Why Feeding Therapy and Holistic Support Matter for Your Baby and Your Peace of Mind (Guest: Carissa Guiley, M.S., CCC SLP, CLC)
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Becoming a parent is like stepping onto the wildest roller coaster of your life—one minute you’re flying high, the next you’re wondering how on earth you’re supposed to assemble a breast pump at 2 a.m. Feeding your baby should be one of those things that just works, right? Spoiler alert: not always. If you’re pregnant or navigating postpartum life and finding yourself overwhelmed with feeding struggles, let’s chat. There’s a secret weapon you need in your corner: feeding therapy. And trust me, it’s a game-changer.
Feeding issues aren’t just about your baby; they ripple through your whole family. The good news? There’s a whole world of support out there to help you tackle these challenges and actually enjoy feeding your baby. (Yes, it’s possible!) Stick around, because by the end of this post, you’ll know why feeding therapy and holistic support are your new best friends.
Oh, and if you’re ready for the deep dive, don’t forget to check out my latest podcast episode where I chat with Carissa Guiley from Nourished Feeding Therapy. It’s linked here and full of gold nuggets for parents like you.
What the Heck is Feeding Therapy?
Feeding therapy isn’t just for babies who “refuse” to eat—it’s for families who want to make feeding a whole lot easier. Carissa Guiley, a speech-language pathologist and lactation counselor (and all-around feeding genius), explains it like this: feeding therapy is about looking at the big picture. It’s not just your baby’s latch or bottle preference; it’s about understanding why they’re struggling and fixing the root cause.
Here’s the thing: babies are complicated little humans. Tension in their bodies, trouble with reflexes, or even something as sneaky as a tongue tie can throw off the whole feeding experience. Feeding therapy connects the dots. It’s like detective work for your baby’s mouth and body, and when done right, it sets the stage for feeding success—and your peace of mind.
Why a Holistic Approach is Non-Negotiable
Carissa says it best: feeding struggles don’t happen in isolation. They’re often part of a bigger story. Maybe your baby has body tension from a tricky birth. Maybe they’re not hitting developmental reflexes. Or maybe it’s an airway issue that’s messing with their sleep and feeding (because, of course, one problem leads to another).
This is why a holistic approach matters. It’s about treating the whole baby. Carissa’s method involves not just feeding therapy but also bodywork, lactation support, and strategies to help your baby’s entire system work together. Think of it as a tune-up for your little one’s whole body—because when they’re comfortable and coordinated, everything gets easier.
How Feeding Struggles Affect the Whole Family
Let’s get real for a second: feeding struggles are stressful. They’re not just about the baby; they’re about you, too. Whether you’re battling breastfeeding pain, bottle refusal, or just trying to figure out why your baby’s not gaining weight, the emotional toll is real. Add in sleep deprivation, and it’s a perfect storm.
Carissa gets it. She’s been there herself, and she’s helped countless families move from overwhelm to empowerment. One of the most important things she stresses is that parents need to feel validated. If your gut is telling you something’s off, trust it. And don’t stop until you get the support you deserve.
Tongue Ties, Bottles, and Beyond
Let’s talk about tongue ties for a minute, because they’re a hot topic. Yes, they can make breastfeeding tricky, but they’re not just a breastfeeding problem. Tongue ties can mess with bottle feeding, solids, speech, and even sleep. And while a tongue tie release might seem like the quick fix, it’s just one piece of the puzzle.
Here’s the deal: therapy before and after a release is critical. Carissa explains that this pre- and post-therapy strengthens your baby’s muscles, improves coordination, and makes recovery so much smoother. Without it? Feeding challenges often persist. It’s not about rushing to snip; it’s about making sure your baby is ready for long-term success.
Some signs your baby might benefit from feeding therapy include:
Clicking sounds while feeding
Struggling to latch
Excessive gagging or spitting up
Poor weight gain
Fussiness during feeds
Sound familiar? Don’t panic. These are fixable with the right support.
Build Your Village, Mama
If there’s one thing I know, it’s that you can’t do this alone. And you shouldn’t have to. The postpartum period is hard enough without trying to navigate feeding challenges solo. Building a support system isn’t just nice to have; it’s essential.
Here’s how you can start:
Do Your Homework: Learn about potential feeding challenges now, while you’re still pregnant. It’s way less overwhelming to tackle these things when you’re not already in the thick of it.
Find the Right Experts: Look for feeding therapists, lactation consultants, or doulas who understand the whole picture. Bonus points if they take the time to really listen to your concerns.
Plan for Postpartum Support: Don’t just plan for meals and baby gear. Plan for the possibility of feeding challenges. A little preparation goes a long way.
Trust Yourself: You know your baby better than anyone. If something feels off, don’t hesitate to get a second (or third) opinion.
Why This Matters Before Your Baby Arrives
If you’re pregnant, this is your time to set yourself up for postpartum success. Feeding challenges don’t have to derail your experience, but they can if you’re not prepared. Understanding how feeding therapy works and having a plan in place can take so much stress off your plate.
Carissa’s approach is all about empowerment. It’s about giving you the tools and resources you need to feel confident as a parent—and making sure your baby is thriving. And hey, when feeding gets easier, so does everything else. (Yes, even sleep!)
Ready to Take the Next Step?
If you’re feeling overwhelmed or just want to be prepared for whatever feeding challenges might come your way, don’t wait. Check out my latest podcast episode featuring Carissa Guiley from Nourished Feeding Therapy here. It’s packed with actionable advice and real-life solutions that will leave you feeling ready to tackle anything.
And if you’re already in the trenches and need personalized support, head over to Carissa’s website at Nourished Feeding Therapy. She’s the expert you’ve been looking for, and her holistic approach could be just what you and your baby need.
Mama, you’ve got this. And when it feels like you don’t, there’s a whole village ready to help.
