Logo - The Possums baby and toddler sleep program.
parents home
librarybrowse all programsfind answers nowaudioprograms in audiogroup sessionsgroup sessions with dr pam
menu icon NDC Institute
possums for professionals
(the ndc institute)
menu icon eventsguest speakers
menu icon the sciencethe science behind possums/ndcmenu icon who we arewho we aremenu icon evidence basendc research publicationsmenu icon dr pam's booksdr pam's books
menu icon free resourcesfree resourcesmenu icon dr pam's blogdr pam's blog
menu icon consult with dr pamconsult with dr pammenu icon consult with dr pamfind a possums clinicmenu icon find a NDC accredited practitionerfind an ndc accredited practitioner
login-iconlogin

Welcome back!

Forgot password
get access
search

Search programs

PBL Foundations icon

PBL Foundations


  • Does your baby have tongue-tie or other oral connective tissue or fascial restrictions resulting in breastfeeding problems?
  • What are your baby's oral frenula?
  • Your baby's tongue doesn't cause friction, pinching, or compression during breastfeeding
  • Does your baby have a classic tongue-tie (or true ankyloglossia)?
  • Does your baby have a posterior tongue-tie?
  • Does your baby have an upper lip-tie or buccal ties?
  • Is your baby's torticollis causing tongue or other fascial restrictions which interfere with breastfeeding?

Next article

Sign up now
  • PBL Foundations
  • S10: Infant tongue-tie and fascial restrictions
  • CH 2: Working out if your baby has oral connective tissue restriction

Is your baby's torticollis causing tongue or other fascial restrictions which interfere with breastfeeding?

Dr Pamela Douglas18th of Oct 202431st of Dec 2024

x

Human fascia interconnects right throughout our bodies, as traditional bodywork therapists have taught us.

However, there is no reason to think that a baby's functional torticollis relates to tongue movements, or affects breastfeeding.

If your baby's head turns when you place your hands on her head and move it for her, which is the case with functional torticollis, then your baby can breastfeed comfortably. In breastfeeding she needs only be able to look straight ahead.

The gestalt method ensures spinal alignment, without rotation of her head.

Recommended resources

  • You can find out about the gestalt method and spinal alignment here.

  • You can find out about positional plagiocephaly, torticollis, and motor development here.

  • You can find out about functional torticollis and evolutionary bodywork here.

  • You can find out about the interactions between positional plagiocephaly, motor development and sleep here.

  • You can find out why the gestalt method is evolutionary bodywork here.

  • You can find out how best to protect your baby's sensory motor development here.

Finished

share this article

Next up in What helps breastfeeding when your baby has oral connective tissue restriction?

What is lingual frenotomy, what's the best method, and when might frenotomy help you and your baby breastfeed?

x

When is a lingual frenotomy helpful?

A lingual frenotomy is a cut into the mucosa and connective tissue under your baby's tongue, performed with the aim of improving your baby's tongue mobility.

A classic tongue-tie, in which the tip of the tongue is visibly tethered down tightly to the floor of the mouth, may require a scissors frenotomy. If this is severe, your breastfeeding support professional may recommend that this occurs very early on. Usually with breastfeeding the first step is to apply the gestalt method of fit and hold as soon as problems arise (if you're not already using it preventatively).

What is the best kind of lingual frenotomy for your baby?

The frenotomy, if you…

Keep reading
logo‑possums

Possums in your inbox

Evidence-based insights, tips, and tools. Occasional updates.

For parents

parents homebrowse all programsfind answers nowprograms in audiogroup sessions with dr pam

For professionals

possums for professionals
(the ndc institute)
guest speakers

About

the science behind possums/ndcwho we arendc research publicationsdr pam’s books

More resources

free resourcesdr pam’s blog

Clinical consultation

consult with dr pamfind a possums clinicfind an ndc accredited practitioner

Help & support

contact usfaqour social enterpriseprivacy policyterms & conditions

Social

instagramlinked infacebook

Possums acknowledges the traditional owners of the lands upon which The Possums Programs have been created, the Yuggera and Turrbal Peoples. We acknowledge that First Nations have breastfed, slept with, and lovingly raised their children on Australian lands for at least 65,000 years, to become the oldest continuous living culture on Earth. Possums stands with the Uluru Statement from the Heart.