Breastfeeding, Tongue Tie and Osteopathy for Babies
In this episode of Ashgrove TV, the focus is on breastfeeding challenges, tongue tie, and how paediatric osteopathy can support both babies and mothers in the early weeks and months after birth. Kate Schutz Walton, a specialist paediatric osteopath, tongue tie assessor and breastfeeding consultant, shares her experience of working with families navigating feeding difficulties.
Common Challenges in Newborns
Many parents are surprised to learn how much osteopathy can help babies. While often associated with back and neck pain in adults, paediatric osteopathy frequently supports babies with reflux, colic, unsettled behaviour, sleep issues, feeding struggles, and even maternal concerns such as breast pain or mastitis.
Kate explains that babies may present with difficulty latching, appearing uncomfortable at the breast, or feeding in a way that causes nipple pain for the mother. A key message is clear: breastfeeding should not be painful. While some initial tightness may occur as breast tissue adapts, ongoing nipple pain usually signals that something is not functioning optimally.
What Is Tongue Tie?
Tongue tie refers to a restriction in the frenulum—the tissue under the tongue—that limits tongue movement. The important factor is function, not simply appearance. If the tongue cannot move effectively, it may interfere with feeding.
There are different types of tongue tie. Anterior ties are more visible and, in some cases, may require a simple release procedure if they significantly restrict movement. Posterior ties are less obvious and can be more complex to assess. Kate emphasises the importance of proper functional assessment rather than assuming every feeding difficulty is caused by tongue tie. In fact, she acknowledges that tongue tie may be overdiagnosed at times, and encourages parents to trust their instincts if they feel something else is contributing to the issue.
How Osteopathy Can Help
Treatment is described as extremely gentle, often using cranial osteopathy techniques. Sessions may take place while the baby feeds, and the approach focuses on releasing areas of restriction that could be affecting latch, neck extension, jaw opening, or diaphragm function.
Parents often worry whether treatment might hurt their baby. Reassurance is given that the techniques are light and calming. Babies frequently become relaxed or sleepy during treatment.
In addition to hands-on care, parents are given practical guidance on positioning and attachment. For example, the cross-cradle hold is demonstrated, highlighting how specific sensory cues—such as contact at the shoulder blades, chin, and cheeks—naturally encourage the baby to open wide and latch effectively. If a baby cannot achieve this positioning comfortably, it may indicate physical restriction that could benefit from assessment.
Supporting Mothers as Well as Babies
A strong theme throughout the discussion is maternal wellbeing. Hormones between mother and baby work in a finely balanced feedback system. Stress, fear and conflicting advice can disrupt this process and make feeding more difficult.
Kate explains that mother-and-baby appointments take a holistic approach, often lasting around 90 minutes. These sessions explore pregnancy, birth history, feeding patterns and maternal recovery, ensuring both mother and baby are supported together.
Milk supply concerns, wind, burping and even longer-term questions about speech development are addressed with nuance. While some links exist between tongue tie and later speech or digestive symptoms, individual assessment is always recommended.
The Overarching Message
The episode closes with a simple but powerful reminder: don’t struggle alone. Feeding challenges are common, and no question is too small or too embarrassing to ask. Early support can reduce anxiety, prevent unnecessary guilt, and help families feel more confident in their feeding journey.