Breastfeeding is a beautifully intricate process that relies on seamless coordination between the tongue, jaw, and neck
At Safe Haven, we take a whole-body approach when evaluating feeding challenges. Dr. Hira Khan assesses an infant’s neck mobility based on birth history, pregnancy conditions, and key developmental milestones—like their tolerance for tummy time. By understanding these factors, we can identify movement restrictions and the muscles contributing to feeding difficulties.
For a baby to latch effectively, they need the ability to move their head and neck freely. Here’s what we consider:
Once we determine which movements—rotation, side bending, or extension—are restricted, we focus on the specific muscles involved. Commonly affected muscles include the sternocleidomastoid (SCM), suboccipitals, hyoid muscles, and hyoglossus. These muscles play a direct role in tongue mobility and an infant’s ability to latch effectively.
Muscle tension can significantly impact a baby’s ability to nurse. For example, if a baby feeds with their chin tucked, their tongue mobility is reduced, making it harder to latch deeply. Try taking a sip of water while tucking your chin—feels difficult, right? The same concept applies to infants. That’s why we assess each area individually and address any restrictions affecting feeding.
For effective nursing, a baby’s tongue needs to:
When neck tension interferes with these movements, babies may experience shallow latching, clicking sounds, difficulty staying latched, or discomfort while feeding.
We do more than just adjust and send you on your way. We take a comprehensive approach, addressing each piece of the puzzle step by step. First, we release restrictions in the neck and surrounding muscles through gentle chiropractic adjustments and craniosacral work. Then, we provide tailored exercises to retrain muscle memory and strengthen the movements needed for a functional latch. This ensures long-term improvements, not just temporary relief. We also check in between visits to monitor your baby’s progress.
Dr. Khan is one of only two board-certified pediatric chiropractors in Loudoun County and is highly skilled in cranial work.
If your baby is struggling with latching, tummy time, or seems tense in their neck and jaw, we’re here to help. Our goal is to identify the root cause of feeding challenges and provide lasting solutions—because when feeding is easier, life is easier for both baby and parents.
Morning
Afternoon
Monday
9:00 – 1:00
3:00 – 6:00
Tuesday
9:00 – 1:00
3:00 – 6:00
Wednesday
9:00 – 1:00
3:00 – 6:00
Thursday
9:00 – 1:00
3:00 – 6:00
Friday
Some Friday Appointments
44110 Ashburn Shopping Plaza, Suite 216, Ashburn, VA 20147.
Phone: (571) 549-6555
Fax: (571) 549-1776
