Frequently Asked Questions

  • Benefits of Working with an OT Who Is Also an IBCLC for Babies

    1. Comprehensive Feeding Support

    An OT/IBCLC combines expertise in oral motor development with specialized infant feeding knowledge to address breastfeeding, bottle-feeding, latching difficulties, tongue-tie, and milk transfer issues.

    2. Whole-Body Approach

    Feeding involves the entire body! As an OT/IBCLC, I assess how posture, muscle tone, reflexes, and overall body alignment impact both breastfeeding and bottle-feeding success and comfort.

    3. Improved Infant Motor Skills

    I support your baby’s motor development, focusing on skills like sucking, swallowing, and breathing coordination to ensure feeding—whether breast or bottle—is efficient and stress-free.

    4. Sensory Integration Expertise

    Some babies experience sensory challenges with feeding. I help identify and address these sensitivities to create a calm, enjoyable feeding experience for both breast and bottle-fed babies.

    5. Prevention of Long-Term Feeding Issues

    By identifying and treating oral motor or sensory concerns early, I help prevent feeding challenges that might affect both breast and bottle transitions, solid food introduction, or even speech development later.

    6. Guidance for Parents

    I offer tailored strategies and practical solutions for breastfeeding positions, bottle selection, latch, and overall feeding management to meet your baby’s unique needs.

    7. Support Through Challenges

    Whether it’s reflux, colic, tongue-tie, or discomfort with bottle or breastfeeding, I provide holistic solutions that address the root cause of the issue while supporting your baby’s overall development.

    By combining the skills of two professions, I provide a unique, well-rounded perspective to help your baby thrive—whether they are breastfed, bottle-fed, or both!

  • Tongue tie (ankyloglossia) is “an embryological remnant of tissue in the midline undersurface of the tongue and floor of the mouth that restricts normal tongue movement.” This is the definition from the International Affiliation of Tongue-Tie Professionals. Most people have a frenum (fascia that connects the tongue with the floor of the mouth) which is normal, however, if it is restrictive and impairing function then treatment is beneficial. This is why a full functional oral motor assessment is beneficial to assess: palate, resting mouth posture, tongue range of motion, muscle tone, tension and taking note of baby’s and caregiver’s symptoms.
    Lip tie is the band of tissue that attaches the upper lip to the gums. When the upper lip is restrictive it can cause functional impairments.
    Buccal ties (cheek) are less researched but can cause some tightness in the upper cheeks and contribute to nursing issues. 

    Baby symptoms

    • Poor latch (breast or bottle)

    • Falls asleep with feeding

    • Slides on/off the nipple when feeding

    • Cries often/fussy

    • Reflux symptoms

    • Spits up often

    • Clicking noises when feeding

    • Gagging or choking when feeding

    • Gassy burps and toots

    • Poor weight gain

    • Biting/Chewing the nipple

    • Pacifier easily falls out

    • Milk dribbles out of the mouth when eating

    • Short sleeping

    • Mouth breathing, snoring, noisy breathing

    • Congested nose

    • Milk coming out if the nose

    • Frustration at the breast or bottle

    • More than 20 minutes per feeding after newborn period

    • Eating more frequently than every 2-3 hours​

    Mother’s symptoms

    • Painful nursing

    • Poor latch

    • Cracked, creased, flattened nipples

    • Bleeding nipples

    • Lipstick shaped nipples

    • Poor breast drainage

    • Plugged ducts, engorgement, mastitis

    • Nipple thrush

    • Using a nipple shield 

    • Feeling like feeding the baby is a full time job​

    *taken from “Tongue Tied” by Richard Baxter

  • Occupational therapy (OT) before a tongue-tie release (frenectomy) is highly beneficial because it helps prepare the oral structures, muscles, and feeding mechanics for optimal function post-procedure.

    Here’s why:

    Prepares the Muscles for Functional Use

    •Tongue-tie often leads to compensatory muscle patterns and restricted tongue mobility, which can affect feeding, swallowing, and speech.

    • OT focuses on addressing oral motor skills and releasing tension in the jaw, lips, and tongue, ensuring these muscles are strong and coordinated before release.

    Prevents Post-Release Compensations

    • Without preparation, the body may retain old compensatory patterns even after the tongue is released. OT can establish new, functional patterns that the tongue can adopt after the procedure.

    Improves Feeding Skills

    • For infants and children, OT can optimize feeding techniques, ensuring effective latching, sucking, and swallowing. This reduces stress on the oral structures and increases feeding efficiency.

    Reduces Oral Tension and Restrictions

    • Techniques like cranial sacral therapy, myofascial release, bodywork, or oral motor exercises to address tightness in the surrounding muscles (jaw, cheeks, neck), improving range of motion and reducing discomfort.

    Enhances Sensory Integration

    • Tongue-ties can lead to sensory sensitivities in the oral cavity. OT can desensitize and improve tolerance for oral input, which is particularly helpful for older children or adults.

    Supports Post-Release Wound Management

    • OT’s are trained in wound management and ensures that the patient is familiar with stretches and exercises needed to maintain mobility of the tongue post-release, reducing the risk of reattachment or scar tissue formation.

    Addresses Whole-Body Compensation

    • Tongue-ties can affect posture, breathing, and body alignment due to fascial restrictions which can affect milestones and development. OT can address these compensations holistically, ensuring the entire system is ready to support oral and body changes.

    Preparing the oral structures and surrounding muscles with OT ensures the tongue-tie release is more effective and minimizes the risk of complications, such as reattachment or lingering dysfunction.