In this episode of Tongue Tie Experts, host Lisa Paladino speaks with pediatric therapy specialists Rachel Best and Jamie Smith. They discuss their pilot study on the timing of frenotomy and its impact on treatment outcomes. The conversation explores the importance of research in infant feeding therapy, the role of pre-frenectomy care, and how tissue changes influence interventions. They also address accessibility challenges, insurance barriers, and the need for collaboration among healthcare providers. Additionally, they emphasize educating parents, recognizing feeding difficulties, and taking a holistic approach to pediatric health.

Key Takeaways:

• Multidisciplinary collaboration is essential in pediatric therapy.
• Research, including their pilot study, helps validate treatment timing.
• Pre-frenectomy therapy can improve outcomes.
• Accessibility and insurance challenges limit care options.
• Effective communication with families is crucial.
• Open mouth posture and tongue position affect oral development.
• Mouth breathing can contribute to health issues.
• Colic often requires deeper investigation.
• Individualized care leads to better outcomes.
• Online resources can support families lacking in-person access.

Rachel Best is the founder and clinical director of Small Steps Therapy LLC, where she has built a multidisciplinary, multispecialty practice that provides comprehensive, whole-body care for families. As a Speech-Language Pathologist, Certified Orofacial Myologist, and IBCLC, she is one of the few clinicians worldwide to hold all three credentials. With 17 years of experience, 

Jamie Smith is the Director of Occupational Therapy at Small Steps Therapy and one of Rhode Island’s few AOTA Board-Certified Pediatric Specialists. With over a decade of experience, she specializes in infant feeding, development, and torticollis management, emphasizing the connection between tongue tie, body function, and feeding success.

Together, Rachel and Jamie are passionate about advancing pediatric therapy, supporting families, public speaking, and mentoring professionals. 

You can find Small Steps Therapy here: https://www.instagram.com/smallstepstherapy/

and connect to Rachel & Jamie here:

[email protected]

[email protected]

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A gentle disclaimer. Please do not consider anything discussed on this podcast, by myself or any guest of the podcast, to be medical advice. The information is provided for educational purposes only and does not take the place of your own medical or lactation provider.