As an Integrative Airway and Feeding chiropractor, I love helping moms and babies with breastfeeding issues. My journey with these families often begins during the prenatal phase.
Comfortable prenatal experiences can begin with chiropractic care
Prospective moms come to my practice seeking bodywork to provide their bodies with enhanced opportunities for safe, healthy and more comfortable pregnancies. Through my work with these moms-to-be I develop a rapport with both mom and baby. Whether it’s the baby responding to the mom as I make gentle adjustments or the baby kicking while I’m feeling the mom’s abdomen for subtle organ misalignments, we slow down and revel in these expressions – little previews of these forming beings and their personalities. These early assessments and alignments help optimize nervous system function, immunity and performance for the mom and can make a big impact on helping the baby develop healthfully.
Dr. Bulchandani collaborates with birth workers to address breastfeeding challenges
I also see many moms and babies after the birth, when they’re referred by a birth worker (doula, midwife, OB/GYN, lactation consultant) or another bodyworker (chiropractor, physical therapist, massage therapist). I work with many remarkable practitioners in Redding and in the Bay Area who care deeply for these precious moms and babies. One of these providers is Dr. Rachel Barnhart, DDS, a Redding-based dentist who specializes in airway-centered care and is also poised to help with breastfeeding issues that accompany oral restrictions (commonly referred to as tongue and lip ties).
Dentist Dr. Barnhart focuses on function of infant oral facial muscles
“Babies may present with a variety of symptoms that sometimes go unnoticed,” says Dr. Barnhart. “This may or may not impact feeding but could also impact sleep, growth and development. We don’t only focus on improving feeding. We go beyond this with a focus on posture and function of the oral facial muscles. Working as a team with other disciplines, including lactation consultants and bodyworkers, we provide a comprehensive approach to maximize the outcome of the care we provide.”
Dr. Barnhart and I share a mutual sense of wanting to do what’s best for these families. We often send each other messages regarding our shared patients, aiming to reduce the need for extra work for these families to communicate their needs in an already potentially stressful postpartum time. While Dr. Barnhart specializes in surgical outcomes for babies facing breastfeeding issues, she offers many resources ranging from expert guidance to assistance with nonsurgical oral appliances. In our collaborative approach, we often discover that holistic methods like bodywork can be sufficient to bring relief for these moms and babies in need.
Dr. Bulchandani offers gentle holistic solutions to breastfeeding issues
When I’m assessing, I often evaluate both the mom and the baby (the dyad) for potential hindrances with feeding. While breastfeeding issues are most common, it’s not unusual for me to see moms who are supplementing with bottle-feeding their babies. Whether it’s due to problems they’re experiencing with breastfeeding or it’s to allow their spouse or helper to feed the baby so they can work or rest or it’s just their preference, I strive to offer holistic solutions for helping them. My assessment and treatment protocols are extensive and include discussing the concerns the family is experiencing and answering any questions they may have.
Before I pick up their precious baby, I ask permission — from the parent(s) and the baby. Although I’ve already made visual observations, once I am holding the baby I’m immediately getting a sense for tension in the body. I check the movement quality of the bones of the head, face and spine and check the arms, wrists, fingers, legs, ankles and feet. I’m assessing for tightness in the muscles and in the connective tissue (called fascia). From head to toe, these areas, when restricted, can tighten the mouth and intensify feeding issues. Next, I’ll put on gloves and start with checking the sucking reflex, assessing the latch for pain, difficulty latching on and shallowness. I’ll also assess for hypersensitive gag reflexes, gassiness and side preferences.
What does it look like to help with these issues? I gently unwind tension, using craniosacral therapy (CFT, CST) concepts and a technique I’ve developed called SOFT. The goal is to loosen the mouth and body, optimize the brain-body connection, strengthen any weak areas and help mom and baby with feeding in a more comfortable and successful manner. It’s a privilege to work with these precious lives that I don’t take lightly. If you need help with breastfeeding, please don’t hesitate to reach out. neelbulchandani.com
Neel Bulchandani, DC merges movement, mindfulness and modern technological advancements to free up fascia in the mouth and body, helping infants to breathe, nurse and thrive. neelbulchandani.com. drneelteam@gmail.com. Instagram: drneelbulchandani.
Rachel Barnhart, DDS, Diplomate of the American Board of Dental Sleep Medicine, helps patients breathe easier, smile wider and achieve better oral health by taking a holistic approach to dental health. rachelbarnhartdds.com. Instagram: rachelbarnhartdds. (530) 222-1400
Posted in: Family Life & Support, Health & Nutrition
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These are my PEOPLE. Dr. Barnhart and Dr. Neel transformed my breastfeeding experience. I didn’t know if I’d make it past one month of breast feeding. Since having my sons ties and tension released— we are going strong at 7 months into our breastfeeding journey. Thank you both from the bottom of my heart.