Implications of the Tongue's Anatomy and Biomechanics for Breastfeeding

The human tongue is a major player for breathing, swallowing, sucking, chewing and speech. Breastfeeding is the initial training for its subsequent tasks. Thus, we aimed to explore the tongue's anatomy and biomechanics with conclusions on breastfeeding, essential for healthy development.

Literature on human and animal tongue anatomy and physiology was searched using relevant keywords in the Internet, literature lists from lectures and papers, anatomy and lactation textbooks. As data on tongue anatomy/physiology during breastfeeding is limited, transfer from other research areas was necessary. Own visual material was analysed. We identified and represented contracting and relaxing muscles for three selected tongue movements relevant for breastfeeding and compared them with literature findings.

The tongue as a muscular hydrostat creates different shapes. Simultaneously different muscle fibres need to contract, while others relax. The complex movements require excellent neuronal control. Clear conclusions for protection and support of breastfeeding and physiological tongue resting position are drawn from tongue anatomy and function.

Known breastfeeding recommendations, like frequent breastfeeding in relaxed circumstances, prone position, avoiding artificial nipples and supporting nasal breathing during sleep ('suction-to-palate') are confirmed by tongue anatomy and function as well as by the learning process in neuronal feedback-loops.