NOURISH
Pediatric Feeding Therapy & Lactation Support
OUR SERVICES
Specializing in tongue ties and myofunctional disorders from birth through early childhood.
SIGNS OF ORAL DYSFUNCTION AND/OR ORAL TIES
Shallow latch
Difficulty staying latched
Sensitive gag
Milk dribbling from corners of mouth
Biting or chomping on nipple
Milk tongue (white coating)
Gulping/Air swallowing
Clicking or squeaking noises with feeding
Coughing/choking during feeding
Lip blisters
Fussy feeding
Poor weight gain
Breast preference/refusal
Poor endurance or falling sleep
Always seems hungry
Breast/bottle feeding lasts >30 minutes
Bottle or pacifier refusal
Causing nipple pain or damage
Recurrent plugged ducts or mastitis
Low milk supply
Gassy
Reflux
Colic
Open mouth posture/mouth breathing
Difficulty accepting solids at 6-7 months
Difficulty progressing to soft solids by 8 months
Unable to drink from an open cup or straw by 12-18 months
Limited repertoire of foods
Difficulty moving/chewing food
Frequently spitting foods out
Frequently overstuffing mouth
Coughing on liquids
Gagging or vomiting
Extended mealtimes (>30 minutes)
Chronic ear infections
Enlarged adenoids/tonsils
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If your child is struggling with any of the above symptoms, schedule a free phone consultation today
INFANTS & CHILDREN AT RISK
Children can have feeding difficulties for a variety of reasons. It is important to get to the root cause, as this will influence treatment. The following are risk factors for oral motor dysfunction & feeding disorders:
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Prematurity
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Birth trauma (e.g., breech baby, cesarian delivery, use of vacuum or forceps, etc)
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Tongue/Lip/Cheek Ties
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Torticollis/neck tension/head turn preference
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Airway compromise (e.g., enlarged adenoids, tonsils)
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Head shape differences (flatness, bulging, asymmetries)
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Craniofascial & body tension
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Muscle tone variances
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Laryngomalacia and tracheomalacia
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Cleft lip/palate
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Neurological disorder
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Cardiorespiratory conditions
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Severe reflux
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Constipation
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Food allergies or sensitivities
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Developmental delays
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Tube feeding or history of tube feed
OUR PHILOSOPHY
Nourishing littles. Loving families.
At Nourish Therapy we strive to support families so that you can feed yours. From breast or bottle feeding your newborn, to connecting over meals shared around a table, we aim to walk alongside you and give you the tools needed for happy hearts and full bellies. We know that parenting is full of challenges, let us take this one off your plate.
FEEDING & ORAL DYSFUNCTION
You've heard, 'feeding your baby is natural', but that doesn't mean easy. That is especially true when there are underlying issues (e.g., weak or disorganized suck, poor latch, causing nipple trauma, etc). We have extensive training in oral motor dysfunction for breast and bottle feeding, as well as TOTs (tethered oral tissues), and work collaboratively with providers in the community to ensure families reach their feeding goals. Learn more here.
TONGUE, LIP, & CHEEK TIES
Sometimes oral dysfunction is the result of tongue, lip, or cheek ties. Because of these restrictions, baby has learned to compensate during feedings. While surgical release can provide more range of motion, these compensations and poor feeding patterns do not spontaneously resolve, that takes therapy. Ideally, feeding therapy comes before a release. There are many benefit! First, the latch will get better with therapy. Second, habilitation is much quicker when therapy has already been initiated. In our pre-release sessions, we prepare baby and family. So, in addition to therapy, we ensure milk supply is protected, address breast health concerns, and collaboratively develop an interim feeding plan if nutrition is at risk. Once baby has reached therapeutic readiness for a release (usually within 1-3 visits), we guide families through the next steps, and follow-up after the procedure until feeding goals are met (usually 2-3 visits). Throughout the process we develop dynamic home programs based on your child's needs, continually modifying exercises, and assessing transfer of skills during breast and/or bottle feeding.
TRANSITION TO SOLIDS
& PICKY EATERS
We develop individualized sensory-motor programs based on your child's needs and family goals. From starting solids to overcoming picky eating, and everything in between, we have the expertise to guide you. And just like you, we want to get to the root cause. We pride ourselves in offering the kind of care that we want for our own families. Read about what a feeding evaluation and treatment session looks like here.
VIRTUAL FAMILY SUPPORT
Our coaching model considers the child and caregiver, with an emphasis on responsive feeding practices that celebrate autonomy. We want to see your children nourished and your family thriving. Recommendations are tailored to your individual needs. Whatever your question, support is always here. Find more about virtual support here.
Come and enjoy community, give your little ones time at the table, and leave feeling empowered to tackle whatever hurdles you're facing in this season of feeding you family. All play groups are thoughtfully developed and taught by a developmental feeding professional.
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Intro to Solids (Ages 6-12 months)
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Learn more here
BODYWORK FOR BREASTFEEDING:
A PLAY GROUP
While we teach parents therapeutic touch and movement for its profound impact on infant feeding, there are so many more benefits for baby and parent. Our bodywork playgroups empower caregivers to provide infant massage, and learn the basics of Tummy Time! Method. It's about neurodevelopment, body strengthening, and sensory integration. Therapeutic touch and movement eases colic, reflux, aids digestion, supports oral motor skills, and optimizes weight gain. Play groups offered monthly.
Learn more here.
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MYOFUNCTIONAL THERAPY
Orofacial myofunctional disorders (OMDs) are inappropriate muscle patterns involving the tongue, lips, jaw, and face that result from a low resting tongue posture and open mouth. Because the tongue provides scaffolding for oral development, OMDs can negatively impact dental and airway health. Myofunctional disorders can be the result of a tongue tie, or an acquired condition resulting from an airway obstruction or noxious oral habits (e.g., enlarged tonsils, thumb sucking). We provide myofunctional therapy in conjunction with feeding therapy, targeting proper oral rest posture for oral development, feeding, breathing, and speech. We partner with airway-centric dentists and bodywork professionals to see families reach their maximum potential.
Learn more here.
INFANT BODYWORK
Cranial Sacral Therapy and Infant Massage are gentle, yet powerful manual therapy techniques for babies with feeding difficulties. These modalities can also have significant therapeutic benefits for babies who experienced birth trauma, digestive issues, dysregulation or colic, poor weight gain, have difficulty turning their head or moving their bodies. We pair CST with other whole body therapeutic modalities to optimize infant feeding outcomes.
CARISSA GUILEY, MS, CCC-SLP, CLC
Nourish Therapy was founded by Carissa Guiley, a Speech-Language Pathologist and Certified Lactation Counselor, specializing in pediatric feeding, tongue ties and myofunctional disorders. She graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Nutrition from Seattle Pacific University in 2012, a Bachelor of Science in Communication Disorders from Utah State University in 2015, and a Masters of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire in 2018. She is a member of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA), holds the Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC), and has been honored with the ASHA ACE award for her dedication to continuing education.