Holistic Solutions When Your Newborn Baby Won’t Stay Latched On and Cries
Feeding is meant to nurture both baby and parent, yet those moments can feel tense instead of tender. Concerns about nourishment and comfort rise quickly. When a newborn baby won’t stay latched on and cries, the good news is that most feeding struggles have clear solutions when addressed early with the right guidance.
Understanding the Root Causes of Latching Issues
When a baby struggles to latch, there’s usually more happening than meets the eye. The reasons can range from simple positioning problems to oral development concerns.
Common causes include:
- Baby’s head and body are not aligned well during feeding
- Improper swallowing pattern
- Discomfort from birth strain or tight neck muscles
- Restricted tongue or lip movement due to soft tissue tether
Every baby is unique. One infant might latch well in the morning but struggle later in the day. Another might feed fine for a few minutes, then pull away and cry. Paying attention to patterns can guide you toward answers.
The Oral Connection: How Jaw and Mouth Development Play a Role
A baby’s jaw, tongue, and palate all need to work together for feeding to be smooth. If these structures don’t move in harmony, milk transfer becomes harder. For example, a recessed jaw can make it challenging for a baby to form a strong seal. Tight muscles from birth positioning can also affect how the mouth opens.
Consider:
- The jaw’s shape affects how the nipple rests in the mouth.
- Tongue movement controls how milk flows and how comfortable feeding feels.
- Even the roof of the mouth (palate) can influence the baby’s ability to sustain suction.
The earlier these oral patterns are addressed, the easier it becomes for a baby to feed without strain.
Signs Your Baby May Be Struggling to Feed Naturally
It’s not always obvious when feeding issues are tied to oral function. Some signs appear subtle but still point to a deeper cause.
Watch for:
- Clicking or smacking sounds while nursing
- Lips curling inward instead of flaring out
- Long feeding sessions without satisfaction
- Frequent swallowing of air, leading to gas and fussiness
- Falling asleep at the breast too soon and waking hungry
- Cracks or soreness for the mother despite good positioning
In order to resolve the above symptoms, mothers need a team of support.
The 3 Care Providers You May Need
In order to get to the root cause of feeding challenges, your baby will need support from one or more of the following specialists.
- IBCLC trained lactation consultant
Lactation consultants are crucial. They offer education, hands-on assistance, and evidence-based solutions for a wide range of issues, including latching difficulties, milk supply concerns, and pain. IBCLCs also provide support for challenging situations like feeding multiples or premature infants and offer emotional support for parents.
- Bodyworker like chiropractor and/or craniosacral therapist
CranioSacral therapy is a gentle technique that eases deep tension, supports healing, and improves function. It helps prep tissues for a smoother, more effective tongue tie release. We also recommend chiropractic care for optimal results.
- Airway-focused dentist to resolve tongue or lip ties
Airway-focused dentists can diagnose tongue and lip ties if they are present and can help you decide if a release is best for you and your baby. Find a provider that works collaboratively with lactation consultants and bodyworkers.
Tongue Tie Release and Its Impact on Breastfeeding
When the tissue under the tongue is too tight, it restricts movement. This is called a tongue tie. A baby with this restriction may tire quickly or be unable to latch. In such cases, a tongue tie release for infants in Meridian, ID, can restore natural tongue movement.
After release, many babies feed with greater ease within days. Mothers often notice less nipple pain, and babies seem more satisfied after shorter sessions. Recovery is gentle with the right aftercare, and improvement can be remarkable when paired with the support of a lactation consultant and a bodyworker.
When to Seek a Holistic Evaluation for Your Infant
A holistic approach looks at your baby as a whole not just the mouth or latch, but the entire body and feeding environment. This can uncover hidden factors that standard checks might miss.
You might consider seeing a holistic dentist in Meridian or another infant-focused provider if:
- Your baby continues to struggle after standard lactation support and bodywork
- You see asymmetry in head shape or neck movement
- Feeding is always stressful for you or your baby
- There are signs of restricted oral tissues, such as tongue tie or lip tie
Holistic care often includes gentle bodywork, feeding position coaching, and, when needed, targeted oral interventions. The goal is to support both baby and parent in building a comfortable feeding relationship.
Final Thoughts
No parent should feel alone when feeding is hard. Each challenge has a cause, and most can be resolved with the right mix of observation, gentle support, and timely care. Whether the struggle stems from positioning, oral restrictions, or developmental patterns, taking action early can change the course of your baby’s feeding journey. At Restoration Dentistry, we guide families through these early challenges with skill, compassion, and a clear plan for success. Our team works to ensure your baby feeds with comfort while you feel confident and supported. Don’t wait for small concerns to grow; reach out today to schedule a consultation. Together, we can help you turn feeding time into a moment of connection, growth, and calm for both you and your child.
