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

In this episode of Tongue Tie Experts, IBCLC and Certified Nurse Midwife Lisa Paladino shares two real-life case studies that uncover the most common - and most misunderstood - breastfeeding challenges. Learn how to recognize the signs of tongue tie, why maternal pain should never be ignored, and what truly needs to happen before and after a tongue tie release to ensure optimal results.

Lisa breaks down the importance of a full feeding assessment, explains why babies often compensate during breastfeeding, and highlights how preparation, aftercare, and collaborative support can transform outcomes.

Whether you're a lactation professional, a healthcare provider, or a parent seeking answers, this episode offers practical insights and evidence-informed guidance to help families navigate tongue tie and breastfeeding with confidence.

• Maternal experience matters. A parent’s pain, intuition, and observations are essential clinical clues that should always be taken seriously.
• Breastfeeding pain is not normal. Persistent discomfort signals that something in the feeding relationship needs attention.
• Babies often compensate for feeding difficulties. These compensations can mask underlying issues while contributing to maternal pain and inefficient feeding.
• Tongue tie is only one piece of the puzzle. Breastfeeding challenges are multifactorial and require a full, holistic assessment of the dyad.
• Proper preparation leads to better tongue tie release outcomes. Pre-release guidance, expectations, and support make a significant difference.
• Post-release care is essential. Coordinated follow-up, including lactation support and potential bodywork, can improve function and comfort.
• Comprehensive support helps families thrive. Parents need accurate education, accessible resources, and a skilled team to feel confident in their breastfeeding journey.
• Every mother and baby deserve individualized care. Thoughtful, evidence-informed support leads to better outcomes and more positive breastfeeding experiences.

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 episode, Dr. Brian Hatch shares his journey into pediatric dentistry and his focus on oral ties. He discusses the importance of recognizing educational gaps, the value of collaborative care teams, and why assessing oral function is essential before recommending treatment. Dr. Hatch emphasizes the ripple effects of untreated oral ties on overall health and advocates for individualized, patient-centered care.

• Oral ties can affect feeding, speech, and airway health.
• Not all ties are restrictive or require surgery - therapy may be beneficial.
• Collaboration among healthcare professionals is essential for optimal outcomes.
• Assessing function before treatment helps guide appropriate care.
• Education and continued learning are crucial for both providers and parents.
• Individualized care addresses each patient’s unique needs and supports long-term health.

Dr. Brian Hatch is a board-certified pediatric dentist, passionate about improving oral function and overall well-being for patients of all ages. Over the last several years, he has developed a focused expertise in oral ties and their impact on oral function, speech, feeding, and airway health.

You can find him here: oraltiecenter.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 episode of the Tongue Tie Experts Podcast, host Lisa Paladino, CNM, IBCLC, speaks with Natalia Nordstrom and Lauren Lapointe, about how something as simple as mouth taping can make a big difference in sleep quality, health, and overall well-being.

Natalia and Lauren share their personal paths into the world of breathwork and holistic wellness, explaining how nasal breathing supports better rest, reduces snoring, and may even play a role in managing sleep apnea. They also discuss what inspired them to create their company, OITape, and how their background as moms and health advocates led them to design a safer, high-quality mouth tape.

Together, they explore:

• The science behind nasal vs. mouth breathing
• How mouth taping can improve sleep and oxygenation
• The connection between oral development, breastfeeding, and long-term airway health
• What inspired them to make this their business
• Their experiences as entrepreneurs bringing an innovative wellness tool to market

Whether you’re a professional curious about the oral function - breathing connection, or someone looking to improve your own sleep, this episode will inspire you to look at breathing in a whole new way.

🎧 Listen now to discover how small changes can make a big impact on your health, one breath at a time.

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.

Connect with our guests:

Website: https://oitape.com/

https://www.instagram.com/oitape/

https://www.tiktok.com/@oitape

https://www.youtube.com/@oitape

************

Special thanks to the sponsor of this episode: IAOM (International Association of Orofacial Myology) 

Visit their website here: https://iaom.com/

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.

In this inspiring episode, host Lisa Paladino, RN, CNM, IBCLC sits down with Dr. Radhika Kapoor, DDS to explore a truly holistic approach to infant and child oral health. Drawing from her background in psychology, pediatric dentistry, airway-focused care, and lived experience as a mom, Dr. Kapoor shares how she “zooms out” beyond the frenulum to support the whole child and family.

You’ll hear about:

• From procedures to people: Why Dr. Kapoor built a low-volume, relationship-centered practice that screens the whole family and prioritizes prevention and function over “drill, fill, release.”
• Airway-first lens: How sleep, feeding, behavior, and growth interconnected and why early assessment can be game-changing.
• Teamwork that actually works: Creating tight, trusted referral loops among IBCLCs, SLPs, PT/OT, CST, pediatric dentistry, and ENT, so parents aren’t left to “project-manage” care alone.
• Ethics & expectations: Why every consult shouldn’t end with a laser; the pitfalls of repeat releases; and the most responsible way to handle post-op second opinions.
• Parent empowerment (without fear): What questions to bring to a consult, how to align family goals, and how to spot red flags in online advice and wound photos.
• Provider well-being: The feminine, values-driven path: self-care, transparency, and humility as a foundation for excellent clinical outcomes.

Find Dr. Kapoor here: 

Instagram: @SmileWellnessHoboken 

Website: MySmileWellness.com  

YouTube: Smile Wellness 333

Special thanks to the sponsor of this episode: IAOM (International Association of Orofacial Myology) 

Visit their website here: https://iaom.com/

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.

In this episode of the Tongue Tie Experts podcast, Lisa Paladino addresses a controversial Instagram post regarding tongue tie treatment. She emphasizes the importance of empowering parents in their decisions, clarifying misconceptions about tongue tie procedures, and advocating for a holistic approach to infant care. Lisa stresses the need for responsible communication in the field, aiming to support families rather than create fear or confusion. 

Takeaways:

• Misleading information can create fear among parents.
• Education and experience should guide parental decisions.
• Bodywork is beneficial but not the only solution.
• Each baby requires an individual evaluation.
• Communication should prioritize the well-being of families.
• Influencers should be responsible in their messaging.

Special thanks to the sponsor of this episode: IAOM (International Association of Orofacial Myology) 

Visit their website here: https://iaom.com/

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.

On this episode, Lisa welcomes Dr. Martin Rosen and Dr. Nancy Watson - renowned pediatric chiropractors and co-authors of It’s All in the Head (2nd edition). With over 40 years of experience, they share how early neurological development, childhood milestones, and chiropractic care are interconnected.

Together, they explore:

• Why early milestones matter (and what’s lost when expectations are lowered)
• How the nervous and immune systems shape resilience
• The role of chiropractic care in supporting adaptability and growth
• Key questions parents should ask when choosing a pediatric chiropractor

It’s All in the Head (2nd edition) is now available in multiple languages with updated action steps for parents. Learn more at drmartinrosen.com

Special thanks to the sponsor of this episode: IAOM (International Association of Orofacial Myology) 

Visit their website here: https://iaom.com/

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.

In this episode of the Tongue Tie Experts Podcast, Lisa Paladino, CNM, IBCLC explores the powerful role doulas play in supporting families during the early days of breastfeeding, and why their awareness of tongue tie is essential.

Lisa explains how doulas often serve as the first line of support for new families, offering guidance when challenges with lactation and feeding arise. She emphasizes that education empowers doulas to recognize when something is “not quite right” and to refer families for timely help.

You’ll hear why collaboration among healthcare providers is vital, and how building a community of shared knowledge benefits everyone, especially the families we serve.

• The Tongue Tie Expert’s  mission to spread awareness about tongue tie includes everyone
• Recognizing when breastfeeding isn’t going well is essential
• Doulas can be the first line of support before a family reaches an IBCLC
• We must not gatekeep information from doulas and families
• Collaboration improves care across the healthcare spectrum
• Most families will not see an IBCLC before giving up on their breastfeeding goals
• Doulas should know when and how to refer families

Education empowers families to make informed decisions

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.

In this episode, Lisa sits down with Dr. Martin Kaplan, a pioneer in pediatric laser dentistry, who brings over 45 years of clinical experience to the conversation. Known for being the first U.S. dentist to perform infant frenectomy using the LightScalpel CO₂ laser, Dr. Kaplan shares the fascinating story behind how he adopted laser technology, and why not all lasers are created equal.

This episode dives deep into:

• The science and safety of laser frenotomy
• What truly makes a functional tongue tie release
• Why a collaborative, individualized approach is essential
• How bodywork, feeding therapy, and cultural/language access play roles in care
• Stories of dramatic improvements in infants and adults post-treatment
• The impact of pacifiers, posture, and symptom tracking in evaluating outcomes

Plus, we get a fun look into Dr. Kaplan’s life outside the clinic - where martial arts meets ballroom dancing. 

📌 Connect with Host Lisa Paladino:

• Tongue Tie Experts Links to Freebies, Books, and Guides: https://tonguetieexperts.net/links
• Instagram: @tonguetieexperts
• Facebook: Tongue Tie Experts
• All Tongue Tie Experts Links: https://tonguetieexperts.net/links

📍 Guest Info:

Dr. Martin Kaplan

Hanover Pediatric Dentistry – Hanover, MA

📧 Email: [email protected]

📍 Not big on social media - but welcomes professional questions via email or phone.

🎧 Listen Now and Subscribe!

If you enjoyed this conversation, leave a review and share with a colleague or parent who needs to hear it.

Don't forget to subscribe to the Tongue Tie Experts Podcast on your favorite platform!

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.

If you’ve ever wondered whether a baby truly needs tongue tie treatment—or if you’ve been confused by the conflicting information out there—this episode is for you.

In today’s conversation, Lisa Paladino CNM, IBCLC, breaks down the three essential questions every parent and professional should ask before moving forward with treatment. You’ll learn why not every frenulum is a problem, why function matters more than appearance, and how to make sure nothing else is being overlooked in your baby’s care.

By the end, you’ll feel clearer and more confident about how to approach tongue tie decisions, whether you’re a parent searching for answers or a professional guiding families.

• Why not every frenulum equals a tongue tie
• How to know if a tie is actually causing a problem
• Other factors that may mimic or complicate tongue tie symptoms
• The importance of a full, holistic assessment for both baby and parent
• Why informed decision-making matters most

• 📖 Tongue Tie for Parents eBook – Get Lisa’s new guide for parents here (only $27)
• 🎥 Free 3-Part Video Series for Professionals – Why Tongue Tie is Missed — And How You Can Learn to Spot It with Confidence
• 🌐 Visit the brand-new website: tonguetieexperts.net

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.