Craniosacral therapy to help with breastfeeding issues?

[KerryS]

Long story short - my 7-week old was one month premature, spent 10 days in the NICU, was on a vent for most of that time. I was able to get him to the breast fairly well from the time he was able to go to the breast (at about a week old) and have been breastfeeding since. He's now 7 weeks old and we're struggling with slow weight gain and possibly inadequate milk production. I'm pumping and supplementing with EBM. I believe the milk production issue is due to a lazy/sleepy nurser and a not very strong suck and inadequate breast drainage. I have *always* had to do breast compression for the entire feeding in order to keep him on the breast. Even when he's sucking, it's usually quite easy to just pull the nipple out of his mouth with minimal effort. Although I've never had nipple trauma, his latch seems shallow and I'm always trying (without much effect) to pull his lower jaw down. He also seems a bit hypertonic in general.

I've been told by a few people that CST can be very helpful for certain breastfeeding issues; I'm just wondering if you have personal experience with clients using it and if it's been helpful for them.

Thanks!

[Rhona]

I have not had a great deal of personal experience with CST. I certainly have anecdotal info on it being helpful. The key is finding the right person and that is dependent on where you are and if it is readily available in your area. Have you worked with an LC? You sound like a very dedicated mom and this can be so stressful. Are you getting good support for yourself? I think that can help. At 7 weeks especially with a premie and your story you are still in the beginning of the at home adjustment stuff so know that it can get better. Does he seem any more "into" nursing? Any positive changes in his behavior with the breast? Maybe giving him some skin to skin time and physical closeness to you would be helpful. I assume you are nursing him on demand. Be kind to yourself as you are doing wonderous things...