Infants, Toddlers, and Children
We are moms on a mission to help other moms. There are few times in life as vulnerable and beautiful as the months surrounding the birth of your baby. This time can be incredibly wonderful, challenging, rewarding, empowering, overwhelming, fulfilling and impossibly hard...sometimes all in one day!
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Breastfeeding is natural so we expect it to be easy...but sometimes it isn't. When you and your baby experience struggles with breastfeeding, it strains the bond you're developing and skyrockets the stress you both feel. You're not in this alone. There is a community of professionals to help you on your journey and we are privileged to be part of that team.
Dr. Jessika and her team work specifically with tethered oral tissues, aka: TOTs. A baby with TOTs has anatomy that prevents them from being able to latch well, so they don't nurse effectively. These TOTs may include: tongue ties, lip ties or cheek ties. When any of these tissues are tethered, they restrict movement which leads to a plethora of challenges in the early years and beyond.
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By gently correcting these tethers with the use of a CO2 soft tissue laser, your baby will be better equipped to breastfeed successfully. Eliminating restrictions in oral tissues sets your baby up for success as they grow and develop to their full potential.
Our Team Approach
Dr. Jessika is one member of a team of professionals in the community whose goal it is to make your breastfeeding relationship easier and enjoyable. Here are some of the other key players involved in a successful outcome that will be a benefit to your journey:
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An International Board-Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) provides full feeding observation, latch/position adjustment, suck assessment, pre and post feeding weight checks and strategies for correcting problems and managing breastfeeding.
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Bodyworkers such as a craniosacral therapist, osteopath, chiropractor, occupational or physical therapist can help babies to release tense muscles that have accompanied the tethered tissues.
By seeking the help of these highly educated professionals you will rule out most other factors, aside from TOTs that interfere with successful breastfeeding.
Your IBCLC and Bodyworker play a vital role in pre- and post-treatment therapy. Working as a team prevents unnecessary treatment and allows the most predictable and successful outcomes. We are happy to provide contact information for an IBCLC and bodywork provider.
Does this sound like your child?
Difficulty breast or bottle-feeding, difficulty transitioning to solid foods, frequent ear infections, tonsil/adenoid surgery, speech difficulties, mouth breathing, ADD/ADHD behaviors, school struggles, chronic allergies, asthma, crowded teeth, tooth decay, choking or gagging on food, picky eater, sleeps restlessly, wets the bed, snores, tooth grinding, stops breathing while sleeping. ​These conditions are common symptoms of a tongue tie.
Highlighted Products and Procedures
Curious about some of the equipment we use, procedures we do, and products we recommend? Clicking on one of the links below will redirect you to an external website where you can find out more information, directly from the source. Any other questions? Give us a call!​​
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This Myobrace is part of a line of products occasionally used for patients younger than six. https://myoresearch.com/en-au
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This Muomunchee is a training tool that can be used for all ages. I like to use them here when it's a good fit for the patient. https://myomunchee.com
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This is the surgical cool laser we use in office: https://www.lightscalpel.com
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This is the medical grade red light therapy (photobiomodulation) laser we use in office: https://summuslaser.com/provider/medical/lasers/p4/
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Myobrace
This Myobrace is included in a line of products I can use for early orthodontic intervention for patients younger than six. The patient has to be the right candidate, and it's not a perfect fit for everyone. Stay tuned for photos of the brace and procedure!
Red Light Therapy
Red light laser therapy is gentle, effective, and can be performed on any age group. It has been used in Europe since the 1970's, and was cleared for use in the United States by the FDA in 2002. It has been shown to bio stimulate tissue repair and enhance tissue healing by reducing inflammation, increasing circulation, and reducing pain. Have any additional questions or concerns? Please don't hesitate to ask!​