The MyBaby Craniosacral Podcast

Katelyn Friedt shares her journey from feeling burnt out in dental hygiene to discovering a passion for craniosacral therapy through myofunctional therapy training. Katelyn is currently preparing for her IBCLC exams while running her own business in South Dakota, offering craniosacral and lactation services. She shares the challenges and rewards of her new career path, the balance between continuing dental work and running her own business, and the support of interprofessional collaborations. Meaghan and Katelyn also dive into the nuances of learning CST, the benefits of small class sizes, and the impact on their clients and communities.

About Katelyn Friedt:

Katelyn has a bachelor's degree in dental hygiene. She did a week long myofunctional training which sparked her interest in other career paths. She took a pivot and started pursuing lactation, which led her down the rabbit hole of CST. Katelyn founded her own lactation and infant craniosacral business this past fall, and is in the final stages of becoming certified through Beames CST and as an IBCLC. 

sweetwillowlactation.com

Episode Timestamps:

• From dental hygiene to infant craniosacral therapy {01:25}
• Details of Katelyn’s CST business {04:15} 
• Katelyn’s learning and training experience with Beames CST {06:20} 
• How CST has impacted Katelyn’s life; personal growth {14:00}
• Networking and building a clientele {19:20}

Beames CST Training Center - Enroll Now! 

beamescst.com/cst-foundations

Stay Connected:

Website: mybabycst.com

Facebook: facebook.com/mybabycst

Instagram: instagram.com/mybabycst

Email address: [email protected]

Cindy Rogers Maitland shares her journey into craniosacral therapy, initially driven by curiosity about infant body behavior and positioning. She was encouraged by a chiropractor and pursued various levels of CST training, quickly integrating it into her lactation consultancy practice. Cindy highlights how her understanding of babies' bodies has evolved, enabling her to address issues like nerve dysfunction, feeding difficulties, and head shape anomalies more effectively. She also discusses how CST has improved her ability to manage complex cases and reduce treatment times. Meaghan and Cindy touch on the science and seemingly magical results of CST, and also hint at a future discussion on the vagus nerve and its impact on babies and parents.

About Cindy Rogers Maitland:

Cindy is an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant and Infant CranioSacral Therapist in Winnipeg Manitoba, and owner of Advanced Lactation Care Winnipeg. Cindy supports families with all types of infant feeding, whether breast of chest feeding, or by bottle - human milk or formula. Cindy works with a trauma-informed focus, and works hard to create a space that feels safe for all families. Nearly fifteen years after becoming an IBCLC, Cindy fulfilled her long held dream of learning Infant CranioSacral therapy, and it has changed her practice immensely. Cindy loves to see the families who she supports in those tender early days, weeks and months grow and THRIVE. 

advancedlactationcarewinnipeg.ca

Episode Timestamps:

• Cindy's journey into craniosacral therapy {02:05}
• How CST has impacted Cindy’s practice {05:15}
• Combining lactation consulting and CST {07:05}
• Cindy’s techniques and observations since incorporating CST {08:50}
• Early CST interventions and their benefits {16:00}
• How CST is making a positive impact on babies and parents {19:00}

Beames CST Training Center - Enroll Now! 

beamescst.com/cst-foundations

Stay Connected:

Website: mybabycst.com

Facebook: facebook.com/mybabycst

Instagram: instagram.com/mybabycst

Email address: [email protected]

Carley Powers, a speech-language pathologist (SLP) and infant craniosacral therapist from a small town in Texas, shares how experiencing challenges with her daughter's health led her to explore craniosacral therapy as a complementary practice to her SLP work. She explains how CST has significantly shifted her approach to treating children, enhancing her understanding and treatment of various conditions such as speech impediments and feeding issues. She also touches on the interconnectedness of the human body, the role of CST in addressing structural issues, and the importance of both community and continuous learning in the field. Carley shares anecdotes about her experiences, including treating her own daughter and the impact of her education on her practice.

About Carley Powers:

Carley a Speech-Language Pathologist of 4 years. She completed her undergraduate degree at West Texas A&M University and her Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology at Abilene Christian University. She also received Infant Craniosacral Therapy training through Beames Craniosacral Therapy. She is married with an almost 2 year old, and a puppy named sugar!

powersspeechandcst.com

Episode Timestamps:

• Carley’s reason for starting CST {01:00}
• How Carley’s practice has shifted since adding CST {05:15}
• Educational gaps and CST awareness {09:10}
• Acknowledging the impact of implementation {14:15}
• Life-changing perspectives on speech and feeding {16:05}
• Integrating CST with speech pathology {17:45}
• The body keeps the score {22:00}
• Reflecting on birth trauma and baby care {23:45}

Stay Connected:

Website: https://mybabycst.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mybabycst

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mybabycst/

Email address: [email protected]

Amanda Western shares her unique career journey, starting as an ER nurse and paramedic then transitioning into the world of lactation consulting and craniosacral therapy (CST). Amanda dives into the importance of holistic care, explaining the powerful connection between mother and baby, and how maintaining a calm, regulated environment is key to effective baby care. She also reflects on her shift from the intense, fast-paced world of emergency care to a more intuitive, mindful practice, and how it has brought balance and fulfillment to her personal and professional life. Tune in to hear how Amanda integrates CST into her work and why she believes gentle, hands-on care is essential for both mother and child.

About Amanda Western:

Amanda, BSN, RN, IBCLC is the owner of Magnolia Lactation. The mother of four breastfed children, she has experienced many challenges and seeks to guide others around their own.   She has completed training in orofacial myofunctional therapy as well as the care of infants with tethered oral tissues.  Amanda is also trained in Infant Craniosacral Therapy and Craniosacral Fascial Therapy, Gillespie Approach.

magnolialactation.com

Facebook & Instagram: @MagnoliaLactation

Episode Timestamps:

• Amanda's career journey from ER nurse to paramedic to IBCLC {01:50}
• Discovering craniosacral therapy {08:15}
• Integrating CST into lactation practice {11:10}
• Understanding the whole body in CST; cranial nerves and vagus nerve {17:55}
• Empowering parents to calm their babies {20:25}
• The mindset shift of transitioning from paramedic to CST practitioner {24:25}
• Incorporating CST into family life {28:25}
• Inspiring the next generation {31:25}

Stay Connected:

Website: https://mybabycst.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mybabycst

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mybabycst/

Email address: [email protected]

MINI SERIES: The Common Misconceptions About Babies

Meaghan addresses the common misconception that babies do not remember their infancy. She dives into the concept of implicit memories, the importance of recognizing infants as sentient beings with emotions, and her own experiences of talking to babies about their birth and bringing them through a series of movements to help them regenerate new neural pathways. She also shares findings by Dr. Upledger who performed hypnosis and hypno-regression on his patients with chronic untreatable pain, which oftentimes were stemming from an experience as an infant. Tune in to learn about the lasting impact of early experiences on a baby's life and get insight for approaching infant care with mindfulness!

Episode Timestamps:

• Babies are sentient beings; Understanding implicit memories {02:50}
• Dr. Greer Kirschenbaum; mental health for babies 1 to 3 years old {05:45}
• Dr. Upledger's hypno-regression case study {07:40}
• Creating a positive birth experience for both parents and babies  {11:10}

The Secret Life of the Unborn Child by Thomas Verny and John Kelly

The Nurture Revolution by Dr. Greer Kirshenbaum

Stay Connected:

Website: https://mybabycst.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mybabycst

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mybabycst/

Email address: [email protected]

MINI SERIES: The Common Misconceptions About Babies

Meaghan addresses the misconception that crawling is not a necessary developmental milestone. She critiques recent changes by the CDC and AAP that removed crawling from the Learn the Signs, Act Early program's developmental milestones. Learn why crawling plays a vital role in neural development, connecting the left and right hemispheres of the brain, and enhancing emotional regulation, decision-making, and social skills. Meaghan explains the negative impact of skipping crawling and gives insights into why some babies might struggle to crawl; discomfort, low muscle tone, and inadequate practice of necessary reflexes. 

Episode Timestamps:

• Impact of removing crawling from major milestones {01:30}
• Benefits of crawling for brain development {03:40}
• Challenges babies face with crawling {06:00} 
• Addressing discomfort when crawling {07:05}
• Low muscle tone {11:40}
• Reflex integration {14:10}
• Torticollis and crawling difficulties {15:40}

Stay Connected:

Website: https://mybabycst.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mybabycst

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mybabycst/

Email address: [email protected]

MINI SERIES: The Common Misconceptions About Babies

Struggling with tummy time? Meaghan discusses why some babies might dislike tummy time, including reasons such as discomfort, low muscle tone, and loneliness. She gives insights based on her experience and research, including the work of Dr. Upledger, and shares techniques for craniosacral therapists to help babies enjoy tummy time more. She also explains the importance of addressing these issues to support overall development and gives tips for parents to make tummy time a pleasant experience for their babies. 

Episode Timestamps:

• Reasons babies dislike tummy time {01:55} 
• Addressing discomfort during tummy time {02:31}
• Low tone and tummy time challenges {08:48}
• Nerve dysfunction and weakness in the spine {10:50}
• Parental involvement in tummy time {13:11}
• Including rhythmic movement and reflex integration {16:20}

Stay Connected:

Website: https://mybabycst.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mybabycst

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mybabycst/

Email address: [email protected]

MINI SERIES: The Common Misconceptions About Babies

Let’s talk about poop! Meaghan addresses four common myths about baby poop, such as the notion that it's normal for babies to skip poop days, that they need to learn how to poop, that sharts are normal, and that smelly poop is just fine. She explains the physiological reasons why these beliefs are incorrect and how craniosacral therapists can help alleviate the discomfort. Remember, a happy gut leads to a happy baby!

Episode Timestamps:

• Myth 1: Skipping poop days is normal {03:45} 
• Myth 2: Babies need to learn how to poop {07:50}
• Myth 3: Sharts are normal {10:45} 
• Myth 4: Smelly poop is completely fine {13:45}

Stay Connected:

Website: https://mybabycst.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mybabycst

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mybabycst/

Email address: [email protected]

Brianne Persoage shares her journey of transitioning from massage therapy to nursing school and ultimately to practicing infant CST, driven by her passion for babies and postpartum care. She opens up about the challenges and rewards of learning and implementing CST techniques, the importance of community and word-of-mouth in spreading awareness, and the fulfillment from successfully treating babies with complex needs. Brianne also recounts a life-changing experience treating a colicky baby, highlighting the profound impact of CST. From career changes to heartwarming transformations, this episode is packed with inspiration!

Enroll Now! Beames CST Training Center → beamescst.com/cst-foundations

About Brianne Persoage:

Brianne graduated from Evolve College of Massage Therapy in 2021, and has since honed in on her unique specialty of Craniosacral Therapy. She is passionate about pre/postnatal care, infant CST, and supporting families throughout their journey in any way possible. Brianne is always exploring new education opportunities within the perinatal and pediatric world, and adding to her skillset to give families the best experience and treatments possible. When she isn’t with her clients, Brianne enjoys spending time outdoors with her family.

instagram.com/bpersoagermt

Episode Timestamps:

• Brianne’s journey to becoming an infant craniosacral therapist {01:10}
• How massage therapy experience can benefit CST {04:10}
• Challenges and rewards of running a small business {07:30}
• Implementing new techniques and gaining confidence {12:05}
• The transformative experience that changed Brianne’s career {18:15}
• Helping Meaghan reach the goal of treating 1 million babies {24:20} 

Stay Connected:

Website: https://mybabycst.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mybabycst

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mybabycst/

Email address: [email protected]

Enroll Now! Beames CST Training Center → beamescst.com/cst-foundations

From working in tech and web development to transitioning into the world of infant craniosacral therapy and lactation counseling - Kate Rutledge shares her unique journey of changing careers and finding true fulfillment. Hear about the challenges and rewards of her career shift, the transferable skills from her tech background, and how personal experience with her own children guided her path. Kate also talks about the benefits of being present, her ongoing learning process, and the depth of craniosacral therapy as a healing modality for infants and parents.

About Kate Rutledge:

Kate has been providing lactation counseling for families since 2014. She began working with breastfeeding families as a peer lactation counselor with Nursing Mothers Counsel in 2014. She quickly became deeply involved with the organization and took on multiple board positions. She coordinated new counselor training in 2016 and 2018, and managed the website and social media accounts to bridge the generational gap and bring free lactation services to new parents. Now a Certified Lactation Counselor (CLC), her private practice was founded in 2021 when she relocated with her family to Portland, OR. In 2022 she began her study of craniosacral therapy (CST) for infants with Beames CST and has begun to incorporate those skills into her lactation assessments, bringing a much deeper, full-body approach to care. She completed training in June 2023, and became a Certified Infant Craniosacral Therapist in April 2024. She truly believes there is a solution for every problem, and will work with you to find the best path forward for you, and your family.

fullmilkmoon.com

Episode Timestamps:

• Kate's journey from tech to infant CST {01:45}
• Balancing work as a website developer and going to school for CST {05:35}
• Hands-on practice and continuous learning {10:50}
• The healing power of parental self-care and body work {14:50}
• The value of in-person learning and advanced skill development {18:00}
• Working with adults and babies; the need to be held and skin-to-skin contact {22:25}
• Importance of being present during sessions {26:15}

Stay Connected:

Website: https://mybabycst.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mybabycst

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mybabycst/

Email address: [email protected]