Cranial Osteopathy and Breastfeeding: A Holistic Approach for Babies with Feeding Difficulties, Gas, or Reflux
As a paediatric osteopath working with babies, I frequently see little ones who struggle with breastfeeding, experience excessive gas, or suffer from infant reflux. These common concerns are often linked not only to feeding mechanics but also to underlying structural tensions—particularly around the neck, jaw, and diaphragm—that may stem from birth experiences or developmental imbalances.
In many of these cases, I find that collaborating with a lactation consultant provides a more complete picture and more effective support for both baby and family. That’s why I’ve teamed up with Carla Corral, IBCLC and neonatal nurse, to co-author this blog. In this blog, we’ll explore together the benefits of combining paediatric osteopathy and lactation consultant care for babies, and answer the key WH-questions: who we are, what we do, when to seek our help, how often to book sessions, and why this collaboration can be so beneficial for both babies and parents.
Who Are We?
We are Zuzanna Matras, a registered osteopath specialising in paediatric osteopathy in London and founder of Zuzanna Matras Osteopathy, and Carla Corral, an IBCLC-certified lactation consultant, neonatal intensive care nurse, and founder of Carla Corral Lactation Consultant.
Our shared passion for early childhood health led us to collaborate, combining our specialties to support babies and their families in a holistic, personalised way. By blending expert paediatric osteopathy and lactation support, we provide comprehensive care that addresses both the physical and functional challenges babies may face, particularly around infant feeding, comfort, and development. For more insights on infant care, check out Zuzanna’s personal blog at Zuzanna Matras Osteopathy Blog and Carla’s blog at London Lactation Blog.
What Are Our Roles?
Zuzanna (M.Ost PGCert SPOP) as paediatric/ cranial osteopath, uses gentle, hands-on techniques to address structural imbalances in the body. When working with babies, she focuses on:
Gentle manual therapy (cranial and structural techniques) to release body tension.
Postnatal support after difficult births (e.g. forceps, ventouse, or C-section deliveries).
Releasing muscle tightness or stiffness in infants.
Performing baby posture and movement assessments.
Supporting jaw, neck, and spinal alignment to improve latch.
Educating parents on safe holding and carrying positions.
Assisting with reflux, colic, unsettled behaviour, sleep disturbances, and excessive crying.
Helping with other conditions like e.g. torticollis and plagiocephaly or brachycephaly (flat head syndrome).
Learn more about paediatric osteopathy and baby care at Zuzanna Matras Osteopathy.
Carla as an IBCLC lactation consultant, provides a compassionate, evidence-based feeding support. As a clinical breastfeeding expert, she will:
Observe and correct breastfeeding mechanics.
Evaluate baby’s latch, sucking patterns, positioning and attachment.
Provide guidance on low milk supply, oversupply, or pumping concerns.
Explore your baby’s mouth for oral anatomy issues like tongue tie or other restrictions.
Offer emotional support and personalised breastfeeding plans.
Address your fears and concerns related to breastfeeding during pregnancy.
Help resolve painful latching and improve milk transfer.
Assist if you have concerns about your baby’s weight gain.
Support mixed feeding, bottle feeding, and weaning.
Guide through weaning, relactation, and inducing lactation if needed.
More on infant feeding support and lactation services can be found at London Lactation.
When Should You Seek Paediatric Osteopathy and Lactation Support?
Our combined approach can be especially helpful in situations such as:
Your baby has trouble latching or is fussy while feeding.
Breastfeeding sessions are either too long or too short.
Your baby shows symptoms of reflux, trapped wind, or colic. See NHS Reflux in Babies for more info.
Your infant displays head preference, tension, or flat head syndrome.
Your baby isn’t regaining birth weight or growing at the expected rate.
Breastfeeding causes persistent pain or difficulty.
Concerns about tongue tie or oral mobility issues. Learn more about tongue-tie.
You want expert guidance and reassurance about your baby’s feeding.
Your baby experienced a challenging birth that may have affected body alignment.
You want to prepare for a successful breastfeeding journey before birth.
How Often Should You Book Sessions?
There is no one-size-fits-all number of sessions. Some families find reassurance after just one consultation with each of us, while others benefit from a few follow-ups based on their baby’s progress. Our recommendations are always individualised, but most families benefit from at least one follow-up to reassess progress and optimise treatment.
Why Is Collaboration Between a Paediatric Osteopath and Lactation Consultant Essential?
Working together allows us to deliver more effective, integrated care. We stay in regular contact about our shared clients to ensure your baby’s progress is tracked and coordinated. Our holistic model focuses on both the structural and functional needs of your child.
Together, we provide:
More accurate assessments: Carla focuses on latch and feeding, while I examine muscle tension and joint mobility. Together, we provide a complete picture.
Root-cause treatment: Feeding issues often stem from physical restrictions—releasing tension can resolve problems without more invasive interventions.
Better outcomes: Babies typically respond quicker to a combined approach. They feed more efficiently, gain weight better, and experience reduced reflux, gas and fussiness, while parents gain more confidence.
Reduced need for medication or procedures: Our proactive care may prevent unnecessary prescriptions or tongue tie revisions.
Holistic support for the whole family: With two professionals on your side, you’ll feel better supported, more informed, and empowered.
By uncovering and treating the underlying causes of infant feeding challenges, we offer effective, non-invasive solutions that promote your baby’s development, well-being, and your confidence as a parent.
Looking for a paediatric osteopath in London or expert lactation consultant care? Contact us today to book a joint assessment and give your baby the best start in life. For additional information on breastfeeding, visit the NHS Breastfeeding Guide.
