The Journal of Pediatric, Maternal & Family Health published the results of a case study on March 5, 2020, documenting the chiropractic resolution of a case of a mother who was unable to produce enough milk for her newborn twins.
The author of the study begins by noting the importance of the problem of milk production. “Unsuccessful breastfeeding is an issue that is affecting most of the world and is becoming more of a recognized problem by lactation consultants, pediatricians, midwives and alternative healthcare providers.” The author reports that most of the studies related to chiropractic and lactation are related to the baby’s inability to latch to the mother and suckle properly.
The positive effects of breastfeeding are well documented. The study reports, “The benefits of breastfeeding to the infant are not merely nutritional in value. When comparing breastfed to formula fed babies, studies also show a decrease in the risk of newborn diseases, such as ear infections, urinary tract infections, and diarrhea as well as many other long term conditions including obesity, diabetes, allergies, asthma and many other chronic illnesses.”
In this case study, a 36-year-old woman who had delivered twins two weeks earlier sought chiropractic care because of her inability to produce enough milk during nursing. She also suffered from pain in her right upper back and neck into her right shoulder. The study noted that the woman was growing more depressed about the struggle to produce breast milk.
A chiropractic examination showed a reduction of spinal range of motion in the woman’s neck along with multiple areas of muscle spasm. It was determined that subluxations were present in the woman’s lower neck and upper back areas. Specific chiropractic adjustments were given to address the issues found.
The study recorded that immediately after her adjustment the mother felt more relaxed and had full range of motion in her neck, upper back and shoulder areas. She also commented that she felt an increased blood flow to her arm and hand.
Later after her first adjustment, the woman contacted the chiropractor’s office to report that she was able to produce much more milk, doubling the amount she was previously able to produce. Follow-up evaluations showed continued improvement in her range of motions as well as continued success in breastfeeding. The woman also reported her stress levels were much lower and she was feeling happier and emotionally more stable.
In the study conclusion the author wrote, “An important and overlooked variable in successful nursing is the nursing mother’s health and wellness. Removing subluxations in her nervous system has the potential to allow her body to respond properly to nursling and recover from the stress of labor and delivery. A healthy nervous system and a nursing relationship should be a priority to both the mother and the baby and also their healthcare provider.”