03/05/2026
At birth, the occiput is made up of four separate bones. These pieces are not yet fused, and they surround some of the most critical cranial nerves involved in breastfeeding:
• Swallowing
• Drainage and lymphatic function
• Vagus nerve regulation
Tension or compression at the occiput can impact how these nerves communicate with the rest of the body.
This can lead to:
• Shallow latch
• Difficulty with milk transfer
• Gagging, reflux, or gas
• Disrupted suck-swallow-breathe coordination
And because these bones are still mobile, the right assessment and care can make a huge difference.
