Parenting & Newborn Support 101- The New Normal

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)

I remember the feeling of isolation and all the things that came with being a new parent. The days were a whirlwind, and the nights were long and exhausting! How I worried if I was doing everything right or wrong, when my baby cried. As all new parents do, I was frantically trying to figure out why my baby was crying, and how I could soothe her. I remember thinking, "Was she hungry?", and would try to feed her. "Was she cold?”, so I added more layers. "Was she too hot?", I’d take them off or turn down the heat, or did she just need me to rock her while I held her in my arms? I did all the things, and it was exhausting! I was unable to sleep or take care of myself properly. I quickly realized how vital having support and key people I could count on was. During this time, I would have given anything to have access to something like “Your Baby Hotline”, a service that gives you support and the peace of mind you need, when you need it! 

Imagine during those late nights, early morning feedings or soothing sessions, when the rest of the house is quiet and not a soul in your world is awake. To have someone be there for you, when you need it the most. Well there is! There is a support system right at your fingertips. It's Just a text, email or video chat away. Now more than ever families are finding their new normal. One thing that hasn’t changed is the fact that every parent needs support when their baby (s) comes home from the hospital, and even beforehand.

I know how daunting and emotional it is when you bring your baby home for the first time. I wouldn’t have made it without having an extra set of hands or legs! Not everyone is fortunate to have the help of family/relatives who live nearby, that’s where my job becomes so vital. During this very delicate time of transition, I have made it my life's passion supporting families by helping them find their footing as new parents. Watching families learn to connect and bond with their baby(s) brings me joy. 

My personal parenting journey has helped me to create services which support and educate families. They ensure a smooth transition home from the hospital or birthing center. I know first hand how it feels, to leave a place with so much help and support, and then to be on your own. Support looks different for every family.

Perhaps, you don't need or want someone in your home, especially with Covid still lingering around. All you know is that you need some type of support to help you get through those first couple of weeks and/or months. I have you covered, as virtual support has rapidly become a part of our everyday lives.

With so much information and opinions out there, it can be overwhelming to navigate. There is something for everyone! Perhaps, you need a Newborn Bootcamp to give you the knowledge and confidence to care for your baby upon arrival. Another option is a New Parent Consultation, which is a customized plan right from the start, just for you and your baby. You may just have burning or unique questions when trying to apply what you’ve read or learned. It can be quite challenging but when you have access to an expert, it’s a total game changer! Your head may be spinning from the marketing madness of baby products! Trying to figure out, which ones are really the “best” or “easy to use” or just a complete “waste” of money. As a traveling Elite Newborn Care Specialist (NCS), I have the knowledge and experience to provide you with those answers. I will get you started with the necessary essentials of what you’ll actually need, what you won’t, and so much more!

As you begin to build your community of support, consider all your options. Who can provide you with all the unknowns of parenting? Who will educate you on the ever changing safety guidelines of products or sleep? Who are you able to turn to when you need a shoulder to lean on or can hold space for you when you’re having a hard day? You will find there are a variety of services which may be beneficial to your personal parenting journey. As an expert, I’m here to support you, and answer your questions, when you need it. You’ve got this!

Marisa Newborn care & Consulting

Newborn Care Specialist & Consultant Parent Educator