Why Your Baby Prefers One Breast—And How to Fix It

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Why Your Baby Prefers One Breast—And How to Fix It

Hey Mama,

Have you noticed that your baby always prefers one breast over the other? Maybe they latch deeper on one side, fuss when positioned a certain way, or seem to struggle to stay latched on one breast.

It’s not just a random preference—there’s often a deeper reason behind it! And the good news? There’s something you can do about it.

The Hidden Reason Behind Breastfeeding Imbalances

Your baby’s body remembers their birth journey. If they had a long labor, a fast delivery, or needed interventions (like forceps, vacuum, or even a C-section), it can create subtle tension in their neck, jaw, and upper back. Even a baby who had a smooth birth can have imbalances from being curled up in one position in the womb.

➡️ Signs Your Baby Might Have Tension From Birth:
✔️ Prefers feeding on one breast more than the other
✔️ Always turns their head one direction when sleeping
✔️ Gets fussy or frustrated when placed in certain positions
✔️ Has a “clicky” latch or trouble staying latched
✔️ Seems stiff or arches their back during feeding

But here’s something many moms don’t hear about…

Could It Be a Tongue or Lip Tie?

Sometimes, a baby’s feeding struggles are due to a tongue tie or lip tie—a restriction in the tissue under the tongue or upper lip that makes it harder to latch, suck, and nurse efficiently.

🍼 Signs of a Possible Tongue Tie:

• Difficulty staying latched or making a clicking sound while nursing

• Gassy, fussy, or colicky behavior after feeding

• Your nipples feel sore or pinched after nursing (ouch!)

• Baby still seems hungry after long nursing sessions

💡 A Fantastic Resource Right Here in Chico
If you suspect your baby may have a tongue tie, I highly recommend Dr. Robles, who specializes in evaluating and correcting ties. A proper assessment can be life-changing for breastfeeding success!

How Chiropractic Care Can Help

Even if your baby doesn’t have a tongue tie, tension in the neck, jaw, or upper spine can still make nursing harder. Gentle chiropractic adjustments can help relieve that tightness, allowing your baby to turn their head more freely and latch more comfortably on both breasts.

✅ Try These at Home:

• Hold Baby Belly-to-Belly, Face Straight-On to the Booby – This ensures proper alignment and helps prevent a shallow latch. Baby’s whole body should be facing you, not just their head turning sideways.

• Switch Up Positions – If your baby avoids one side, try the football hold to keep them in a familiar position but on the other breast. Side-lying nursing can also help with a deeper latch.

• Gentle Neck Stretches – Encourage your baby to turn their head both ways with slow, playful movements. Tummy time with a small rolled towel under their chest can also help release tight muscles.

• Chiropractic Care for Babies – A light, specific adjustment can make a world of difference! Many moms see improvements in just one or two visits.

At Happy Family Chiropractic, I specialize in gentle care for newborns to help them feed, sleep, and thrive. If you’re wondering whether your baby could benefit, let’s chat!

🌿 Want to know if chiropractic care could help your little one?
Reply to this email or text me at 530-433-1705—I’d love to support you and your baby!

With care and support,
Dr. Tamara Lund
Happy Family Chiropractic
💛 Supporting Chico’s moms and babies, one gentle adjustment at a time

Posted In: Chiropractic Family Chiropractic Cranial Adjustments