Feeding in the NICU: A Perspective from a Craniosacral Therapist

Neonatal Netw. 2016;35(2):105-7. doi: 10.1891/0730-0832.35.2.105.

Abstract

Completing full feedings is a requirement for discharge for babies in the NICU. interaction between the nerves and the muscles of the jaw, tongue, and the soft palate is required for functional sucking and swallowing. Jaw misalignment, compressed nerves, and misshapen heads can interfere with these interactions and create feeding difficulties. craniosacral therapy (CST) is a noninvasive manual therapy that is perfect for the fragile population in the NICU. CST can be used as a treatment modality to release fascial restrictions that are affecting the structures involved in feeding, thereby improving feeding outcomes.

MeSH terms

  • Bottle Feeding / methods*
  • Deglutition / physiology*
  • Humans
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Infant, Premature / physiology
  • Infant, Premature / psychology
  • Musculoskeletal Manipulations / methods*
  • Sucking Behavior / physiology*
  • Treatment Outcome