An osteopathic approach to infant feeding

Feeding in the first few months of life represents much more than a simple nutritional process. Feeding, whether breastfed or bottle-fed, is a crucial moment for the newborn’s development, for building the bond of attachment and for mutual adaptation between mother and baby.

When feeding difficulties arise, the osteopath often finds themselves working within a complex context involving biomechanical, neurological, digestive, emotional and relational aspects. For this reason, it is essential to develop a broad clinical perspective that simultaneously considers the baby’s needs, the mother’s wellbeing and the dynamics of the entire family unit.

This postgraduate course offers in-depth training on early childhood feeding, breastfeeding and the role of osteopathy in supporting the mother-infant dyad, integrating anatomical and physiological knowledge with clinical reasoning and osteopathic practice.

Understanding breastfeeding: mother and baby as a single system

One of the fundamental principles of the course is understanding the mother-baby dyad as an interconnected biological and relational system.

Feeding difficulties cannot be interpreted solely from the perspective of the infant or the mother, but require a holistic assessment that takes multiple factors into account. The following topics will be explored in depth:

• The physiology of breastfeeding
• Neuroendocrine mechanisms of lactation
• Functional anatomy of the mother and newborn
• Development of sucking and feeding skills
• Mutual adaptation of the mother-infant dyad

Breastfeeding and osteopathic support

The course will explore the main clinical aspects of breastfeeding, with a particular focus on the difficulties frequently encountered in professional practice. The following topics will be covered:

• Initiation of breastfeeding
• Sucking dynamics
• Coordination of suckling, swallowing and breathing
• Maternal comfort during breastfeeding
• Functional issues that may interfere with feeding
• Collaboration with breastfeeding counsellors and healthcare professionals

Formula feeding and mixed feeding

The programme also addresses the specific aspects of formula feeding and mixed feeding, analysing:

• Infant feeding methods
• Functional adaptations in the infant
• Postural and biomechanical aspects
• Comfort during feeding
• Support for families in their various feeding choices

Digestion and gastrointestinal function

Digestive function is one of the aspects most frequently involved in feeding difficulties during the first few months of life.

The course will explore:

• Anatomy and physiology of the gastrointestinal tract
• Development of digestive function
• Maturation of intestinal motility
• The relationship between diet and digestive adaptation
• Interaction between the digestive system, the nervous system and the immune response

Frequently observed clinical presentations

The most common issues that can affect a newborn’s feeding and wellbeing will be analysed:

• Difficulty latching on to the breast
• Ineffective feeding
• Discomfort during feeding
• Gastro-oesophageal reflux
• Functional digestive disorders
• Irritability and difficulty in being soothed
• Abnormalities in oral motor function
• Issues related to growth and feeding

Osteopathic assessment and therapeutic approach

Participants will develop specific skills in assessing the mother-infant dyad and in formulating an appropriate clinical rationale. The following topics will be explored in depth:

• Observation of feeding
• Functional assessment of the newborn
• Assessment of the mother
• Analysis of the dynamics of the mother-infant dyad
• Planning of osteopathic intervention

Therapeutic strategies will be presented through:

• Practical demonstrations
• Guided practical exercises
• Discussion of real clinical cases
• Analysis of the clinical decision-making process

We will also explore collaboration with:

• Midwives
• Professional breastfeeding counsellors
• Paediatricians
• Speech and language therapists
• Dietitians and nutritionists
• Other healthcare professionals involved in maternal and child care

Skills developed

By the end of the course, participants will be able to:

• Understand the physiology of breastfeeding and infant feeding
• Assess the mother-child dyad in a holistic and integrated manner
• Recognise the most common feeding difficulties in early childhood
• Apply appropriate clinical reasoning in the context of breastfeeding
• Use osteopathic strategies appropriate to the clinical context
• Collaborate effectively with professionals within the maternal and child healthcare network
• Support families with sensitivity, expertise and empathy

Teaching based on Julie Fendall’s clinical experience

The course is led by Julie Fendall, an osteopath and international lecturer with extensive clinical experience in paediatrics, maternal health, breastfeeding and supporting families during the first few months of a child’s life.

Throughout her professional career, Julie has worked with numerous mother-infant dyads, collaborating with midwives, professional breastfeeding counsellors, paediatricians and other healthcare professionals to address the challenges that may arise during the initiation and establishment of infant feeding.

Her experience enables her to integrate theory, clinical observation and real-life cases, offering participants practical tools that can be immediately applied in their professional practice.