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Amanda Baum, DC, CACCP
Journal of Pediatric, Maternal & Family Health, Chiropractic ~ March 10, 2020 ~ Pages 7-11
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Abstract
Objective: To report on the positive health outcomes following chiropractic care in a patient with dysfunction of the milk ejection reflex and inadequate milk supply.
Clinical Features: The patient was the mother of twin girls born via cesarean section was seen for care two weeks postpartum. She had complaints of inability to initiate a let-down reflex and was not producing enough milk for the twins. She also had neck and shoulder pain along with vasospasms in her breast. Examination revealed subluxations in her upper thoracic region, trigger points located in the right pectoralis muscle and cranial restrictions.
Intervention and Outcomes: Diversified chiropractic technique was utilized to deliver an adjustment to T3-T5. The mother immediately responded saying she felt more sensation in her breast tissue, specifically the nipple and areola. She also reported the ability to relax her shoulders and achieve deeper inhalation during nursing. Following chiropractic she felt the tingling sensation of the let-down reflex and she produced double the amount in ounces of breastmilk she had previously. She was feeling emotionally more stable and even optimistic about maintaining her nursing schedule with the twins. An updated exam at ten months postpartum showed that she was still successfully nursing both twins.
Conclusions: Nursing mothers facing breastmilk production challenges may benefit from chiropractic care. More research is warranted in this area.
Keywords: Chiropractic, vertebral subluxation, adjustment, milk supply, breastfeeding, let down, oxytocin, prolactin
