Managing breastfeeding difficulties in a multidisciplinary way involving lactation consultants and osteopaths

Abstract

Osteopathy is increasingly used to manage breastfeeding when lactation consultation alone does not bring resolution. These difficulties may have neuromusculoskeletal background. The aim of this master’s thesis was to explore collaboration between lactation consultants and osteopaths to manage breastfeeding difficulties in a multidisciplinary way. The purpose was to examine the potential of osteopathic care as part of multidisciplinary collaboration.

Qualitative research method was used to explore professionals’ perspectives and experiences and envisions for the future. Data was collected through two separate focus group discussions including lactation consultants and osteopaths. Participants were private health care providers, who have worked in the field with multiple years of clinical experience. Four lactation consultants and four osteopaths were included. Each focus group consisted of two professionals from each profession. Focus group discussions offered professionals possibility for multidisciplinary elaboration and provided comprehensive data. Inductive content analysis was used as data analysing method.

Four main themes emerged from the data with additional categories. Main themes were supporting breastfeeding through lactation consultation, evaluation and treatment of baby’s physical challenges, aspects and development of multidisciplinary approach, and professionals’ reflection of current challenges in the field and envisions for the future. Prevention, knowledge and early interventions were considered the most influential elements of care for breastfeeding difficulties. Lactation consultation was seen as primary care for infant feeding from early pregnancy. Especially in multidimensional difficulties, evaluation and treatment of baby’s physical challenges were emphasised to be influential part of care practices. Effectiveness of supporting self-efficacy and breastfeeding confidence with family-centred approaches in biopsychosocial context emerged. Multidisciplinary approach was highly emphasised, and osteopathy was seen an influential part of treatment entity. Medical care was seen an important part of treatment of breastfeeding difficulties, especially when anatomical restrictions like tight lingual frenulum occur. Envisions concluded osteopathy as part of care in maternity hospitals and child health clinics in the future.

The results of this master’s thesis bring forth professionals’ current perceptions and clinical experiences of management and challenges of breastfeeding difficulties in Finland, where lactation consultation is primarily allocated to public child health clinics. According to the results, private sector services for breastfeeding difficulties are needed, and osteopathic care can enhance the resolution of breastfeeding difficulties together with lactation consultation in multidisciplinary way.