMJ issues, issues with eating solids, chronic pain, and facial abnormalities.
What is a Proper Latch?
If your baby latches onto your breast and it is comfortable for both you and your baby, then you are on the right path. Here are some signs of a good latch:
- The latch is comfortable and pain-free.
- Your baby’s chest and stomach rest against your body so that the baby’s head is straight, not turned to the side.
- Your baby’s chin touches your breast.
- Your baby’s mouth opens wide around your breast, not just the nipple.
- Your baby’s lips turn out.
- Your baby’s tongue cups under your breast.
- You hear or see swallowing.
- Your baby’s ears move slightly.
Some pain with breastfeeding, especially at the very beginning, is totally normal and may last a few weeks. However, if the pain is unbearable or causing bleeding, speak with a lactation consultant on ways to practice a good latch with your baby.
Some tips include:
- Aim your nipple just above your baby’s top lip.
- Make sure your baby’s chin isn’t tucked into their chest.
- Aim your baby’s lower lip away from the base of your nipple.
- Baby’s lips should be turned outward like a fish.
- Your baby should lead into the breast chin first and then latch onto your breast.
- Your baby’s tongue should be extended, and your breast should fill your baby’s mouth.
About Advanced Sleep and TMJ Solutions
Dr. Krissy Connor received her BSN in 2001 at the Marquette University School of Nursing. She was an emergency room nurse at Aurora Sinai Medical Center for 3 years before attending the Marquette University School of Dentistry to receive her DDS degree in 2008. She completed a post-graduate residency in Advanced Education in General Dentistry at the Zablocki VA Medical Center in Milwaukee, WI. She has been collaborating with physicians to treat patients with Obstructive Sleep Apnea using oral appliance therapy since 2014.
Dr. Connor has been improving the lives of patients as the owner of Hypnos Inc. in Brookfield, WI. She is a diplomate of the American Board of Dental Sleep Medicine and the American Sleep and Breathing Academy.
Learn more at advancedsleepandtmjsolutions.com!
