The Benefits of Breastfeeding Your Baby

There are a number of well-documented benefits to breast-feeding your baby, most have to do with the baby’s physical and emotional development. But are you aware that breast-feeding your baby can also ward off problems with an under-developed jaw, reducing the likelihood of developing sleep apnea later in life? Scientists have discovered this is the case, and it’s one more reason to make sure your child benefits from breast-feeding whenever possible, lowering the chances sleep apnea and/or other jaw-related issues might develop later on.

The connection between breast-feeding and sleep apnea

Extensive research by scientists has confirmed that over a long period of time, the structure of our jaws has slowly been changing, such that a weak and under-developed jaw has become more prevalent among humans who have not had the opportunity to breast-feed as babies. Providing children with soft foods, for a prolonged period of time, often out of a fear of them choking on more solid foods, has also contributed to the problem. These common practices prevent the jaw from fully developing, which frequently leads to the onset of sleep apnea.

Correcting under-developed jaws

Modern science has fortunately developed an effective treatment for this situation, and patients who have under-developed jaws can use an appliance to stimulate bone growth, allowing the upper jaw to expand into a more normal configuration. This growth or expansion allows the airway to open up, thus facilitating freer breathing and a much better night of sleep. Also, intervention in the early stages of life has the potential to prevent the need for braces or surgical removal of tonsils and/or adenoids in the future.

Breathing and Sleep Center

We are here to help you understand your options. We host Patient Education Meetings (PEM) every other week to review the history of underdeveloped jaws, how this impacts our children and what options are available to you. If you are not able to make a PEM, please call us so we can assist you with other arrangements. We understand how frustrating it is when you, your spouse or your child can not get a good nights sleep.