Have you ever considered if breastfeeding and language Do they have any relationship? At first glance it seems that no, but nothing is further from the truth since breastfeeding is very important for optimal language development.
Which is the reason? It is very simple: when pronouncing the different phonemes (that is, the sounds of speech) different structures of our face come into participation, such as the tongue, lips or palate, among others. And for them to pronounce themselves properly, these organs they must have adequate muscle tone and correct anatomical position.
On the other hand, these same orofacial structures are the same as those used during sucking and swallowing, movements performed by the baby during the period of breastfeeding. Each time our little one is breastfed, they begin to perform a series of muscle movements that require great coordination.
How does breastfeeding help in orofacial structures?
While the breastfeeding process is being carried out, the orbicular muscles of the lips (muscles responsible for, mainly, closing the lips and emptying the inside of the mouth, in addition to helping when blowing, kissing or whistling) are exercised with the continuous effort of suction.
This will also have an effect on the growth of the jaw, which is initially behind the upper jaw, reaching its proper position on the eighth month of life.
Language It also benefits from sucking during breastfeeding, since its contractions gradually take its right place, helping in the configuration of the palate.
In the same way, it helps our little one get used to using a nasal breath and thus prevent him from suffering the so-called "mouth respirator syndrome".
After this, our little one will be properly prepared for the exit of the first teeth, which will help the optimal development of chewing.
Language and artificial feeding
After the foregoing, we can say that breastfeeding has more benefits for language than artificial breastfeeding. And this is seen in the fact that during sucking with the nipple, the movements performed by the baby are more passive, so that the work of the muscles and the elements mentioned above will be less and will not develop as much as with natural breastfeeding.
The teats of the bottles are usually longer and thicker than the mother's nipple, which causes the tongue to move towards the base of the mouth, thus not favoring its correct position or development of the jaw, since the Baby does not perform forward and reverse movements.
The lips also do not seal properly, which will cause the child to breathe through the mouth, forgetting to do it through the nose, as is normal and advisable, in addition to giving rise to dental problems (such as problems when biting).
What factors determine the production of phonemes?
As we have seen, many of the mechanisms involved in the production of the different phonemes are the same that intervene during the suction process. That is why it is very important to carry out a correct development to avoid later difficulties in speech.
If from an early age we tend to artificially breastfeed, and this lasts over time, we will be having an unfavorable impact on oral language. How? Well, by delaying the appearance of the first phonemes and the first words.
It is because of that proper suction and swallowing are vital for the optimal development of structural orofacials and thus prevent language alterations. Although, it should also be remembered that to prevent these future problems, proper stimulation of language by parents is also very important
Conclusion
Lactation and language They have a more important relationship than we think at first. After all, language development is a sum of factors (organic, environmental ...) in which we must also take into account the issue of feeding during early childhood.
Less exercise of muscle movement can decrease the stimulation of growth and the shape of orofacial structures, conditioning the appearance of subsequent problems, not only of language, but of food or breathing.
