Katie Oshita and Allison Alexander discuss private practice in the US, support for new families, tongue tie timing and more.  Allison Alexander sees families struggling with complex feeding issues, develops customized care plans and supports families throughout the feeding journey.  Understanding the dyad is what makes lactation universally different than any other specialty who sees mom or baby individually.  Listen here for more about private practice in the US.


Podcast Guest:  Allison Alexander is an IBCLC with a background in pediatric nursing.  After struggling to breastfeed a neurodivergent baby, she pursued the IBCLC credential  in order to help families in a pediatric setting.  As passing boards, she studied holistic and comprehensive clinical lactation care strategies to support families who are having more complex feeding challenges.  She now co-owns a thriving private practice in Metro Detroit with virtual care offered worldwide.

Podcast host: Katie Oshita, RN, BSN, IBCLC has over 22 years of experience working in Maternal-Infant Medicine.  Katie is a telehealth lactation consultant believing that clients anywhere in the world deserve the best care possible for their needs.  Being an expert on TOTs, Katie helps families everywhere navigate breastfeeding struggles, especially when related to tongue tie or low supply.  Katie is also passionate about finding the root cause of symptoms, using Functional Medicine practices to help client not just survive, but truly thrive. Email [email protected] or www.cuddlesandmilk.com

Breastfeeding struggles are not a uniquely US issue, nor is tongue tie.  In this episode, Katie Oshita talks with Eva Fieback, an SLP/IBCLC in Berlin, Germany about the differences and similarities between support in the two countries.  Eva discusses how as an SLP it is in her scope of practice in Germany to teach oral exercises, however IBCLC's are not allowed to in Germany.  Government insurance also doesn't cover any visits with an IBCLC, yet SLP visits are covered.  Tongue tie assessment and treatment is just a difficult in Germany as it is in the US.  Listen here as Katie and Eva discuss the dynamics of private practices supporting new fmailies across the globe from each other.

Podcast Guest: Eva Fieback is a Logopädin, which means SLP since 2005. Eva specialized in the treatment of patients with dysphagia and neurological disorders, augmentative communication, working at a school for neurodiverse children, many of them with eating or swallowing disorders. Eva has been in a private practice for many years, and became an IBCLC in 2018.  For the last 6 -7 years I ve been working with hundreds of families with breastfeeding problems.

Eva visited the masterclass in Seattle 2020 (last in person pre-Covid) , took Zaghis course as an Tbi ambassador, Dan Hansons Course, a course with the AOMT in London and many many more to learn, how treatment of tongue tie and breastfeeding difficulties is done in other parts of the world.

Eva Fieback is a teacher for the EISL, European Institute for breastfeeding and lactation, for oral anatomy, swallowing disorders in children, tongue tie treatment and other issues.

Eva Fieback is a 56 year old, mother of four children, 2 of them are going to universities, two of them are still at home and lives in Berlin, Germany.

Podcast host: Katie Oshita, RN, BSN, IBCLC has over 22 years of experience working in Maternal-Infant Medicine.  Katie is a telehealth lactation consultant believing that clients anywhere in the world deserve the best care possible for their needs.  Being an expert on TOTs, Katie helps families everywhere navigate breastfeeding struggles, especially when related to tongue tie or low supply.  Katie is also passionate about finding the root cause of symptoms, using Functional Medicine practices to help client not just survive, but truly thrive. Email [email protected] or www.cuddlesandmilk.com

In this episode Katie Oshita discusses the Holistic Lactation residency course she is taking, and our framework.  Acknowledging and understanding our framework is an essential first step to education and practice.  If we don't examine what we think of as normal, common, or basic for everyone, then we are ignoring what is part of our bias.  Our framework is created through our experiences and education, and it forms the lens we see the world through.  This episode challenges listeners to first look at their own frames, and then to really consider if those frames are correct, allowing them to see the whole picture and how those frames are effecting their practice.

Podcast host: Katie Oshita, RN, BSN, IBCLC has over 22 years of experience working in Maternal-Infant Medicine.  Katie is a telehealth lactation consultant believing that clients anywhere in the world deserve the best care possible for their needs.  Being an expert on TOTs, Katie helps families everywhere navigate breastfeeding struggles, especially when related to tongue tie or low supply.  Katie is also passionate about finding the root cause of symptoms, using Functional Medicine practices to help client not just survive, but truly thrive. Email [email protected] or www.cuddlesandmilk.com

In this episode, Katie Oshita discusses manual therapy and tongue tie babies with Dr Ashley Rich.  Understanding oral ties and the impact on the fascial system is important for all practitioners working with families struggling with feeding issues.  Understanding how a different therapist sees things allows us to learn from each other, for the benefit of the families we all support.   Dr Ashley has more understanding than most Pediatric chiropractors after taking the IBCLC Master Class- Manual Therapy track and discusses this course and how it changed her practice in this episode.

Podcast Guest: Dr. Ashley Rich is a Metro Detroit native and currently practices in suburban Detroit. She is certified in chiropractic pediatrics from the Academy of Family Practice and is passionate about aiding breastfeeding issues through a decade-long study, striving to enhance infant wellness and support parental journeys.

Podcast host: Katie Oshita, RN, BSN, IBCLC has over 22 years of experience working in Maternal-Infant Medicine.  Katie is a telehealth lactation consultant believing that clients anywhere in the world deserve the best care possible for their needs.  Being an expert on TOTs, Katie helps families everywhere navigate breastfeeding struggles, especially when related to tongue tie or low supply.  Katie is also passionate about finding the root cause of symptoms, using Functional Medicine practices to help client not just survive, but truly thrive. Email [email protected] or www.cuddlesandmilk.com

On the road again, well just for the day.  Listen as Katie Oshita meets with Dr Jimmy Chan in Vancouver BC to discuss his journey into tongue tie, ICAP and all things lactation and oral tethers.   When to release a tie is just as important as if to release the tie.  Tongue ties aren't just a problem in the US, but worldwide ankyloglossia is a growing issue and field.  Hear more with Katie Oshita and Dr Jimmy Chan.

Podcast Guest: Dr. Jimmy Chan is a graduate of the University of British Columbia Faculty of Dentistry.  Dr. Chan has an keen interest in the high-tech aspects of dentistry to improve and enhance the well-being of his patients. Dr. Chan holds Fellowship status in both the Academy of Laser Dentistry and the Institute of Advanced Laser Dentistry.

Dr. Chan is a co-founder and current board member of ICAP (International Consortium
of Oral Ankylofrenula Professionals) and a past board member of IATP (International
Affiliation of Tongue Tie Professionals). He is an active member of the Academy of
Breastfeeding Medicine, American Academy of Periodontology, Academy of Laser
Dentistry, Chinese Canadian Dental Society of British Columbia and Canadian Dental Association.

Dr. Chan has cared for patients in his family dental practice in Lynn Valley, North Vancouver for over 25 years. He collaborates extensively with lactation consultants, midwifes and manual therapists in his community to improve the lives of breastfeeding dyads. He gives back to his alma mater by volunteering annually for the UBC Alumni Association.

Podcast host: Katie Oshita, RN, BSN, IBCLC has over 22 years of experience working in Maternal-Infant Medicine.  Katie is a telehealth lactation consultant believing that clients anywhere in the world deserve the best care possible for their needs.  Being an expert on TOTs, Katie helps families everywhere navigate breastfeeding struggles, especially when related to tongue tie or low supply.  Katie is also passionate about finding the root cause of symptoms, using Functional Medicine practices to help client not just survive, but truly thrive. Email [email protected] or www.cuddlesandmilk.com

Pelvic floor issues post-pregnancy and birth are all too common.  Whether it's related to more sedentary lifestyles, assisted births, or epigentics is not known, but it does not have to be accepted.  Jenn Lormand EP and Christina Walsh PT all about stopping the acceptance that a little leaking is normal, and empowering women to take control of their own bodies.  No weird devices, meds or surgery needed, they created a home PT program, proven to be effective by a 3 year study at the University of New Orleans.  In this recording Christina talks with Katie Oshita about what is normal (hint- ever leaking pee is NOT), how to prevent problems and how to advocate for yourself.  Listen in to hear more about how women can take control of their bodies and stop painful or embarrassing issues.  ***Coupon code KTLC50 for $50 off the home program- share with anyone in need of support***

Podcast Guest: A New Orleans mama of two living with pelvic floor issues, Christina is a Physical Therapist specializing in Integrative Manual Therapy and the co-creator of Tighten Your Tinkler. Christina and her cofounder Jenn Lormand have a combined 36 years of experience supporting postpartum women holistically through prolapse, diastasis recti, and more. Their proprietary protocol helps women solve pelvic floor problems WITHOUT kegels or internal vaginal devices from the comfort of their own homes. Christina's mission is to free more mamas from embarrassing pee leaks, chronic back/hip pain, and painful sex and, in doing so, help them to restore their dignity, functional strength, and trust in their own bodies.

Podcast host: Katie Oshita, RN, BSN, IBCLC has over 22 years of experience working in Maternal-Infant Medicine.  Katie is a telehealth lactation consultant believing that clients anywhere in the world deserve the best care possible for their needs.  Being an expert on TOTs, Katie helps families everywhere navigate breastfeeding struggles, especially when related to tongue tie or low supply.  Katie is also passionate about finding the root cause of symptoms, using Functional Medicine practices to help client not just survive, but truly thrive. Email [email protected] or www.cuddlesandmilk.com

Tongue tie is much more than anatomy, it's about function first.  Even more it's about the dyad- a mom and baby pair for the first year- and how this functional loss is affecting them.   The frenectomy, or release, itself isn't going to get good results without adequate pre and post frenectomy support.  Listen as Katie Oshita and Dr Thomas discuss Dr Thomas' path to becoming a frenecotmy provider, how he supports families with referralsfor other providers in the area and what's ahead for health:latch.   The clinic, health:latch, is an infant focused tongue tie clinic in Bellevue Washington started by Dr James Thomas. 

Podcast Guest: Originally from the Midwest, Dr. Thomas completed his dental studies and Master's in pediatric dentistry from the University of Michigan School of Dentistry. After residency, he and his family moved to the Pacific Northwest where he started a practice in Downtown Bellevue in 2007. Nine years and 7500 patients later, Dr. Thomas was called in a different direction: to help babies thrive. 

In 2017, Dr. Thomas started health:latch, a specialty clinic focused on educating, diagnosing, and releasing infant oral tethers so that babies and their families can enjoy a healthy, full life. He is excited to make a return to pediatric dentistry where he can bring a holistic approach to a child's full development from ages 0 - 18. 

Dr. Thomas enjoys spending time in the great PNW outdoors, going on trips with his wife to visit their college kids, and most of all, spending time with his best four-legged friend, Sherman.

Podcast host: Katie Oshita, RN, BSN, IBCLC has over 22 years of experience working in Maternal-Infant Medicine.  Katie is a telehealth lactation consultant believing that clients anywhere in the world deserve the best care possible for their needs.  Being an expert on TOTs, Katie helps families everywhere navigate breastfeeding struggles, especially when related to tongue tie or low supply.  Katie is also passionate about finding the root cause of symptoms, using Functional Medicine practices to help client not just survive, but truly thrive. Email [email protected] or www.cuddlesandmilk.com

In this episode Katie Oshita, RN, BSN, IBCLC addresses some very common questions about breastfeeding and more.  Everything from "should breastfeeding hurt" and "how long should a feed take" to general education about the Snoo, starting solids, pumping, safe sleep and more.  If you have wondered about basic breastfeeding and how to answer some questions, or when to know that something isn't normal and refer (spoiler alert- common does not equal normal), this is a great episode for you.

In this episode Katie Oshita, RN, BSN, IBCLC discusses the current status of birth in this country.  In the United States there is a vast disparity in healthcare between races, leading to an alarmingly high maternal morbidity and mortality rate for black women.  This will not change until it is talked about, until we all demand equal and safe healthcare for all.  Katie also discusses SIDS, safe sleep, and parental leave and the direct correlation with breastfeeding rates in the US and worldwide.  
 
Podcast host: Katie Oshita, RN, BSN, IBCLC has over 22 years of experience working in Maternal-Infant Medicine.  Katie is a telehealth lactation consultant believing that clients anywhere in the world deserve the best care possible for their needs.  Being an expert on TOTs, Katie helps families everywhere navigate breastfeeding struggles, especially when related to tongue tie or low supply.  Katie is also passionate about finding the root cause of symptoms, using Functional Medicine practices to help client not just survive, but truly thrive. Email [email protected] or www.cuddlesandmilk.com

Dr Jack Newman has been working with breastfeeding mothers for over 4 decades! His knowledge of breastfeeding medicine is expansive, and his passion for helping breastfeeding mothers never wavers.  In this episode Katie Oshita and Dr Newman discuss inducting lactation, at breast versus bottle supplementation and much more.  If you want to learn about lactation from one of the leaders in Breastfeeding Medicine ins the world, listen to this episode now.

Podcast Guest: Dr. Jack Newman graduated from the University of Toronto medical school in 1970 and completed his residency at Vancouver General Hospital. Following this, he trained in pediatrics in Quebec City and then at the Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto from 1977-1981. In 1981, Dr. Newman became a Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians of Canada, as well as Board Certified by the American Academy of Pediatrics

Dr. Newman was a staff paediatrician at the Hospital for Sick Children emergency department from 1983 to 1992, and acted as Chief of Emergency Services for a short period. During his time at the Hospital for Sick Children, he founded the first hospital-based breastfeeding clinic in Canada in 1984. He has been a consultant for UNICEF for the Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative, where he evaluated the first candidate hospitals in Gabon, the Ivory Coast, and Canada. In 2013, Dr. Newman was awarded the Queen’s Jubilee Medal for service to the community.

Podcast host: Katie Oshita, RN, BSN, IBCLC has over 22 years of experience working in Maternal-Infant Medicine.  Katie is a telehealth lactation consultant believing that clients anywhere in the world deserve the best care possible for their needs.  Being an expert on TOTs, Katie helps families everywhere navigate breastfeeding struggles, especially when related to tongue tie or low supply.  Katie is also passionate about finding the root cause of symptoms, using Functional Medicine practices to help client not just survive, but truly thrive. Email [email protected] or www.cuddlesandmilk.com