Specialized Therapy for Oral Dysfunction and Restrictions

Common signs that would benefit from a functional evaluation:

• Difficulty latching or inability to latch

• Sliding off the nipple during feeds

• Fatigue or sleepy feeds

• Poor weight gain

• Clicking sounds during feeding

• Nipple pain or damage

• Increased maternal nipple or breast infections and compromised milk supply

• Gastrointestinal issues such as gas, reflux, or irregular bowel movements

• Aerophagia (air swallowing)

• Other feeding-related challenges

• Postural asymmetries (torticollis/head shape concerns)

It is important to note that not all feeding challenges are caused by tongue tie, and tongue tie may coexist with other underlying factors. This is why a collaborative approach and pre-frenectomy therapy are beneficial if you suspect a tongue, lip or cheek restriction.

Every baby is different, but a typical flow often looks like this:

1. Comprehensive evaluation of your baby’s feeding, oral function, body movement, and nervous system regulation.

2. Therapy sessions to improve mobility, coordination, and feeding efficiency.

3. Collaboration with your care team (IBCLC, pediatric dentist, pediatrician, etc.) if a restriction may be impacting function.

4. Pre-release preparation to optimize the body and feeding patterns.

5. Post-release therapy to help your baby learn to use their new range of motion and integrate improved function.

Babies with oral ties often develop compensatory patterns in both the mouth and the body. These habits don’t automatically disappear after a release. They require neuromuscular retraining and new movement patterns that support greater range of motion and improved function.

Feeding is a whole-body activity. Babies need to move well to feed well. Therapy focuses on movement, with babies actively involved and engaged in the process (yes—even newborns!).

Sessions support tongue function, posture, whole-body coordination, and nervous system regulation, helping babies build the motor patterns needed for more effective feeding and movement.

Preparation matters.

Yes. Infant feeding is best supported through collaborative care.

We regularly collaborate with:

• IBCLCs

• Release Providers

• Bodyworkers (CST, chiropractic, etc.)

• Pediatricians

• Other therapy providers

With your permission, we communicate with your care team to ensure everyone is working toward the same goals for your baby.

I am a licensed pediatric occupational therapist with advanced training in infant feeding, neurodevelopment, and whole-body approaches to oral function. My work focuses specifically on supporting babies during their first year of life, with an emphasis on feeding, sensory processing, and early motor development.

I have completed specialized training in Upledger Craniosacral Therapy (CST1) and Total Motion Release which support gentle hands-on techniques to improve mobility and nervous system regulation as a foundation for therapeutic functional gains.

In addition to manual therapy training, I have completed extensive continuing education in:

• Infant feeding

• Oral motor development and function

• Tethered oral tissues (tongue and lip ties)

• Torticollis or head turning preferences

• Head shape and addressing plagiocephaly without a helmet

• Reflex integration and early motor development

• Sensory processing and nervous system regulation in infants

I have studied with leading experts in the field of tethered oral tissues and infant feeding, with a particular focus on understanding the optimal timing of tongue and lip tie releases and how to best prepare the baby and family for improved outcomes.

My approach combines oral-facial assessment with a whole-body evaluation, looking at posture, reflexes, movement patterns, breathing, and regulation to understand how the body and mouth work together during feeding.

Because my practice focuses specifically on infants and young babies, families can feel confident that their child is receiving specialized, developmentally informed care during this critical window of growth.

Early therapy can help when babies are experiencing:

• Painful breastfeeding

• Difficulty transferring milk

• Clicking or leaking during feeds

• Reflux or discomfort

• Bottle refusal

• Tension or head turning preference

• Slow weight gain

Early support helps protect feeding, reduce stress for families, and support your baby’s development.

Yes. Little Roots OT provides in-home sessions, allowing therapy to take place in your baby’s natural environment.