When we think about the feeding challenges that infants face, we often focus on the more visible aspects, such as latch difficulties or milk supply issues. However, there is an underlying factor that is less visible but equally significant: the role of fascia in infant feeding.

Fascia is a gauzy network of connective tissue in our bodies that wraps around every cell, group of cells, every organ, and every group of organs in the body. This extensive network is essential for proper communication and nutrition at the cellular level and plays a crucial role in functional movement in all parts of the body. Fascia can become "sticky" or "stuck," leading to reduced function in the associated area.   For example, if the fascia in the neck of the baby is tight / sticky or stuck, the function of suckling and feeding can be negatively impacted.

The birth process can significantly impact an infant's fascia, especially in cases of difficult deliveries.¹ Factors such as long labors, rapid deliveries, the use of forceps or a vacuum extractor, and c-sections can lead to tightness and restrictions in an infant's fascial network. This tightness can affect the baby's head and neck, leading to challenges with sucking strength, creating negative pressure in the mouth, oral coordination and the suck-swallow-breathe functional sequence. These abilities are essential for effective feeding. Infants born with torticollis have significant challenges with effective feeding as well. Torticollis shows with tightness on one side of the head, neck and shoulder with resulting restricted movement on both sides. Not only are the muscles restricted, but the fascia through the entire area from the ear to the clavicle and shoulder blades, is tight.  Babies with torticollis historically have been treated with physical therapy for their feeding difficulties, but there is more help available.

Craniosacral therapy (“CST”) is a helpful tool in addressing fascial tightness and restrictions.² This therapy helps release fascial tension throughout the body to restore function. By applying light pressure to specific areas on the body, particularly along the deep frontal line of fascia that extends from the feet through the neck and up around the jaw and cranium, therapists can non-invasively stimulate movement and release of the fascia.  This then liberates nerves and muscles to do their jobs, resulting in increased function in the area that has been tight. This directly aids in feeding effectiveness and enjoyment for the mom and baby.

For infants facing feeding challenges due to fascial tightness, transitioning from breast to bottle feeding can introduce additional hurdles. This is where the design and functionality of feeding tools, such as the mōmi bottle, become crucial. When assessing a baby's readiness for a bottle like mōmi, healthcare professionals look at the tongue's mobility and the baby's ability to use peristaltic movement. The mōmi bottle, with its design that mimics the breast, can be particularly beneficial for infants with tightness in the oral-facial area. When introducing a bottle, using a mōmi bottle can strengthen and organize their peristaltic movements. This builds the foundation for more effective bottle feeding, and supports the transition from breast to bottle, and back to breast.³

For babies struggling with feeding, in addition to CST, a tool like the mōmi bottle can offer an additional layer of functional support in the short term and in the long term.  The mōmi bottle offers the baby an opportunity to engage their oral-facial muscles more effectively, thus practicing functional feeding.  This approach is not about instant solutions but about recognizing and addressing the individual needs of each child and working systematically towards better feeding patterns.

In conclusion, while the aesthetics of a baby bottle are often discussed, what truly matters for a baby's health and development is how the bottle functions in relation to their unique physiological needs, especially in the context of fascial health and oral-mechanical function. The mōmi bottle emerges as a valuable tool in this landscape, offering a design that supports and enhances the natural feeding motions encouraged by effective craniosacral therapy. For families navigating the complexities of infant feeding, understanding the role of fascia and embracing therapeutic interventions, coupled with thoughtful bottle selection, can make a significant difference in their feeding journey.

Footnotes

1. Frymann, V. M. (1966). Relation of disturbances of craniosacral mechanisms to symptomatology of the newborn: Study of 1,250 infants. The Journal of the American Osteopathic Association, 65(10), 1059-1075.
2. Hayden, C., & Mullinger, B. (2006). A preliminary assessment of cranial osteopathy for the relief of infantile colic. Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice, 12(2), 83-90.
3. Miller, J. E., & Newell, D. (2012). Prognostic factors for infant patients with tongue-tie in an osteopathic practice: A retrospective review. Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies, 16(3), 331-338.

Mary Enger, IBCLC is founder of Pikes Peak Lactation in Colorado Springs. Jessika Martin, DDS is founder of Thrive Growth & Development in Colorado Springs. Alex Vargas, CLC is a member of the Thrive Growth & Development team. The authors work together as members of an interdisciplinary team to support infants facing a range of feeding challenges.