
Hosted by Karen Galway · EN

In this episode of Mind Your Mouth, Karen Galway, a speech therapist and infant feeding therapist, delves into the fascinating world of primitive reflexes and their impact on infant feeding and overall development. Joined by Avery Young, a board certified lactation consultant, they discuss how understanding these reflexes can fill the gaps in addressing infant feeding issues, emotional wellbeing, and more. They explore topics like the importance of latching reflexes, the role of trauma on reflex integration, and common misconceptions about tongue ties. They also touch upon practical tips for parents to support their baby's development, including the pros and cons of swaddling and why rhythmic movements can be a game-changer. Listen in to gain valuable insights and learn how to nurture your child's growth from the very start.00:00 Introduction to Mind Your Mouth Podcast00:48 Special Guest: Avery Young01:49 Understanding Primitive Reflexes03:45 The Importance of Reflexes in Infant Development13:51 Addressing Trauma and Reflexes21:15 The Role of Tongue Ties in Infant Feeding26:05 Understanding Tongue Tie and Its Functional Implications27:41 The Debate on Swaddling: Benefits and Drawbacks31:36 Exploring the Moro Reflex and Its Emotional Component34:59 The Role of Reflexes in Baby's Development41:49 Practical Advice for Parents and Professionals44:48 Conclusion and Resources for ParentsFollow Avery YoungWebsiteInstagramFacebookGrab The Free Resource, The Guide to Baby Swaps For Better Feeding SkillsKaren's Instagram and Website

In this episode of 'Mind Your Mouth', host Karen Galway, a seasoned speech therapist and board-certified orofacial myologist, dives into the distinctions between myofunctional therapy and oral motor therapy. Karen explains the appropriate age groups for each approach and clarifies common misconceptions. She also shares insights from her recent training in craniosacral fascia therapy and its application in oral health. Tune in to understand the critical differences in therapeutic techniques and their implications for infant feeding and oral development.00:00 Introduction to Mind Your Mouth Podcast00:47 Meet Your Host: Karen Galway00:54 Understanding Myofunctional Therapy01:36 Craniosacral Fascia Therapy Insights04:45 Differences Between Myofunctional Therapy and Oral Motor07:22 Oral Motor Techniques and Applications13:32 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsGrab The Free Resource, The Guide to Baby Swaps For Better Feeding SkillsKaren's Instagram and Website

In this episode of Mind Your Mouth, Karen introduces special guest Laura Roland, a Speech Therapist, Myofunctional Therapist, Infant Feeding Therapist, and Craniosacral Fascia Therapist. They delve into the world of craniosacral fascia therapy and its impacts on oral function and overall well-being. Laura shares her journey and experiences, emphasizing the importance of holistic approaches and bodywork in treating tongue-tie and other oral dysfunctions. They also discuss the significance of proper timing and choosing the right healthcare professionals for tongue-tie interventions. Laura's unique perspective and expertise provide valuable insights into holistic speech therapy practices.00:00 Introduction to Mind Your Mouth Podcast00:49 Meet Our Special Guest: Laura Roland01:54 Laura's Journey and Expertise03:47 Diving into Craniosacral Fascia Therapy05:05 Personal Experiences and Professional Insights12:47 The Impact of Craniosacral Therapy on Infants24:41 Tongue Tie Release: Timing and Techniques25:14 The Importance of Professional Referrals26:33 Concerns and Complications in Tongue Tie Procedures29:14 Craniosacral Therapy (CST) and Its Impact31:29 Personal Journeys into CST and CFT33:43 Training and Certification in CST and CFT38:16 Building a Successful Practice in a Small Town42:19 Conclusion and Contact InformationLaura's WebsiteGrab The Free Resource, The Guide to Baby Swaps For Better Feeding SkillsKaren's Instagram and Website

In this episode of Mind Your Mouth, Karen delves into the topic of tongue ties, focusing on how to distinguish between actual tongue ties and other underlying issues. Drawing from her extensive 20-year experience as a speech therapist and certified orofacial myologist, Karen shares personal anecdotes about her children's experiences and highlights the significance of various factors affecting tongue function. She emphasizes the importance of evaluating the body's overall tension and primitive reflexes, and advocates for a multidisciplinary approach involving craniosacral therapy and bodywork before considering a tongue tie release. Karen looks forward to bringing more experts on the show to further explore these perspectives.00:00 Introduction to Tongue Ties00:39 Personal Background and Experience01:31 Challenges with My Own Children03:05 Debunking Myths About Tongue Ties06:52 The Role of Body Work in Tongue Function10:40 Primitive Reflexes and Their Impact11:52 Conservative Approach to Diagnosing Tongue Ties16:35 Conclusion and Future DiscussionsEnjoyed the episode? Subscribe and leave a 5-star review.Want to connect? You can find me on Instagram.Located in Middle Tennessee and curious if Myofunctional Therapy or Infant Feeding Therapy is a good fit for you or your family? Check out my website.

In this episode of Mind Your Mouth, Karen dedicates the discussion to parents whose children struggle with pronouncing the R sound. She explores why the R sound is particularly challenging, delving into its intricacies, including the different allophones and tongue movements required for proper pronunciation. Karen also explains why traditional school speech therapy may not suffice and advocates for a myofunctional approach to address foundational issues such as palate shape, tongue strength, and possible airway obstructions. Combining her extensive experience in speech and myofunctional therapy, Karen provides insights and practical solutions to help children achieve success with the R sound.00:00 Introduction to the R Sound Challenge00:37 Why the R Sound is Tricky01:08 Variations of the R Sound04:42 Challenges in School-Based Therapy06:16 Techniques for Producing the R Sound07:50 The Role of the Palate and Airway09:48 Case Studies and Practical Advice17:04 When to Seek Specialized Help19:33 Conclusion and Contact InformationEnjoyed the episode? Subscribe and leave a 5-star review.Want to connect? You can find me on Instagram.Located in Middle Tennessee and curious if Myofunctional Therapy or Infant Feeding Therapy is a good fit for you or your family? Check out my website.

In this episode of Mind Your Mouth, host Karen Galway delves into the topic of Mewing, a technique popularized for improving jawline and oral function by positioning the tongue against the roof of the mouth. Karen discusses the origins of Mewing, its benefits, and potential drawbacks if done incorrectly. She emphasizes the importance of a comprehensive myofunctional therapy approach, which includes strengthening various muscles in the mouth to prevent strain and ensure balanced function. Karen shares insights from her experience with clients and advises listeners to seek professional assessments for a tailored approach. She concludes by encouraging pre-teens, teens, and adults interested in Mewing to consult a myofunctional therapist.00:00 Introduction and Podcast Update00:44 What is Mewing?01:35 The Origins and Benefits of Mewing02:40 Potential Challenges with Mewing05:20 The Importance of Muscle Balance06:18 Comprehensive Myofunctional Therapy11:47 Conclusion and Contact InformationEnjoyed the episode? Subscribe and leave a 5-star review.Want to connect? You can find me on Instagram.Located in Middle Tennessee and curious if Myofunctional Therapy or Infant Feeding Therapy is a good fit for you or your family? Check out my website.

In this episode of Mind Your Mouth, Karen delves into the concept of myofunctional therapy, a treatment aimed at balancing the muscles in the mouth to improve functions such as talking, eating, and breathing. The discussion covers who can benefit from this therapy, especially children, and highlights the multifaceted nature of the treatment which may involve other specialists like ENTs, allergists, and dentists. Karen also differentiates between myofunctional therapy and oral motor therapy, particularly for younger children. Additionally, the episode provides insights into common issues like tongue thrust and sound production challenges, emphasizing the importance of addressing the root cause for effective therapy. Karen shares personal experiences and training in the field, advocating for a comprehensive assessment to tailor the right treatment approach.00:00 Introduction to Myofunctional Therapy00:47 Understanding Muscle Imbalance02:23 Multifaceted Approach and Specialist Involvement02:51 Assessment and Observations03:22 Evolution and Awareness of Myofunctional Therapy04:21 Debunking Myths and Misconceptions05:44 Age-Specific Approaches07:49 Personal Journey and Case Studies12:56 Is Myofunctional Therapy Right for Your Child?16:07 Conclusion and Contact Information

In this episode of Mind Your Mouth, we address common concerns about bottle feeding babies who have been exclusively breastfed. We explore the optimal window for introducing a bottle, the role of the primitive suck reflex, and strategies for making the bottle transition smoother. Key tips include avoiding stress, using play-based approaches, conducting oral motor assessments, and considering bodywork to identify physical barriers. The episode also discusses introducing straw drinking as an alternative and emphasizes the importance of consistency and patience.00:00 Introduction to Bottle Feeding Challenges01:17 Understanding the Suck Reflex02:19 Strategies to Reduce Stress03:19 Oral Motor Assessments and Body Work07:28 Introducing Straw Drinking09:58 Recap and Final Tips12:13 Conclusion and Contact InformationFollow me on InstagramCheck out my website

In this episode of Mind Your Mouth, host Karen Galway, a speech therapist and infant feeding therapist, dives into the complex world of pacifiers. She outlines the differences between pacifier types and their impacts on oral development, sucking skills, and future speech and feeding milestones. Karen explores why not all pacifiers are created equal and emphasizes the importance of selecting the right pacifier for optimal oral health. She also discusses the timing and process for weaning babies off pacifiers and shares insights from professionals and her own experiences. Tune in to learn which pacifiers support your child's development best and the critical rule that pacifiers should 'pacify, not occupy.'00:00 Introduction to Mind Your Mouth Podcast00:52 The World of Pacifiers04:06 Understanding Oral Development08:36 The Right Pacifier for Your Baby12:51 Recommended Pacifiers and Tips16:50 Conclusion and Contact InformationFollow me on InstagramCheck out my website

In this episode of 'Mind Your Mouth,' Karen Galway discusses the importance and benefits of nasal breathing, inspired by Tom Cruise's running scenes in movies. The episode delves into the physiological advantages of nasal breathing over mouth breathing, including improved oxygen intake and overall well-being. Karen, a myofunctional and speech therapist, highlights how nasal breathing can enhance endurance, strength, and respiratory function. The episode also provides practical tips for encouraging proper nasal breathing in infants and explains the role of the tongue in optimal oral posture. Listeners are encouraged to establish good nasal breathing habits early for long-term health benefits.00:00 Introduction and Preface00:38 Tom Cruise's Running and Nasal Breathing02:04 Benefits of Nasal Breathing03:49 Nasal Breathing in Children08:08 Exercises for Encouraging Nasal Breathing12:30 Conclusion and Contact InformationFollow me on InstagramCheck out my website