Recessed Chin - How I Helped My Baby’s Jaw Come Forward
Both of my babies were born with a recessed jaw. As a first-time mom, I didn’t think anything of it. On it’s own, a recessed jaw isn’t necessarily a concern. A recessed jaw can be normal to a certain degree and if there are no other issues, the jaw will come forward on it’s own.
But both of my babies had two additional concerns that could have prevented their jaw from coming forward as they grew.
Posterior Tongue-Tie
Body Tension
Breastfeeding helps to bring the jaw forward in most cases, but when there’s a poor latch (from ties or tension), breastfeeding isn’t as effective.
Here is what I did to support my babies and encourage their jaw to come forward for healthy facial and airway development:
If you prefer video form, scroll to the end!
Lots of Chewing - especially on the back molars! I offered these teething toys on the daily.
Encouraged Open Posture - especially while breastfeeding. This means bringing the chin away from the chest, having an open neck, and open hips. We don’t want baby constantly curled up in a c-position.
Professional Bodywork - My daughter saw amazing results with a Bowen Therapist and a Myofascial Therapist. My son’s body tension improved from Craniosacral Fascial Therapy (done by me) and Osteopathy. Modalities like these help to support their nervous-system and release tension patterns.
✨If you want to find local or virtual bodyworkers for your baby, I created the Infant Bodywork Directories to make the bodywork process as easy as possible.
At Home Bodywork - this was a daily priority for me to do together with my daughter and my son. It also helps to release tension and support their bodies through growth spurts. It’s also great for their overall development! If you want ideas and inspiration for bodywork at home, check out the free At-Home Bodywork video library.
Tummy-Time - I consider this part of At-Home Bodywork. Michelle Emanuel OTR/L IBCLC NBCR is the creator of the Tummy Time Method™.
Lots of Time Outdoors - Being outside is good for your baby’s nervous-system and gives lots of sensory input. Get them outside as much as possible - even spending a safe amount of time in the sunshine!
Tongue-Tie & Lip Tie Release - I rushed into getting my daughter’s tongue-tie released but we did not see results from the release on it’s own. I later learned about Optimal Timing of Release (also taught by Michelle Emanuel). I did a lot of work on the backend for her. Thankfully, she was able to thrive after bodywork and lots of work with all the steps! With my son, we followed Optimal Timing of Release with lots of preparation before the release with Professional and At-Home Bodywork and Oral Motor Exercises (or Oral Play). Everything went very smoothly for him after the release!
✨If you want to find local or virtual providers who have training in oral function and ties, and find skilled tongue-tie release professionals, you can get the Tongue-Tie Support Directories here.
Proper Tongue-Resting Posture - When the tongue is up on the roof of the mouth, it helps the palate and face grow nice and wide, making lots of room for all the teeth and airway! Closing your baby’s mouth to promote nasal breathing is important, but you also need to get that tongue up to the palate. Here’s an in-depth video that I made showing you how I do it and troubleshoot when the tongue doesn’t stay up.
Lots of Consistency, Time & Patience - For as much as I wish there was a quick-fix, there isn’t one. 🌷 YOU are the key to your baby’s success. I'm passionate about empowering you and encouraging you because there is SO MUCH you can do to support your baby at home, in tandem with skilled oral function providers.
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✨️Skilled professionals are an important part of your support team. If you're unable to find a good provider in your area, I made it super fast and easy to find help either locally or virtually with The Directory Guides!✨️
Why do we want the jaw forward?
The goal is to get the jaw to be in line with the forehead, not pulled back towards throat.
BENEFITS:
✅️ Gives more room for the airway
✅️ Gives more room for the teeth
✅️ Allows the tongue to do it's job
✅️ Less ear infections
✅️ Less likely for TMJ issues
✅️ Less likely for snoring/sleep apnea
✅️ Better sleep
✅️ Good facial development
*Never sharing professional or medical advice!* Just a mom doing what feels best to support her babies and encouraging other moms to follow their gut!
