What happens when you step into a room full of people who truly understand your work?

In this episode, I’m sharing reflections from the International Consortium of Ankyloglossia Professionals Conference in Portland, and why experiences like this matter so much in a field that is still evolving.

Because if you’ve ever felt like you’re the only one asking deeper questions…

the only one noticing complexity…

or the only one trying to connect the dots in tongue tie care…

you’re not alone.

This episode is about connection, growth, and what changes when we come together as professionals - open to learning, willing to question, and committed to doing better for families.

• Why tongue tie work can feel isolating, and how that impacts clinical confidence
• What shifts when you’re surrounded by professionals who “get it”
• The value of respectful disagreement and staying curious in a changing field
• How real growth happens through conversation, not just coursework
• The role of community in shaping better clinical care
• Why fun, laughter, and connection are essential, not optional, in this work

More from Tongue Tie Experts

Explore additional resources, including downloads, free guides, and links mentioned in this episode—along with access to our courses and new book:

👉 www.tonguetieexperts.net/Links

Use code PODCAST15 for 15% off all offerings.

This podcast is meant for education and conversation only. It is not medical advice and does not replace formal education, professional training, or individualized care from a qualified healthcare provider. Always seek appropriate guidance for individual concerns. The views and opinions shared by our guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the host or Tongue-tie experts.

Mentioned in this episode:

Remplenish

In this episode, Lisa is joined by Dr. Neel Bulchandani, an integrative specialist and chiropractor who shares a whole-body perspective on tongue tie, feeding, and function. Together, they explore how tension in the jaw, floor of the mouth, and body can affect babies, parents, and long-term outcomes.

They discuss Dr. Neel’s approach to bodywork, the role of pre- and post-release support, the importance of listening to families, and the complexity of deciding whether a release is necessary. This is a thoughtful conversation about collaboration, clinical intuition, and why tongue tie care is never just about the mouth.

Dr. Neel Bulchandani practices in Santa Barbara and Los Angeles, and also teaches his methods through courses and professional training.

Find out more about the Cosmic Mandible Webinar Series here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-cosmic-mandible-series-tickets-1986963509344

And his website: https://www.neelbulchandani.com/

Special thanks to our sponsor, REMplenish. 10% “welcome” discount when you sign up for their newsletter at the bottom of this page - https://www.remplenish.com

More from Tongue Tie Experts:

Explore additional resources, including downloads, free guides, and links mentioned in this episode—along with access to our courses and new book:

👉 www.tonguetieexperts.net/Links

Use code PODCAST15 for 15% off all offerings.

This podcast is meant for education and conversation only. It is not medical advice and does not replace formal education, professional training, or individualized care from a qualified healthcare provider. Always seek appropriate guidance for individual concerns. The views and opinions shared by our guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the host or Tongue-tie experts.

Mentioned in this episode:

Remplenish

What happens when everything you thought you knew… isn’t enough?

In this episode, Lisa is joined by Patty Reiger, RDH and Orofacial Myofunctional Therapist, who shares the story of her granddaughter’s tongue tie journey - and how it changed the way she sees this work.

Although Patty has decades of experience in oral health, she quickly realized that her professional knowledge didn’t fully prepare her for what families face when concerns are dismissed, answers are unclear, and support is fragmented.

Together, they explore the moment many providers eventually face:

recognizing the limits of your own scope, and the need for a truly collaborative approach.

In this conversation, they discuss:

• Why professional knowledge doesn’t always translate to real-life situations
• The difference between understanding anatomy and supporting function
• How families experience confusion, dismissal, and delayed care
• Why knowing your limits, and scope of practice, actually improves outcomes
• The importance of interdisciplinary collaboration in tongue tie care
• Why follow-up and ongoing support matter just as much as the procedure

This episode is a powerful reminder that:

The best providers aren’t the ones who know everything -

they’re the ones who know when to bring in others.

Contact info for Patty Reiger:

instagram.com/remplenish_pattymyo

Email: [email protected]

More From Tongue Tie Experts:

To learn more, download freebies, and for the links mentioned in the episode, including our popular course, Understanding Milk Supply for Medical and Birth Professionals, click here: www.tonguetieexperts.net/Links

Use code PODCAST15 for 15% off all of our offerings.

This podcast is meant for education and conversation only. It is not medical advice and does not replace formal education, professional training, or individualized care from a qualified healthcare provider. Always seek appropriate guidance for individual concerns. The views and opinions shared by our guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the host or Tongue-tie experts.

In this episode of the Tongue Tie Experts Podcast, Lisa Paladino, CNM, IBCLC shares a clinical thinking framework she has primarily taught inside her professional trainings - until now.

One of the most common questions Lisa hears from professionals is not simply “How do I identify a tongue tie?” but something deeper:

How do I think through these cases?

How do I avoid missing something important?

How do I support families without creating fear or confusion?

The challenge is often not a lack of knowledge - it’s the absence of a clear framework for clinical reasoning.

In this episode, Lisa introduces the CAREFUL™ framework, a model developed from more than three decades of working with babies and families. This approach is designed to help professionals slow down, consider the full feeding picture, and provide thoughtful, family-centered care.

Lisa also discusses:

• Why feeding challenges cannot be understood through anatomy alone

• The importance of caring for the parent–baby dyad

• How structured clinical thinking improves confidence and decision-making

• Why interdisciplinary collaboration is essential in tongue tie care

• How a careful, measured approach builds trust with both families and colleagues

This episode offers a look into the thinking process Lisa teaches in her professional education programs and reflects the philosophy behind Tongue Tie Experts.

If this episode resonates with you, consider sharing it with a colleague. The more we strengthen how professionals approach these cases, the better outcomes we create for babies and families.

More From Tongue Tie Experts:

To learn more, download freebies, and for the links mentioned in the episode, including our popular course, Understanding Milk Supply for Medical and Birth Professionals, click here: www.tonguetieexperts.net/Links

Use code PODCAST15 for 15% off all of our offerings.

This podcast is meant for education and conversation only. It is not medical advice and does not replace formal education, professional training, or individualized care from a qualified healthcare provider. Always seek appropriate guidance for individual concerns. The views and opinions shared by our guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the host or Tongue-tie experts.

What happens when a tongue tie is released - but feeding doesn’t improve?

In this episode, Lisa Paladino, CNM, IBCLC, explores an important clinical truth: a frenotomy releases tissue, but it does not teach a baby how to feed.

Inspired by an actual professional discussion across disciplines, this conversation highlights why feeding is functional, not just structural, and why preparation, assessment, and follow-up matter just as much as the procedure itself.

Lisa discusses:

• The difference between anatomy and function
• Why some families feel discouraged after a release
• The importance of interdisciplinary care
• What true informed consent should include
• How coordinated support protects the parent–baby relationship

This episode isn’t about whether releases are right or wrong. It’s about improving the process around them, and delivering better care for babies and families.

If this resonates with you, share it with a colleague in another discipline. That’s how change begins.

More From Tongue Tie Experts:

To learn more, download freebies, and for the links mentioned in the episode, including our popular course, Understanding Milk Supply for Medical and Birth Professionals, click here: www.tonguetieexperts.net/Links

Use code PODCAST15 for 15% off all of our offerings.

This podcast is meant for education and conversation only. It is not medical advice and does not replace formal education, professional training, or individualized care from a qualified healthcare provider. Always seek appropriate guidance for individual concerns. The views and opinions shared by our guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the host or Tongue-tie experts.

In this episode of the Tongue Tie Experts Podcast, I’m joined by Sarah Hornsby, dental hygienist, educator, entrepreneur, and one of the early pioneers in bringing myofunctional therapy into modern interdisciplinary care.

Sarah shares how her clinical curiosity led her from traditional dental hygiene into the world of oral function, airway health, and ultimately the creation of an online training program that has educated more than 2,000 providers worldwide.

We talk about what happens when professionals step outside their silos, why function must be part of the conversation when we discuss tongue tie, and how collaboration between lactation, dentistry, therapy, and airway-focused providers changes outcomes for families.

We also discuss the realities of building something new - the uncertainty, the persistence, and the deep belief that better care is possible when we learn together.

This is a conversation about growth - clinically, professionally, and as a community.

• How Sarah’s career evolved from dental hygiene into myofunctional therapy
• Why oral function and airway development must be part of tongue-tie conversations
• The importance of true interdisciplinary collaboration
• How online education expanded access to this work globally
• The challenges (and rewards) of building a new clinical pathway
• Creating professional community instead of practicing in isolation
• Where myofunctional therapy is headed as awareness grows

More about Sarah Hornsby:

MyoMentor 12-Week Course enrollment.

https://www.sarahkhornsby.com/ LISAP10 for a 10% discount

More From Tongue Tie Experts:

To learn more, download freebies, and for the links mentioned in the episode, including our popular course, Understanding Milk Supply for Medical and Birth Professionals, click here: www.tonguetieexperts.net/Links

Use code PODCAST15 for 15% off all of our offerings.

This podcast is meant for education and conversation only. It is not medical advice and does not replace formal education, professional training, or individualized care from a qualified healthcare provider. Always seek appropriate guidance for individual concerns. The views and opinions shared by our guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the host or Tongue-tie experts.

In this episode, host Lisa Paladino, CNM, IBCLC addresses a growing concern in the tongue tie and breastfeeding community: unproven claims about preventing tongue tie. With compassion for families and commitment to evidence-based care, Lisa discusses:

• How unverified social media claims can unintentionally turn into perceived “facts”

• Why ambiguous or absolute prevention messaging can lead to shame and blame for parents

• The difference between empowerment and guilt-based health messages

• A respectful, evidence-informed reframe of how we talk about risk, optimization, and biology

This episode is for clinicians, parents, and anyone who wants to understand how to navigate health conversations with integrity.

More From Tongue Tie Experts:

To learn more, download freebies, and for the links mentioned in the episode, including our popular course, Understanding Milk Supply for Medical and Birth Professionals, click here: www.tonguetieexperts.net/Links

Use code PODCAST15 for 15% off all of our offerings.

This podcast is meant for education and conversation only. It is not medical advice and does not replace formal education, professional training, or individualized care from a qualified healthcare provider. Always seek appropriate guidance for individual concerns. The views and opinions shared by our guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the host or Tongue-tie experts.

In this energizing episode of the Tongue Tie Experts Podcast, host Lisa Paladino sits down with Jessica Altemara for an inspiring conversation about ICAP (International Consortium of Ankyloglossia Professionals) and the upcoming conference.

With genuine excitement and deep respect for the work being done, Lisa and Jessica share the story of how ICAP has grown into a leading organization in the tongue tie and infant feeding space, bringing together professionals across lactation, dentistry, medicine, and therapy.

Throughout the episode, Jessica’s passion and dedication to ICAP shine as she describes what makes this conference truly different - its powerful sense of community, commitment to interdisciplinary collaboration, hands-on, interactive workshops, and an expanding focus on research and evidence-informed practice.

They reflect on ICAP’s journey from a small, new nonprofit into an established professional home for those supporting families with ankyloglossia, breastfeeding challenges, and oral function concerns.

Listeners will hear what to expect from the upcoming hybrid ICAP conference in April, 2026, why so many professionals return year after year, and how being part of the ICAP community supports not only clinical excellence, but also meaningful connection, confidence, and professional growth.

Resources & Links Mentioned:

🔹Professional’s Guide to Tongue Tie : https://www.tonguetieexperts.net/Professional

🔹The Confident IBCLC https://tonguetieexperts.net/confidentibclc

🔹April, 2026 ICAP Conference: https://icapprofessionals.com/conference/

More From Tongue Tie Experts:

To learn more, download freebies, and for the links mentioned in the episode, including our popular course, Understanding Milk Supply for Medical and Birth Professionals, click here: www.tonguetieexperts.net/Links

Use code PODCAST15 for 15% off all of our offerings.

This podcast is meant for education and conversation only. It is not medical advice and does not replace formal education, professional training, or individualized care from a qualified healthcare provider. Always seek appropriate guidance for individual concerns. The views and opinions shared by our guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the host or Tongue-tie experts.

In this episode, Lisa Paladino, CNM, IBCLC, explores the complex, and often controversial, challenges that lactation consultants face when assessing and managing tongue tie in infants. From inconsistent training and ambiguous assessments to provider disagreements and family pressures, Lisa breaks down the barriers to effective care and offers actionable strategies to overcome them.

Key Topics Covered:

• Inconsistent Training & Guidelines: Education on tongue tie varies widely, leaving many professionals with limited or conflicting knowledge. Lisa stresses the need for specialized, evidence-based continuing education and peer collaboration to build confidence and competence.
• Challenges in Assessment: Accurate diagnosis requires more than a visual check - functional assessment is key. Lisa highlights the importance of understanding oral mechanics and using supportive and proven assessment tools.
• Interprofessional Disagreements: Differing views among health care providers can confuse families and complicate care. Lisa advocates for respectful, evidence-informed communication and building a trusted referral network.
• Parental Pressure for Immediate Answers: Families often seek quick fixes amidst feeding struggles. Lisa emphasizes the value of compassionate education, managing expectations, and offering follow-up support.
• Limited Access to Qualified Providers: A shortage of experienced tongue tie professionals can hinder timely treatment. Lisa encourages exploring virtual consults, maintaining referral lists, and advocating for increased local training.

Takeaway:

Navigating tongue tie assessment and treatment is both controversial and challenging—but with the right tools, education, and collaboration, lactation consultants can support families more effectively and confidently.

Resources & Links Mentioned:

🔹Professional’s Guide to Tongue Tie : https://www.tonguetieexperts.net/Professional

🔹ICAP: https://icapprofessionals.com/

Special thanks to our episode sponsor - OI Tape. Check them out at OITape.com and use coupon code TONGUETIE20 to save 20% off all products.

More From Tongue Tie Experts:

To learn more, download freebies, and for the links mentioned in the episode, including our popular course, Understanding Milk Supply for Medical and Birth Professionals, click here: www.tonguetieexperts.net/Links

Use code PODCAST15 for 15% off all of our offerings.

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.

Mentioned in this episode:

OI Tape

In this thought-provoking episode of the Tongue Tie Experts podcast, host Lisa Paladino, CNM, IBCLC, is joined by Olena Dobchansky, a clinician, educator, and leader in maternal and child health. With decades of experience guiding families and supporting nurses, Olena offers a grounded, compassionate, and deeply informed perspective on the current landscape of infant feeding and postpartum care.

Together, Lisa and Olena explore how maternal-child health has evolved within traditional medical systems, and what has been lost along the way. They discuss the commercialization of breastfeeding support, how language shapes our understanding of infant feeding, and why individualized, relationship-centered care matters.

Key Topics Discussed

• Olena’s journey in nursing and leadership in maternal & child health
• How nursing theory has shifted, and what clinicians are still missing
• The difference between “breastfeeding” and “lactation”: words that matter
• Challenges created by corporate healthcare systems
• The rise of commodified feeding solutions and the “quick fix” mindset
• Building health literacy and informed decision-making in families
• How social media influences parents’ feeding choices, stress, and identity
• The role of family dynamics and support networks in feeding success
• Why understanding the lived experience of each mother is essential to care
• The call to return to personalized, respectful, and holistic support

• Breastfeeding is not simply a biological act; it’s relational, emotional, and deeply contextual.
• Healthcare systems often prioritize efficiency over connection—yet connection is where healing and confidence emerge.
• Families need more than instructions, they need clarity, support, and validation.
• Professionals must listen not just to symptoms, but to stories.

Olena Dobchansky is a clinician, educator, and advocate in maternal and child health. Her work centers on empowering families and elevating the role of nurses and lactation professionals in supporting holistic, evidence-informed, compassionate care.

Special thanks to our episode sponsor - OI Tape. Check them out at OITape.com and use coupon code TONGUETIE20 to save 20% off all products.

More From Tongue Tie Experts:

To learn more, download freebies, and for the links mentioned in the episode, including our popular course, Understanding Milk Supply for Medical and Birth Professionals, click here: www.tonguetieexperts.net/Links

Use code PODCAST15 for 15% off all of our offerings.

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.

Mentioned in this episode:

OI Tape