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NOURISH

Lactation | Feeding | Myo

Nourish Therap lactation + infant feeding therapy in Poulsbo, Washington
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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 and you are located in Kitsap County Washington, schedule a free phone consultation with Nourish Therapy 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 

  • Birth trauma (e.g., breech baby, cesarian delivery, use of vacuum or forceps, extremely long/fast labor etc)

  • Tongue/Lip/Cheek Ties 

  • Torticollis/neck tension/head turn preference

  • Airway compromise (e.g., enlarged adenoids, tonsils)

  • Head shape differences (flatness, bulging, asymmetries)

  • Craniofascial & body tension

  • Muscle tone variances

  • Laryngomalacia and tracheomalacia 

  • Cleft lip/palate

  • Neurological disorder 

  • Cardiorespiratory conditions

  • Severe reflux 

  • Constipation

  • Food allergies or sensitivities

  • Developmental delays

  • Tube feeding or history of tube feed

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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 infant challenges (e.g., prematurity, birth trauma, tongue tie, etc). We have extensive training in oral motor dysfunction, as well as TOTs (tethered oral tissues), and implement a whole body approach to ensure families reach their feeding goals. Learn more here.

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Sleeping Baby

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.

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Overjoyed young family with little preschooler kids have fun cooking baking pastry or pie at home to

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.

Not sure where to start? Heard of baby led weaning, but nervous to give your baby a pork chop? We can help! Our 1:1 starting solids consults cover a wide range of topics, while also catering to your specific questions/concerns, including: 

  • Signs of Readiness

  • Feeding Expert Recommended Gear

  • Traditional vs Baby-Led Weaning

  • Infant Nutrition & Allergens

  • Teaching Cups & Straws

  • Choking vs Gagging

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Mother and Baby on Floor

INFANT MASSAGE PARENT/BABY GROUPS

We teach parents therapeutic touch and movement for its profound impact on infant feeding, maternal milk supply, mental health, bonding, and more. Our playgroups are a fun way for parents to get out with their newborns and connect with other families, while learning techniques to ease colic, reflux, 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.

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Newborn Baby Foot

INFANT BODYWORK &
WHOLE BODY THERAPY

Cranial Sacral Therapy and Infant Massage are gentle, yet powerful manual therapy techniques for babies with feeding difficulties. We incorporate these bodywork modalities alongside whole body therapies to support infant posture, strength, and movements through an infant development lens. While all babies can benefit from bodywork and whole body therapy, these techniques are especially beneficial for babies born premature, with a history of birth trauma, and feeding difficulties. 

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CARISSA GUILEY, MS, CCC-SLP, CLC

Nourish Therapy was founded by Carissa Guiley, a Speech-Language Pathologist and Certified Lactation Counselor, specializing in infant 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 to receive two ASHA ACE awards for her dedication to continuing education.

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