Tongue Ties, Breastfeeding & Baby Development: Everything You Need to Know with Michelle Emanuel
Is your baby fussy, clicking while nursing, struggling with tummy time, or just not quite seeming like themselves and nobody can tell you why?
Tongue tie might be the last thing on your radar. But after this conversation with Michelle Emanuel, pediatric occupational therapist, board-certified lactation consultant, and one of the leading experts in tongue tie and oral function, it just might be the first place you look.
We are covering everything from what tongue tie actually is, to the signs most parents completely miss, to what happens when it does not get caught early.
This one is for every pregnant mama and new mom who wants to understand what is going on in that tiny little mouth.
Here's What You'll Learn in This Episode:
02:03 – Meet Michelle. Pediatric OT, lactation consultant, and someone who has been in the tongue tie world longer than almost anyone. How her own baby's latch struggles started her on this path and what she has learned in over 30 years of working with babies.
04:25 – So what actually is a tongue tie? The real answer is a lot more interesting and a lot more connected to everything else going on in your baby's body. 👀
07:05 – How common is this really? The numbers might surprise you, and they explain a lot about why it seems like tongue tie is suddenly everywhere.
07:47 – Signs before your baby is even born that could indicate a tongue tie, including one that has everything to do with how your baby is positioned in the womb. Plus what to look for right after birth. 👀
10:54 – The signs that tell you it is time to have someone look, and why a baby who is gaining well and nursing okay is not always in the clear. Trust your gut on this one.
14:02 – Who should actually be checking for tongue tie and why going straight to a release provider is not always the right first step. This section could save you and your baby a lot of unnecessary intervention. 💪
21:48 – What actually resolves after a tongue tie is released and why the release is only part of the picture. What happens in the body after and why therapy plays such a crucial role in getting the full benefit.
24:16 – The clicking sound during breastfeeding: what is actually happening in that moment, what it means for milk transfer, and the other subtle breastfeeding signs most mamas do not connect to tongue tie at all. 👀
33:14 – What happens when tongue tie does not get caught early. The signs that show up in older babies and kids, who to see, and why catching it young makes such a big difference. 💛
38:12 – The one thing Michelle wants every parent to take away from this conversation, and it is something you can start working on with your baby today that could genuinely change their development. Do not skip this part. 💪
You know your baby better than anyone. And this episode is going to give you the information you need to trust what you are noticing and advocate for your baby when something feels off.
Tune in and walk away knowing so much more about what is happening in that tiny little mouth, and what to do about it. If you have follow up questions or feedback on this episode, share with me here: [email protected]! 💛
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Links & Resources
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ALL my love,
