CST + IBCLC: A Powerful Team for Feeding and Family Well-Being
- Austin Rees
- Aug 2
- 4 min read
Updated: Aug 3
When it comes to infant feeding, there is no one-size-fits-all approach. Every baby is unique, and so is every family’s journey. That’s why the collaboration between a highly skilled International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) and a Craniosacral Therapy (CST) practitioner offers such powerful support. Together, they bring a comprehensive, compassionate approach that addresses both the function and structure of infant feeding; nurturing the baby and the parent.
Feeding Is Movement
Feeding is a full-body experience. Whether at the breast, chest, or bottle, feeding requires coordinated movement not just between the jaw, tongue, throat, and head, but the neck, spine, hips and core. When there is tension or restriction in the body, often from intrauterine positioning, a fast or prolonged birth, or even cesarean delivery, these movement patterns can be disrupted. Babies may struggle to latch deeply, maintain suction, or stay calm and regulated during feeds.
This is where CST shines. Craniosacral Therapy uses light touch to gently support the body in releasing stored tension, particularly in the cranial bones, jaw, neck, and the entire fascial system. When a baby’s body is more at ease, they often show improved coordination, deeper latching, and more effective sucking, making feeding more efficient and more comfortable.
How CST and IBCLCs Work Together
While CST addresses the why behind feeding challenges such as tension in the neck limiting head turn, or jaw tightness impeding tongue mobility, IBCLCs provide hands-on strategies for how to support the feeding relationship. They assess latch, milk transfer, positioning, and feeding behavior with a skilled and compassionate eye. An IBCLC may notice a feeding pattern that suggests oral tension, and a CST practitioner can address the underlying restriction. Together, they offer a truly integrative path forward. Ronna Waddell, BSN, RN, IBCLC from Nettle and Moon Wellness in Howard County, MD shared:
One of the rewarding aspects of integrating CST and lactation support is witnessing a baby, who previously struggled with latching or caused discomfort, now nurse comfortably. The relief and joy expressed by parents in these moments are truly an honor to share in their journey.
It’s Not Just About Breastfeeding, Bottle Feeding too
Families feed in many ways. While IBCLCs are often associated with breastfeeding or chestfeeding, they also offer valuable insight into bottle feeding. Bottle feeding support from an IBCLC can include pacing strategies, choosing the right nipple shape and flow, and optimizing positioning to reduce air intake and support healthy oral development. CST can complement this by supporting the baby's structural alignment and nervous system regulation, making bottle feeds more comfortable and efficient as well.
Supporting the Parent, Too
Craniosacral Therapy isn’t just for babies. Birth, whether vaginal or surgical, can be a profound physical and emotional event for parents. Many are recovering from pelvic, abdominal, or back discomfort while also navigating feeding challenges and sleep deprivation. At Nourish and Align we can provide a Parent CST add-on to an infant’s appointment, or schedule a full Parent/Child CST session. CST can gently support the body’s recovery process, ease musculoskeletal strain, and calm the nervous system. This can enhance milk production, improve posture and comfort during feeding, and support emotional regulation during a time of major transition.
Feeding challenges can be stressful and emotional. When parents feel supported in their own bodies, they’re better able to tune in to their baby’s needs and respond with presence and patience. A CST session can offer a much needed moment of pause, relief, and rebalancing during the intensity of the newborn stage. Parents deserve to feel comfortable in their bodies too.
A Whole-Family Approach
The combination of CST and IBCLC care offers more than just symptom relief. It creates a foundation for thriving. It’s a team-based approach that sees feeding not as an isolated task, but as a whole-body, whole-family experience. Together, these practitioners can identify underlying barriers, offer gentle and informed care, and help families move forward with more ease, confidence, and connection. Below is a video from a co-treatment with Kelly Kendall RN, IBCLC from The Balanced Boob. We provided lactation and bodywork together in one session.
Whether you're chestfeeding, bottle feeding, or somewhere in between, this collaborative support honors the unique needs of your baby, and YOU.
Did you know?
Austin is both a Craniosacral Therapy Practitioner and an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant. While she no longer provides clinical lactation care, she works closely with her IBCLC colleagues to create collaborative care plans that reflect each family’s unique goals and challenges. Austin and Sarah Goff, IBCLC (pictured beside) have been supporting breastfeeding families together for 20 years and have educated professionals on the foundations of lactation. Not only does Austin's background in lactation make her unique, she also equips every family with the TummyTime! Method, an integrated movement sequence designed to optimize postural development and social engagement families can practice at home. She also is a Certified Babywearing Educator through the Center for Babywearing Studies.
Whether feeding looks like breastfeeding, chestfeeding, pumping, or bottles, you will feel supported in our space. If you're navigating feeding challenges, you don’t have to do it alone. A CST and IBCLC working together can provide the support your family needs to feed, heal, and thrive. Reach out to us to learn our recommended IBCLCs local or nationally. To schedule a CST session, email, text, or schedule online.
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