Let me be frank. Breastfeeding is not just a method of delivering nutrition; it is also a way of establishing a relationship between mother and baby. This is the baby’s first relationship in life and one that sets the tone for how the baby learns to view the world.

Breastfeeding has often been celebrated for its unmatched nutritional benefits, offering infants essential vitamins, immune-boosting antibodies, and the perfect balance of fats and proteins. But beyond nourishment, breastfeeding plays a pivotal role in a baby’s neurological and emotional development. Every time a baby latches, they engage in an enormously complex sensorimotor process involving swallowing, breathing, and sucking skills that directly support healthy brain and nervous system development. This complex rhythm helps establish neural pathways that are essential for future functions like speech, sleep regulation, and sensory processing.

According to an article in the journal Developmental Psychobiology, investigators found that breastfeeding significantly increased short-term attentiveness and interaction with the environment in 4-6 month-olds. Other studies have shown breast-fed babies have higher IQs than that of formula-fed babies. The enhanced cognitive development was evident as early as 6 months and was sustained through age 15. The reason for this is due to the strong impact on neurological development, specifically with vagus nerve in babies who are breast-fed for at least 6 months.

Skin-to-skin contact, eye contact, and rhythmic movement all contribute to the infant’s sense of safety and connection. This builds the foundation for healthy attachment, emotional regulation, and stress resilience later in life. The hormonal exchange during this time also helps both mother and baby feel calm and connected.

Breastfeeding is an opportunity to tune into the baby’s cues, helping to foster confidence and a stronger parent-child relationship. When a baby is comfortable in their body and their nervous system is well-regulated, they are better able to feed, sleep, grow, and connect.

HOW CAN CHIROPRACTIC HELP?

What many families don’t realize is how the function of the nervous system can significantly affect the ease and success of breastfeeding.

When the nervous system is in balance, the body works more efficiently and comfortably, including during the intricate process of breastfeeding. Gentle, specific chiropractic adjustments help regulate the nervous system, improving communication between the brain and the body. This can lead to a better latch, reduced tension in the jaw and facial muscles, improved digestion, and overall calmness in infants.

This helps enhance ventral vagal tone, making it easier for infants to nurse peacefully and stay emotionally connected during this vital developmental process.

Pathways to Family Wellness, Issue 04, Winter 2005

Gerner Lynn. “Cranial Distortion Patterns and Adjusting: Supporting Breastfeeding success.” ICPA, 28 June 2025, Fort Collins, CO Lecture.