The Hidden Struggles of Latching: How Fascia and Palate Restrictions Impact Nursing, and How We Help Through Applied Kinesiology

When we think about breastfeeding challenges, we often picture something simple: maybe a baby just "won't latch right" or "needs time." But beneath the surface, a silent anatomical struggle is often at play — one rooted in fascia tension and palate restrictions.

In my work, I've seen how these subtle restrictions can create a domino effect of difficulties: frustration, exhaustion, a sense of failure in mothers, and digestive and developmental struggles in infants. But the empowering truth is this: with the right tools, we can often help restore natural function, gently and effectively.

Let's dive a little deeper.

The Anatomy of Fascia and Palate Restrictions

Fascia is the connective tissue web that surrounds muscles, bones, nerves, and organs. It doesn't just "hold" things together — it also guides motion and communication throughout the body.

When fascia around the mouth, jaw, neck, or even chest becomes tight (from birth pressures, in-utero position, or genetic predispositions), it can pull on the palate, tongue, and jaw. This tension can restrict an infant's ability to form a proper seal during nursing or to use their tongue correctly for efficient milk transfer.

Similarly, palate restrictions — often related to tongue tie (ankyloglossia) — limit the tongue's ability to lift to the roof of the mouth. Without that lift, babies can't create the suction needed for smooth, comfortable breastfeeding.

Studies back this up:

• Messner & Lalakea (2000) found that 25% of mothers of infants with ankyloglossia reported breastfeeding difficulties compared to just 3% in the control group.

• Mills et al. (2019) highlighted that the frenulum (the tissue under the tongue) is integrated into the body's fascia system. Tightness here can ripple tension through the neck and jaw, disrupting posture and nursing mechanics.

• Yoon et al. (2017) explained that tongue-tied babies often can't reach their palate with their tongue — which disrupts not just feeding, but normal oral development too.

When these systems are restricted, nursing can become painful, inefficient, and emotionally draining for everyone involved.

How We Address This: Applied Kinesiology and Myofascial Release

In our clinic, we use a holistic approach rooted in Applied Kinesiology (AK) to assess and address these restrictions.

AK allows us to gently test muscle tone and neurological responses throughout the body — including the intricate muscles of the jaw, tongue, and neck. Through this testing, we identify areas of fascial tension, muscular compensation, and neurological miscommunication.

Once identified, we use soft tissue releases, cranial adjustments, and specific reflex techniques to help:

• Release fascial restrictions

• Restore palate and jaw mobility

• Balance neurological signals to improve sucking and swallowing patterns

In many cases, this work alone significantly improves breastfeeding outcomes — without needing immediate surgical intervention.

Success Stories

One little girl, "Emma," came to us at just three weeks old. Her mother was in tears, feeling defeated. Emma couldn't latch well, constantly slipped off the breast, and was struggling to gain weight. On evaluation, we found significant fascial pull through Emma's jaw and a restricted tongue that couldn't lift properly.

Through gentle cranial work, myofascial release of the neck and oral tissues, and targeted reflex stimulation, we saw changes within the first week. Emma began to latch more deeply, her feedings became longer and more efficient, and her mother — visibly lighter — said it was "the first time breastfeeding actually felt natural."

Another little boy, "Liam," had already had a surgical release of his tongue tie but still struggled with painful nursing. That's because while the tie was cut, the fascial tension patterns hadn't been addressed. After several sessions focusing on releasing the residual tension in his floor of mouth and cervical fascia, Liam's latch improved dramatically, and he began gaining weight steadily.

The Heart of the Work

Every infant deserves the chance to thrive, and every mother deserves to feel empowered in her journey.

Breastfeeding is a primal, beautiful dance between mother and baby — but sometimes, the body needs a little help to move freely again. By recognizing the often-hidden role of fascia and palate restriction, and by applying a compassionate, whole-body approach through Applied Kinesiology, we help restore that natural harmony.

If you're struggling, know this: it's not your fault. And help is closer than you think.

References:

• Messner AH, Lalakea ML. Ankyloglossia: incidence and associated feeding difficulties. Arch Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2000;126(1):36-39.

• Wallace H, Clarke S. Tongue tie division in infants with breastfeeding difficulties. Int J Pediatr Otorhinolaryngol. 2006;70(7):1257-1261.

• Mills N, Pransky SM, Geddes DT, Mirjalili SA. What is a tongue tie? Defining the anatomy of the in-situ lingual frenulum. Clin Anat. 2019;32(6):749-761.

• Yoon A, Zaghi S, Weitzman R, Ha S, Law CS. Toward a functional definition of ankyloglossia: validating current grading scales for lingual frenulum length and tongue mobility in 1052 subjects. Sleep Breath. 2017;21(3):767-775.