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Your Fourth-Trimester Maestro: The Newborn Care Specialist

Your Fourth-Trimester Maestro: The Newborn Care Specialist

When we think of a newborn’s first few weeks or months as the opening movement of a symphony, each practitioner, whether a Pediatrician, Pediatric Chiropractor, Osteopathic DO, Physical Therapist (PT), Occupational Therapist (OT), or International Board-certified Lactation Counselor (IBCLC), to name a few, plays their own instrument and offers unique expertise. However, without a conductor, the music can become fragmented, overwhelming, or out of sync. The Newborn Care Specialist (NCS) takes on this conductor’s role, ensuring harmony between the baby’s immediate needs, the parents’ well-being, and the expertise of various specialists.

A harmonious approach supporting parents as partners is a key role of the NCS. The transition to caring for a newborn can be stressful, especially when parents find themselves negotiating the complexities of various professionals involved in their child’s care. An NCS serves as a valuable ally in this journey, acting not only as a caregiver but also as an informed guide and interpreter.

By fostering open communication, the NCS enables parents to navigate their baby’s care with unwavering confidence, transforming potential feelings of overwhelm into a clearer, more manageable path forward.

Early Detection and Advocacy

A qualified professional NCS plays a vital role in the early weeks of a newborn’s life, often spending more time with the infant than any other healthcare or family support provider. This intense level of engagement allows the NCS to closely observe the baby and pick up on subtle (and not so subtle) cues that might signal underlying challenges.

For instance, if a newborn shows sign of physical tension, consistently favor one side of their body, or exhibit symptoms of reflux or digestive discomfort, the NCS can identify the issue and offer some suggestions to help with the issue as well as recommend the appropriate specialist.

Additionally, developmental concerns as delayed responsiveness or atypical movement patterns, can be addressed in a timely manner by the NCS who becomes an invaluable ally for the families.

By bridging the gap between a family’s natural caregiving intuition and professional support, the NCS plays a crucial role in fostering the newborn’s health and well-being through education, guidance, and compassionate support. 

The Symphony of Care – Coordinating Support and Communication 

During the fourth trimester, families often find themselves navigating a whirlwind of emotions and responsibilities, which can lead to feelings of being overwhelmed. In the midst of seeking out various specialists for their newborn, parents may struggle to grasp the intricate ways in which these professionals’ roles interconnect and support one another. This is where an NCS becomes invaluable, serving as a bridge that translates professional recommendations into actionable daily practices.

While the pediatrician provides essential medical guidance concerning the baby’s health, the NCS ensures that crucial aspects, such as medication schedules, feeding routines, and daily care practice, are adhered to with precision and care. When an IBCLC shares techniques for optimal breastfeeding positions, the NCS takes the time not only to reinforce these methods but also to integrate them seamlessly into each and every feeding session, ensuring both mother and baby are comfortable and confident.

In addition, when an OT, PT, or other therapist suggests particular exercises to promote the baby’s physical development, the NCS gently assists parents in incorporating these exercises into their daily care rituals, making it a positive and stress-free experience for everyone involved. This meticulous symphony of care helps eliminate potential gaps in guidance so that the baby receives a consistent and holistic approach to care.

Orchestrating the Foundation for Lifelong Development

When the right specialists are brought into the care team early on, a multitude of common challenges, such as, feeding difficulties, colic, oral dysfunction, torticollis, sleep disruptions, and sensory processing issues, can be addressed before they have a chance to escalate into more significant problems. Through a harmonious collaboration of various professionals, an NCS ensures that the unique needs of the baby are recognized promptly and met in a comprehensive manner.

This integrated approach empowers parents with guidance and education while easing feelings of isolation and uncertainty. Through collaboration, each practitioner’s expertise is amplified, creating a stronger, more unified circle of care.

In conclusion, the NCS is not a substitute for pediatricians, IBCLCs, or therapists, but a skilled conductor who brings their expertise into harmony. Like a maestro leading a symphony, she ensures every element works together, creating a nurturing environment that supports a robust and resilient foundation for a lifetime of health and well-being from day one.

Reflux and the implications it can have on the Central Nervous System in Newborns

Silent reflux, a hidden but impactful condition affecting newborns, often goes unnoticed until it causes significant distress, yet it’s effects on a baby’s comfort, development, and well-being can be profound. It may have implications for their developing nervous systems, digestive systems, and esophagus. Silent reflux, medically called laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR), is a condition in which stomach contents rise back into the esophagus and reach the throat and larynx without the noticeable symptom of spitting up or regurgitation. When a baby is unable to be calm, comfortable, or sleep lying flat, they are living with heightened adrenaline, elevated cortisol levels, and pure exhaustion, to name a few.

Below, we will explore how silent reflux can lead to an exaggerated state of sympathetic nervous system activation (fight-or-flight mode) in a newborn, hindering the development of their nervous system, gut, and hormones. As a society, we emphasize not leaving babies to cry, ensuring they feel cared for and heard. We aim to help them co-regulate their nervous systems.

How does that work when addressing reflux is often delayed until caregivers are distressed or the baby shows severe signs such as losing weight, being unconsolable, and refusing to eat or sleep unless they are being held? In my professional experience, it doesn’t, and we are doing a disservice to newborns when we do not eliminate the root cause of the reflux. Giving medications only masks the pain but does not stop any damage to the esophagus, gut, or nervous system. Meds are typically only given to severe cases by pediatricians.

Discomfort and Pain:

Reflux, whether silent or typical, can cause significant discomfort for individuals of all ages, including newborns. Silent reflux may lead to feelings of distress or acute pain in a newborn’s throat and esophagus, which aren’t always evident through common symptoms like spitting up.

Infants with silent reflux may show irritability or persistent crying, while others might appear calm, misleading parents into thinking they are fine. This lack of expression can hide substantial discomfort. Restlessness, such as fidgeting or unusual movements, may also indicate pain or unease. Recognizing these subtler signs is crucial for caregivers to understand the infant’s discomfort and seek appropriate solutions.

Sleep Disturbances:

Infant reflux discomfort often worsens when they lie flat, making it hard for them to sleep soundly. This can lead to frequent night awakenings, preventing deep, restorative sleep and keeping the baby in a heightened state of alertness. Consequently, disrupted sleep affects well-being and increases stress responses, making it essential for caregivers to find ways to alleviate discomfort and improve sleep quality.

Due to societal pressures, families may misinterpret their baby’s cues during night awakenings, opting to feed them instead of addressing potential pain. Feeding can reinforce reflux problems, increase food intake, and keep the baby in a sympathetic nervous system state for longer. While milk may provide temporary comfort, it can create a pattern where babies demand more food at night than during the day. Educating families on recognizing their baby’s communication cues is vital for achieving a healthy, calm, and happy sleeping baby.

Frequent Crying or Fussiness:

A sustained period of irritability in an infant, often stemming from ongoing physical discomforts such as reflux, colic, or digestive issues (Colic and digestive issues can also lead to reflux. Research into colic increasingly connects it to the gut microbiome.) can lead to a vicious cycle of stress and distress. This relentless state of discomfort not only

heightens the baby’s levels of frustration and fussiness but also may provoke physiological changes, triggering the body’s fight-or-flight response. This response is characterized by heightened sympathetic nervous system arousal, which can manifest as increased heart rate, elevated cortisol levels, and an overall sense of agitation.

As a result, the baby may find it challenging to reach a state of calmness and security. Over time, this ongoing stress response can interfere with their ability to relax, making it increasingly difficult for them to feel safe and comfortable in their environment, leading to more frequent episodes of crying and heightened sensitivity to external stimuli.

Breathing Issues:

When gastroesophageal reflux irritates an infant’s airway, it can cause serious breathing difficulties, often resembling choking or distress. This irritation triggers a sympathetic response in the baby’s nervous system, leading to anxiety and fear as the baby struggles to breathe. This is especially noticeable during sleep, particularly when the baby’s head tilts back, which can open up the airways. Such behavior may indicate an underlying issue affecting their breathing, often seen in newborns with reflux and oral dysfunction.

Reflecting on my own experiences, I realized I had narrow nasal passages that I had widened for better airflow. As a child, I struggled with anxiety around suffocation, unsure if it stemmed from infancy or a forgotten traumatic event. Our understanding of newborn’s behavior has improved, showing that babies communicate their discomfort and needs through movements and sounds.

It is remarkable how resilient babies are; they adapt to meet their basic needs even when challenged. This resilience underscores the importance of being attentive to infants’ cues, which can provide crucial insights into their experiences.

Feeding Challenge:

When a newborn associates feeding with pain or discomfort, it can lead to a strong aversion to mealtime. This can cause increased stress and activate the body’s fight-or-flight response. This anxiety may result in weight loss, raising concerns for caregivers and healthcare professionals and often necessitating medical intervention to meet the child’s nutritional needs. Recognizing early signs of distress is crucial for caregivers, as responding proactively can prevent feeding aversions. By tuning in to an infant’s hunger, discomfort, or emotional security cues, caregivers can foster a positive feeding experience, promoting healthier growth and development. Proper feeding contributes to a calmer, happier baby who sleeps better, supporting a return to the calming parasympathetic nervous system state essential for rest and digestion.

Generalized Stress:

Persistent discomfort, feeding difficulties, and disrupted sleep can keep a newborn in a constant state of stress, hindering their overall well-being. This chronic stress response affects the parasympathetic nervous system, which is essential for restful sleep and digestion. When compromised, the newborn struggles with comfort, leading to a cycle of feeding and sleep challenges that can impact their physical and emotional development.

An overactive sympathetic nervous system can exacerbate issues like reflux. Addressing silent reflux involves observing feeding practices, consulting functional health professionals when we first start seeing signs, and possibly making dietary adjustments or using specific positioning after meals. Identifying the root cause is key to finding effective, non-invasive solutions that help alleviate stress and promote the newborn’s well-being.

In Conclusion:

It is important to proactively address a baby’s discomfort and stress in ways that support them physically and emotionally. A key aspect of building a secure attachment and promoting healthy emotional development is ensuring the baby trusts their caregivers to understand their needs.

Caregivers should aim to understand and meet the baby’s true needs rather than relying on their own interpretations of what the baby might require. When a baby learns to trust, their caregiver will respond appropriately, they feel heard, and their needs are met.

This trust is crucial for developing a secure attachment to oneself.

At Gentle Giraffes Newborn Care, we are dedicated to educating our clients about their newborns’ communication signals. We understand that the early days of parenthood can be overwhelming, and we aim to make this transition as smooth and positive as possible for both the newborn and the family.

The founder, Erin, is deeply committed to creating a nurturing environment where every newborn can form a secure attachment. This foundational bond is essential for supporting the child’s emotional and psychological well-being as they navigate their journey through life. We provide tailored guidance and resources to empower parents, helping them interpret their baby’s cues and respond effectively to their needs.

Our goal is to support not only the immediate care of the newborn but also to lay the groundwork for healthy emotional development in the years to come. At Gentle Giraffe Newborn Care, we believe that with the right tools and understanding, every family can thrive during this crucial stage. We strive to leave families with a well- rested baby and empower them to confidently navigate their parenting journey independently after we depart.

Parents’ Influence on Baby’s Nervous System

Can Parents Influence Baby’s Nervous System?

When getting ready to bring your little one into the world and raising them once they’re here, you’ll likely continually hear how important the nervous system is to their development. Let’s go over what the nervous system does, and why’s it’s so integral to your baby’s well-being:

The Nervous System Maintains Physiologic Functions

Firstly, the nervous system is essential for maintaining physiologic functions including cardiovascular and respiratory homeostasis. It’s also intricately connected to the higher brain system involved in the emotional and physical aspects of life that make us uniquely human. It plays a role in nearly every aspect of our health, including basic things like breathing, to more complicated things like the ability to make memories and  regulate emotional state. In other words, the nervous system is absolutely critical to who we are as people, and ensuring that your little one is developing in a healthy manner is incredibly important.

Emotional Experiences Shape the Way Babies Think

Science also tells us that early emotional experience can quite literally shape the way our little ones think– but how exactly does that work? Essentially, the subcortical part of the brain is responsible for creating emotional memories, while the medial prefrontal cortex part of the brain is involved in managing behaviors, as well as in planning and decision making. These two areas are connected and constantly communicating with one another, and extremely vulnerable to environmental influences– particularly in the early building stages, when your child is very young. Neuroscience actually suggests how these early life experiences can literally shape the ways in which children think.

This raises incredibly important questions for us as parents – how do our actions impact our little one’s nervous system, and how can we help promote healthy nervous system growth? Because we are the key source of creating these first experiences, it’s important to create a nurturing environment.

Parents Can Influence their Baby’s Nervous System

How can we do this? Firstly, engagement in healthy and positive situations is key here. You’re going to want to protect them from any loud, negative, and damaging noises, which can play a negative role in their development. You’ll want to try to create a gentle and supportive experience for them, as much as you can. In this environment, everything from the sound of your voice, the volume of your voice, and more plays a huge role. If we react well to something, our little ones will often do the same. If we respond in a calm way, our little ones will likely follow that lead. In this sense, we should view ourselves as an extension of their children’s developing brain.

Although very few people know this, the development of a baby’s nervous system begins long before they’re even brought into the world – in fact, it actually begins in utero. In just the fifth week of conception, a baby’s synapses begins forming in the fetus’s spinal cord, which then leads to the eventual development. In other words, the eggs we carry also carry emotional health. Because we know that a baby’s nervous system begins while they’re still in utero, we know that they’re nervous system is intrinsically linked to the birth parent– in other words, the development of their nervous system is based on ours. Thus, when it eventually comes to their own self soothing and self regulation, it’s imperative that we’ve provided them with the healthy tools to do so.

Looking for other ways of promoting healthy growth? It’s always helpful to expose our children to new and exciting environments, sights, and sounds – they’re learning so much from the moment they’re born! While we aren’t always perfect, and that shouldn’t be the goal, we should be trying to bestow kindness and gentleness in everything we do for our children, especially in their early months and years of life.

 Send us a message at contact@gentlegiraffes.com and we will be glad to help.

Why Incline Sleepers Have Been Recalled

Why all Incline Sleepers Have Been Recalled And Are NOT Permitted For Use

This week on the blog we will be talking on the subject of incline sleepers and why they have been recalled and are not permitted for infants and children.

One of the most popular incline sleepers on the market was the Fisher-Price Rock ‘n Play. On April 5, 2019, The CPSC (Consumer Product Safety Commission), as well as Fisher-Price issued a safety warning on the Rock-‘n-play sleeper claiming that 10 babies had died because of the sleeper. But this warning simply did not go far enough to recall the product.
A few days after the April 5th warning from CPSC and Fisher-Price, a consumer reports investigation connected the product to 32 infant deaths since 2009. The AAP called the CPSC to issue an immediate recall for the Fisher-Price Rock-‘n-Play Sleeper. On April 12, 2019, Fisher-Price finally recalled all 4.7 million of these Rock n’ Play sleepers. This came after the company had been sued over 32 infant deaths since 2009. A lot of people may not realize the impact of incline sleepers and the damage that they were doing to infants and children.
Consumer Reports concluded that these 32 deaths, between 2011 and 2019, included babies even younger than 3 months old. The main cause of death listed from the babies who died in the inclined sleeper was due to asphyxia or suffocation due to the babies’ position. In October of 2011, the American Academy of Pediatrics published guidelines of safe sleeping environments for infants, and the Rock-‘n- Play did not fit any of its criteria. The sleeper is not firm or flat therefore it puts the baby at risk to die from SIDS and other infant related deaths.
“This product is dangerous and I urge parents and caregivers to stop using it right away,” said Ben Hoffman, M.D., chairperson of AAP’s Council on Injury, Violence, and Poison Prevention Executive Committee. “While this recall is specific to the Rock ’n Play, there are other inclined and padded sleeping products on the market that can put infants’ safety at risk. I am glad to see this product off the market and urge all parents to talk to their pediatricians about how to keep their babies safe during sleep time and any time.”
The AAP (American Academy of Pediatrics) does not recommend inclined sleep products like the Rock-’n-Play. They also do not recommend any type of products that restrain a baby while asleep. The AAP advises against using car seats, strollers, or other devices for sleep because of the risk that the baby could roll or turn into an unsafe position and not be able to turn over or into the previous position which therefore will lead to suffocation or strangulation.
If you have a Fisher-Price Rock-‘n-Play, you can contact Fisher-Price for a refund or a voucher. They came out with a statement saying…
• If you have owned the Fisher-Price Rock ‘N Play Sleeper 6 months or less, you will receive a full cash refund for the suggested retail price. If you include your receipt you will be reimbursed for the receipt amount including sales taxes paid.
• For products you have owned longer than 6 months, you will receive a voucher to redeem for a new Fisher-Price product commensurate with the amount of time you have owned the Fisher-Price Rock ‘N Play Sleeper.
Photos Owned By: Healthychildren.org & pregnantchicken.com
Interested in working with Erin?! Contact us at : https://www.gentlegiraffes.com/contact

Queen of the Pantry Concierge Chef & Wellness Services

Meet Yvette Saulnier Taylor

Founder of Queen Of The Pantry

Today we are so excited to interview GG Expert Yvette Saulnier Taylor! Yvette is a culinary nutrition expert with over 12 years’ experience as a professionally trained chef drawing on these classical cooking techniques to design customized menus and a focus on nutritionally balanced meals for a variety of clients.

What do you do?

“I am a culinary nutrition expert with over 12 years’ experience as a professionally trained chef drawing on these classical cooking techniques to design customized menus and a focus on nutritionally balanced meals for a variety of clients. I am also a fitness and nutrition enthusiast certified in nutrition by several organizations in the areas of healthy aging, sports and weight management. QOTP is an exclusive holistic nutrition, wellness & lifestyle company offering chef-prepared meals and concierge nutrition services for people who value a personalized experience and approach to food including expecting or new moms, tricky diets, picky eaters, professional athletes or medical conditions.”

“As a chef, I make sure expectant moms, dads and the entire family are nourished properly which benefits the newborn as well. However, I work closely with new moms to develop a healthy relationship with food (if needed) and to design and provide menus specific to their nutritional needs.  Recipes and menus are creatively prepared as tolerance and tastes vary throughout pregnancy and beyond. . I co-authored the revision of the Beaba USA cookbook working closely with them to create healthy simple and nourishing recipes.”

What are the top 3 reasons it is beneficial for parents?

1) I give them back their TIME and energy

2) Take the stress out of meal planning

3) Take the stress out of daily nutrition needs during pregnancy, nursing stages and toddler years

 

Interested in working with Yvette?! Contact us at : https://www.gentlegiraffes.com/contact

(headshot) Sonya Highfield, Real World Creatives

(kitchen shots) Stuart Beeby Photography (Sudbury, MA)

Meet Danielle Bujnak

Meet Danielle Bujnak

Founder of Child Magic, LLC

Today we are excited to interview Danielle Bujnak, an experienced Early Childhood Educator. Danielle has many years of experience caring for and guiding infants and young children in various environments including: individual family settings, homeschooling, day care, preschools, and Montessori and Waldorf-based early childhood programs. She is licensed by the state of California at the “Master Teacher” and “Site Supervisor” levels, permitting her to run a multi-classroom preschool or daycare for ages birth to 7 years, and to guide and mentor other teachers in best practices for these ages.

What do you do?

“My goal as an early childhood and family development professional is to collaborate with parents to identify the best strategies and approaches to match each family’s preferences and needs, supporting each child’s unique path of healthy development.”

Why is it beneficial to newborns?

“When we begin supporting a newborn’s development with curated intentionality, we allow their development to unfold at the infant’s personally optimal pace. We provide an environment of sensitive and responsive care to allow the infant to explore and experience themselves and their world at the appropriate pace for their brain and body to be ready to take on the new and exciting challenges of physical and mental growth. The neural pathways that are laid down and solidified in early infancy are the core and foundation for lifelong learning.”

What are the top 3 reasons it is beneficial for parents?

1.) Our society and culture dramatically underestimate the potential and capabilities of infants and children, so parents can easily miss key opportunities to support their infant’s optimal development; consulting with Child Magic, LLC can provide context and foundation for parents to understand their infant’s needs and abilities in order to notice and support each nuanced stage of development.

2.) An intentional approach to parenting requires a broad array of techniques and approaches, which we can borrow from a variety of traditions and pedagogies, and cross-reference with the current research in the neuroscience of infant development to provide a bespoke and evidence-based approach for each infant and family situation.

3.) Many parents are interested in ideas from Montessori, Waldorf/Steiner, RIE, and Reggio Emilia, but aren’t sure how to implement them, or some aspects match well with their families’ needs and other aspects are not as helpful. Providing a la carte access to various practices and elements of each of these philosophies can help parents choose an integrated approach that works for their own family.

 

Interested in working with Danielle Bujnak?

Contact us at: https://www.gentlegiraffes.com/contact

Heather Smidt, LicAc, LMT

Meet Heather Smidt

Owner of Wander Well Acupuncture

We are so excited to interview Heather Smidt, LicAc, LMT, and Reiki Master Teacher!

Heather holds a Masters of Acupuncture in both Chinese and Japanese Style Acupuncture from the New England School of Acupuncture, the oldest and most regarded acupuncture program in the United States.

What do you do?

As someone who personally struggled with PCOS, endometriosis, and infertility, Heather strives to empower patients about their health and supports them on their family building journey and beyond. She understands the sense of being completely alone in the struggle, and understands the psychological toll that many experience. She has ridden that hormonal roller-coaster and knows just how irksome it is when someone tells you to “just relax”. She gets it. This is why she is more than just a medical professional; she is also your cheerleader, your guide, and your comrade when it comes to your fertility journey.

What are the top 3 reasons it is beneficial for newborns?

1. The heart of the mother is the body of the child and the body of the child is the heart of the mother. The health of a mother and her child are intertwined. We are our best when we are able to fill our cup first so that we can be there for our children.

2. One of my clinical rotations was at BMC in Pediatrics. During that time, I worked with newborn babies who had neonatal abstinence syndrome. The protocols that we used had universal application for calming newborns so that they were able to better eat, poop, and sleep.

3. When babies are constipated or gassy, it can be frustrating for parents. Acupuncture and acupressure gives parents another tool in their toolbox to help soothe their little ones.

What are the top reasons it is beneficial for parents?

1. It provides self care, support for nursing/ letdown of milk/supply issues

2. Empowerment by providing tools for care of self and littles

3. Helps support better menstrual cycles to better support conception and supports folks who are in treatment using ART by helping with medication side effects/guidance on supplements

4 .Labor preparation acupuncture is great for those who want to naturally support labor or help make induction smoother

Interested in working with Heather Smidt?!

Contact us: https://www.gentlegiraffes.com/contact

5 Tips for a Parent-to-be and a Working Mom!

Are You a Working Mom and a Parent-to-be?

Jackie Zuk – VIP Member

I can relate. The beginning of this year, I was beautifully gifted to find out I was pregnant. What an exciting time but it also was one of my biggest seasons in my business.

Here are my FIVE main takeaways to consider when it comes to creating a healthier work environment while also being the best MOM BOSS there is out there 😉

1. Go to Sleep earlier + Meditate more. Make the time.

I can’t tell you how life changing this has been for me. I am a night owl and always have been. I would be up to 12am/1am no big deal. Now I am in BED by 930/10 and wake up at the crack of dawn but get the BEST sleep. NOURISH your sleep and mind you need it to function.

2. Bring snacks on-the-go.

I can’t tell you how nauseous I get now when I don’t eat every 2-3 hours. Make sure to take care of that because you really don’t feel great when you don’t take care of that.

3. Let go of people and clients that don’t bring positive energy into your life.

If you are working with someone or surrounded by someone who makes you feel yucky you need to get rid of them. Really protecting your energy during this time is SO important.

4. Work less.

This has been a hard one for me to digest as my life has always been GO GO GO for anyone who knows me. The biggest takeaway I can share is when you work less and step into more of your feminine energy, better quality of people and events come into your life . I feel in our society there is SO much pressure put on us constantly especially as women business owners. The money will come and always be there. TRUST. ** by the way since I have taken a step back– it has DEFINITELY been working in case you were wondering 😉

5. Hire out help.

I can’t tell you how much less stress this has put on my plate. Most clients you love and adore but there is also an act of demand when they are so used to you always being there. Noone is YOU at the end of the day. But you CANNOT grow if you don’t outsource what drains you. This is not the time to be extra drained, if any part of your business drains you.. it is TIME to outsource!

Gentle Giraffes is amazing and I am so glad to be in a safe space and birth community during this time. If you are a parent to be, definitely check out this amazing community <3

Orofacial Myofunctional Disorders Explained

Learn about treatment for infants with tongue tie

 

tongue tie
upper lip tie

I get calls frequently requesting Myofunctional Therapy for infants after a tongue tie release. Let’s take a look at all the acronyms, breakdown what they mean, and discuss what provider and type of therapy is appropriate to seek out after a tongue/lip tie release.

Before we get started, TOT’s is the acronym for Tethered Oral Tissues which is the professional term for tongue, lip and buccal (cheek) ties.

First, A myofuncitonal therapist is not always dually trained in infant/pediatric feeding and is not necessarily trained to work with infants. In fact myofunctional coursework is based on older toddlers ( 4 +) and up in terms of therapy. Myofunctional therapy requires volitional control of oral/facial musclature and the ability to follow directions. We learn about normal anatomy, atypical anatomy, TOTs etc .; however, there’s not one aspect of treating feeding disorders in infants nor is it encouraged by myofunctional therapist. In fact to pass your QOM (Qualified Orofacial Myologist) exam you need the appropriately aged patients and caseload to be considered and it’s not infants or babies .

The importance of breastfeeding , the early signs of OMDs (Orofacial Myofunctional Disorders) , the importance of weaning a bottle and pacifier is taught, but a myofunctional therapist is not by definition an infant specialist. Don’t be mistaken, there are many myofunctional therapists that do both. That’s usually indicated on their professional page / website / bio. For example I am both a pediatric feeding specialist and myofunctional therapist with a QOM certification.

Secondly, TOTs is not the only thing Orofacial Myology is about and TOTs is a diagnosis that impacts various aspects of function across the lifespan. Infants for example who are breastfeeding are best served by IBCLCs (Internationally Board Certified Lactation Consultant) but that doesn’t make an IBCLC a Myo specialist because they are TOTs savvy. Many TOTs patients need PT (physical therapy) or OT (occupational therapy) as well but that doesn’t make that Myo with babies either. An infant team for TOTs is complex and may use various methods.

Most importantly- though closed lips and nose breathing is optimal but we can’t start closing the mouths of infants nor make parents think they should be closing their infants mouths 24/7. This is especially true if the baby has low tone or their airway has not been assessed . If an infant is tongue tied the position of the tongue may be blocking the airway, even when released , it doesn’t always naturally change, it requires working on pre-feeding, feeding, strength and endurance . Infants aren’t mini adults they are a unique population that require therapists trained to work with them through evidence based modalities specific to infants.

Myofunctional therapy is not the appropriate type of treatment for an infant pre or post tongue tie release. Seek out a pediatric feeding and swallowing therapist that is TOTs savvy. They will be able to provide you and your child with the best outcomes in therapy.

Acronyms:

SLP (Speech-Langauage Pathologist)

Myo (Myofunctional Therapy)

QOM (Qualified Orofacial Myologist)

IBCLC (Internationally Board Certified Lactation Consultant)

OMDs (Orofacial Myofunctional Disorders)

TOTs (Tethered Oral Tissues) =Lip, Tongue, and Cheek TiesAnkoglossia (tongue tie)

Frenectomy (tongue/lip/cheek tie revision procedure)

Benefits of Parent Coaching

Why do Parent Coaching

When becoming pregnant, you’ll likely find that you have a huge amount of resources available to you and your family– however, it can be overwhelming to digest and figure out what you need to know and when. That’s why parent coaching can be a beneficial tactic to look at! But what is parent coaching exactly? Essentially, parenting coaching is an approach to teaching parenting both the need-to-knows in the current moment, the hypotheticals for the future, and more regarding their children. Let’s go over some of the top benefits it can provide:

Coaching Teaches Child Development Stages

Firstly, it’s a great way to learn about child development. Before implementing any practical strategies into your children’s routine, it helps to have context for what will best serve them for the age and stage they’re at. Parent coaches can teach you about stages of brain development and what those stages look like in terms of language, emotions, cognition, and physical activity. In knowing what’s developmentally appropriate for your little one, we can help temper our response and understand how to engage with them.

Coaching Helps to Align Partner Parenting Styles

Another benefit of coaching can be helping you and your partner align on your parenting styles, determine compromise and communication, and help establish family values that work for the both of you. It can feel overwhelming figuring out what kind of dynamic and environment will be most beneficial for you and your little one, and having a neutral third party to help you both weed through this and come to a resolution can be extremely beneficial.

Coaching Builds Trust

A great advantage to parent coaching also lies in what you gain from it emotionally– it can help build trust, excitement, joy, and most importantly, empathy. When raising little ones, you are entirely responsible for not only how they see the world, but how they’ll eventually engage in it. How you speak to them and how you interact with them is incredibly important. In working with a parent coach, you’re able to practice healthy communication with a neutral observer, eventually creating a space of freedom and trust upon which children can rely.

Coaching Creates Personal Responsibility

Finally, one of the biggest benefits of working with a parent coach is the fact that it creates a personal responsibility and a sense of mindfulness & awareness. In taking the intentional time to reflect on who we are as parents and how our actions will impact our children, we acknowledge who we are and how we can do better.

Conclusion

In conclusion, parent coaching offers several benefits for individuals embarking on the journey of raising children. From understanding the intricacies of child development stages to aligning parenting styles with a partner, and from fostering trust and empathy to instilling personal responsibility and mindfulness, proper coaching can provide invaluable guidance and support. Send us a message at contact@gentlegiraffes.com and we will be glad to help.