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Einfluss des Stillens auf den kindlichen Schädel
(Influence of breast-feeding on the cranial development in infants)

Journal: Osteopathische Medizin Date: 2005/09, 6(3):Pages: 9-18, type of study: observational study

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Keywords:

breast feeding [7]
descension of the hard palate [1]
intraoral vacuum [1]
observational study [126]
reduction of cranial dysfunctions [1]
velopharyngofacial musculature [1]

Abstract:

Breastfeeding involves complex activity of the muscles of the tongue, lips and face in synergy with the velar and pharyngeal muscles. M.constrictor pharyngis superior is the key muscle, coordinating muscles activated during sucking and swallowing. The intraoral vacuum required during sucking on the breast together with the activity of the velo-pharyngo-facial muscle loops, stimulates the descension of the hard palate and the unfolding of the cranium. A low palate is essential for the growth of a U-formed dental arch imperative for good occlusion and alignment of the teeth. Objective: Analysis of the influence of muscular activity associated with breastfeeding compared to bottle-feeding on cranial development. Hypothesis: Complex muscular activity during breastfeeding influences the development of the cranium and reduces restrictions in the cranial sutures. Method: 60 randomly selected infants were examined (29 in France, 31 in Norway) post partum and at 3 months. Dysfunctions of the craniofacial sutures and synchondrosis (synchondrosis sphenobasilaris and intraoccipitalis) were evaluated in breastfed and bottle-fed infants by an osteopath not informed about the feeding method. Bizygomatic distance was measured on the level of zygion, biorbital distance on the frontozygomatic suture. 63.3% of the infants were breastfed, 20% bottle-fed and 16.7% both. Results: Restoration of membranous dysfunction of the sphenobasilar synchondrosis was observed in the breastfed group. Breastfed infants of whom the dysfunction of the sphenobasilar synchondrosis did not change or transferred into other dysfunctions presented compressions of the synchondrosis of the cranial base or with a high rate of sutural dysfunction in the vault (primarily the sagittal and coronary sutures), often overlapping. Where there was compression in one or several synchondrosis of the base, a global increase of dysfunctions in the posterior sphere was observed, particularly in the lambdoide suture. Significant results (based on the T-test) were found in 70% of the facial sutures of the breastfed group showing reduction in membranous and osseous lesions. The elongation of the facial muscles during suction due to the mandibular descension, protraction, and the labial occlusion, reduces the dysfunctions of the facial sutures. Breastfed infants showed larger growth of zygomatic bones compared to bottle fed infants. Conclusion: Muscular activity during breastfeeding has important mechanical influences on the development of the infant cranium manifested in the anterior sphere exhibiting reduced restriction of the facial sutures as well as increased growth of the zygomatic bones. Suction during breastfeeding restored membranous dysfunctions of the sphenobasilar synchondrosis with absent compressions of the synchondrosis of the cranial base and the major sutures of the vault. Elasticity of these structures is important allowing breastfeeding to have its intended physiological influence on cranial development. Following a three month examination, the presence of an increased rate of dysfunctions of the posterior sphere and cranial base, indicated the importance of early osteopathic treatment to avoid cranial compensations. Our results confirm the fundamental concepts of osteopathy where structure and function are interrelated. Breastfeeding is a fundamental function for the optimal structuring of the cranial bones.


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