What Is The Pterygoid’s Role In Breastfeeding?

Introduction

The pterygoid muscles are a group of muscles located in the jaw that play an important role in breastfeeding. Specifically, the medial and lateral pterygoid muscles are involved in moving the jaw forward and side-to-side, which helps to properly position the baby’s mouth around the breast and create a strong latch.

During breastfeeding, the baby’s mouth should be positioned over the areola, with the lips flanged outwards to create a seal around the nipple. The pterygoid muscles help to move the jaw forward, which brings the baby’s mouth closer to the breast and facilitates the formation of a good latch. Additionally, the lateral pterygoid muscle helps to move the jaw side-to-side, which allows the baby to adjust the position of their mouth and apply the appropriate amount of pressure to compress the milk ducts and extract milk.

How Can Weakness Of The Pterygoid Muscles Affect An Infant’s Breastfeeding?

Weakness of the pterygoid muscles can have a significant impact on an infant’s feeding during breastfeeding. The pterygoid muscles are responsible for moving the jaw forward and side-to-side, which is necessary for proper positioning and latch during breastfeeding. When these muscles are weak, the infant may have difficulty latching onto the breast and creating a strong seal around the nipple.

Specifically, weakness of the medial pterygoid muscle can lead to difficulty moving the jaw forward, which may result in the infant having a shallow latch. This can cause problems with milk transfer and may lead to inadequate milk intake, slow weight gain, and poor breastfeeding outcomes.

Weakness of the lateral pterygoid muscle can result in difficulty moving the jaw side-to-side, which may make it challenging for the infant to adjust their mouth position and apply the appropriate pressure to compress the milk ducts and extract milk. This can also lead to problems with milk transfer and inadequate milk intake.

In addition to affecting breastfeeding, weakness of the pterygoid muscles may also cause other symptoms in infants, such as difficulty with sucking and swallowing, drooling, and oral motor delays.

How Can Pterygoid Tightness Effect A Babies Ability To Eat?

Tightness of the pterygoid muscles can also have an impact on an infant’s feeding during breastfeeding. The pterygoid muscles are responsible for moving the jaw forward and side-to-side, and when they are tight or overactive, they may restrict the movement of the jaw, making it difficult for the infant to latch onto the breast and extract milk effectively.

Tightness of the medial pterygoid muscle can result in difficulty opening the mouth wide enough to create a good seal around the nipple. This can make it challenging for the infant to maintain a strong latch and may lead to problems with milk transfer and inadequate milk intake.

Tightness of the lateral pterygoid muscle can make it difficult for the infant to move the jaw side-to-side, which is necessary for adjusting the position of their mouth and applying the appropriate pressure to compress the milk ducts and extract milk. This can also lead to problems with milk transfer and inadequate milk intake.

In addition to affecting breastfeeding, tightness of the pterygoid muscles may cause other symptoms in infants, such as jaw pain or discomfort, difficulty with sucking and swallowing, and oral motor delays.

What You Can Do To Support The Pterygoid Muscles

1.  Ensure a comfortable environment: Creating a calm and comfortable environment can help to promote relaxation in a breastfeeding baby. This might include dimming the lights, playing soothing music, or holding the baby in a warm and cozy space.
2. Use gentle touch: Gentle touch, such as stroking the baby’s back or head, can help to soothe and relax the baby during breastfeeding.
3. Take breaks: Taking breaks during breastfeeding can help to prevent fatigue and reduce stress for both the mother and baby. If the baby becomes fussy or restless, taking a short break and allowing the baby to rest can be helpful.
4. Practice skin-to-skin contact: Skin-to-skin contact can help to promote relaxation and bonding between the mother and baby. This might include holding the baby against the mother’s chest or using a sling or carrier to keep the baby close.
5. Follow the baby’s cues: Paying attention to the baby’s cues can help to promote relaxation and reduce stress during breastfeeding. This might include allowing the baby to feed on demand, responding promptly to hunger or discomfort, and avoiding overstimulation.
6. Ensure proper positioning and latch: Proper positioning and latch can help to optimize the movement of the pterygoid muscles during breastfeeding. The baby’s mouth should be positioned over the areola, with the lips flanged outwards to create a seal around the nipple. This will help to activate the pterygoid muscles and facilitate a strong latch.
7. Use a breastfeeding pillow: A breastfeeding pillow can help to support the baby and maintain proper positioning during breastfeeding, which can reduce strain on the pterygoid muscles and make feeding more comfortable for both the mother and baby.
8. Seek professional help: If an infant is having difficulty with breastfeeding or showing signs of feeding difficulties, it is important to consult with a healthcare professional who can evaluate the infant’s feeding and oral motor function and provide appropriate interventions if needed, such as manual therapy or exercises to support the pterygoid muscles.

Conclusion

Overall, taking steps to optimize positioning and latch, reduce strain on the pterygoid muscles, and seek professional help when needed can help to support successful breastfeeding and promote healthy development in infants.

In summary, the pterygoid muscles are important in facilitating a strong latch and proper positioning of the baby’s mouth during breastfeeding, which is crucial for effective milk extraction and a positive breastfeeding experience for both the mother and baby. If an infant is having difficulty with breastfeeding or showing signs of feeding difficulties, it is important to consult with a healthcare professional, who can evaluate the infant’s feeding and oral motor function and provide appropriate interventions if needed.