Frequently asked questions

I will bring my lactation scale and we will do a weight check and, with baby's participation, a weighted feed. If pertinent, we can review growth charts. Medical, pregnancy, and birth history will be obtained to gain a better picture of possible factors impacting successful breastfeeding. Positioning and latch will be assessed. Oral assessment of baby may be appropriate. Breast exam and recommendations will be made if appropriate. Questions regarding medications, nipple healing, nipple shield weaning, bottle feeding, pumping, returning to work, and weaning are all welcome! As time permits, oral-motor exercises/techniques may be introduced in addition to whole-body primitive reflex work.

Infant Massage classes aren't a time for you to drop your baby off while they get a massage:) It is a class for caregivers to learn a series of strokes (a massage protocol) to perform with baby. During the class, I will demonstrate and explain strokes as you practice on your baby. If baby is not engaged in that moment, caregivers can watch or practice on a baby doll. Grapeseed oil will be provided, but you may also feel free to bring your own oil. Living Touch® suggests natural cold pressed or organic oils such as grapseed, apricot, or sweet almond. Mineral based oils, peanut oil, and baby powder are not recommended. Some benefits of infant massage include: reduce levels of cortisol (stress hormone) for both baby and caregiver improves pain management benefits seen to immune and neurological systems helps normalize muscle tone weight gain can be supported through stimulation of the growth hormone improves sensory/body awareness helps baby sleep deeper improves function of GI tract which can decrease colic, gas, and fussiness

A: Newborns– many primitive reflexes should be present at birth to help babies grow their brain through movement. When these reflexes aren’t present, babies might struggle to latch when feeding, attach to caregivers, and meet developmental milestones. There are movements we can do to bring these reflexes in and get babies back on course. A: Toddlers and adolescents– primitive reflexes have a life cycle, and for some, they are still present or active long past the typical age of integration causing unnecessary confusion. This can lead to learning disabilities, speech and language delays or disorders, picky eaters, ADHD, poor body awareness and coordination, and many more challenges. See question below for a list of more. A: Adults– Suffering from a neurological event or disease such as stroke, TBI, or Parkinson’s can be devastating. Neurological connections that were once strong can be strengthened again through therapeutic movement.

There are many contributing factors to why primitive reflexes might not be present at birth. A few are: traumatic pregnancy or birth, environmental toxins, and precautions taken to ensure baby's survival, such as being born via C-section. Circumstances that are out of our control make changes to a baby's typical development. Our priority, as it should be, is to have a healthy, live baby. What happens next? Skills that should be automatic are much harder for them to learn. These babies often benefit from intervention at an early stage to get them back on their intended path of development. Some primitive reflexes may not fully integrate in toddlerhood. Why? Unknowingly, we might be helping babies sit or stand with support before they are developmentally ready. Bouncy chairs, rocker swings, and bumbo seats help parents get things done with their hectic schedules, but these devices prevent natural and unobstructed movements. The normal learning that takes place to meet these milestones are thwarted by devices that appear and have been advertised to be benign. Sometimes a car seat is used to transport children from car to store, back to car, and home without ever getting out. This results in less opportunity for children to develop head control and move their bodies. Conversely, when we pick up and hold babies, they are given the chance to make adjustments to their bodies, head, and eyes. This work that their little bodies are doing as they make these adjustments gives abundant information to the brain. Without enough motor and sensory input to the brain, neural connections might be slow or absent. Specific rhythmic movements and primitive reflex work can create and/or myelinate existing neural connections. This leads to a healthy brain and body!

Rhythmic movements are a first step to creating a foundation for primitive reflex work to succeed. Rhythmic movements are small, simple, rocking movements often done while lying on the floor. They are movements that create a neural netting to support and maintain other body work and skills. Primitive reflex integration is attained through therapeutic activities and play, isometric exercises, and or micro stretches and massage on neck and face. Through specific movements, we give the intended information to the brain so that it can take the information it needs and learn the next developmental skill.

Autism, ADHD, speech and language disorders, selective mutism, social anxiety, torticollis, feeding difficulties, reading disorders, messy handwriting, sensory processing disorders, obsessive and compulsive tendencies, aggressive or napprorpriate behavior, delayed social skills, aphasia, dysarthria...

Do you suffer from any of the conditions listed above in question #2? Did your child skip milestones like crawling or cruising (walking sideways while holding on to coffee table or couch)? Was he/she a late talker or a quiet baby? Is breastfeeding or bottle feeding fatiguing or painful? Are loud noises, bright lights, new places, or big groups of people overwhelming for your child? Does he avoid walking in the grass or sand? Does she avoid wearing certain clothes? Are diaper changes a nightmare? Is school difficult? Does she get into trouble for not listening or fidgeting? Does he struggle with decoding or reading comprehension? Is homework or practicing cursive a nightly battle? Is she shy to the extreme that making friends is difficult? Is he clumsy or accident prone--doesn't seem to know how to navigate his world? Call for a free 20 minute phone consultation to determine if this work might be helpful for you. 913-424-0948