strong jaw muscles/tension/pediatric chiropractics?

Mama Angelina

I've seen 3 lactation consultants to see why I'm in so much pain during BFing.  They've all said our latch is very good but that LO has very strong jaw muscles and essentially bites down when he is nursing, causing major abrasion on my areola.  Ouch.   He also doesn't have a very wide gape very often.  Every once in a while he opens wide and then it doesn't hurt me.  They didn't know how they could help me with this but said he may outgrow it and let up on his latch a bit.  I don't know how much longer I can take it.  He comes at me like a piranha and I am miserable during each feeding.  I've done some research and apparently long labors sometimes lead to stressed-out NBs who have tight muscles--including jaws.  Almost like baby TMJ.  We were in labor for 75+ hours and he has always seemed a little tense since birth.  DH said we should consider chiropractic care to ease up his muscles and relieve some tension.  My chiro is fantastic and does pediatrics so that is an option. 

Does anyone else have any experience related to this?  Any suggestions?   I'm just feeling kinda defeated right now. 

RichInLove

I don't have any personal experience with this, but I have been reading a lot lately on pediatric chiropractic. It might be something to seriously consider, but you should also ask your pediatrician.

jk09uhed89

ive already taken my LO to my chiropractor. its a great idea to take them especially if you had a long or difficult labor.

and with infants its not the same when they are getting adjusted as it is with adults with all the joint popping and whatnot. its so much more gentle, my little guy didnt even wake up during his adjustment

jk09uhed89

btw those siggy pics of your LO are adorable!!

TayLynn

My son has been getting adjusted since he was 5 months old.  I wish that I had taken him sooner!  It helped with his torticollis and reflux.

My chiro does very gentle baby adjustments.  There is no neck snapping involved.  She uses her hands to press or the small activator.  On small babies she even use the activator through her finger so it's very light pressure.

I would check into it! GL

Keri

I am going through the exact same problem. My DD latch looks fine to everyone I have seen, but it HURTS!!!! Someone suggested to me about getting her adjusted, I'm just not sure. She does seem tense, she was stuck on my pelvic bone for 4 hours.  This may be why.  After reading these responses, I may check into it.