NOURISH
Pediatric Feeding Therapy & Lactation Support
SIGNS OF ORAL MOTOR DYSFUNCTION
Refusing breast/bottle/pacifier
Poor latch
Milk dribbling from corners of mouth
Causing nipple pain or damage
Biting, chewing on nipple
Milk tongue (white coating)
Poor weight gain
Poor endurance or falling sleep
Clicking or squeaking noises with feeding
Lip blisters
Open mouth posture at rest
Coughing/choking during feeding
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
Gagging or vomiting
Extended mealtimes (>30 minutes)
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:
Prematurity
Birth trauma (e.g., complicated in utero position, long labor, cord around the neck, etc)
Tongue/Lip/Cheek Ties
Torticollis/neck tension/head turn preference
Head shape differences (flatness, bulging, asymmetries)
Craniofascial & body tension
Muscle tone variances
Laryngomalacia and tracheomalacia
Cleft lip/palate
Neurological disorder
Cardiorespiratory conditions
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD)
Severe reflux
Constipation
Food allergies or sensitivities
Developmental delays
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). Infant feeding therapy is truly the heart of Nourish Therapy. 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 TIES
Sometimes oral dysfunction is the result of a tongue and/or lip tie. Because of restrictions, baby has learned to compensate during feedings, and needs to learn correct motor movements. This is more than 'suck training'. Feeding involves the whole body, and as such, we address the whole body in therapy. 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. Are you considering a release on your little one? Read more about best practice and team approach on our blog.
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.
Intro to Solids (Ages 6-12 months)
Learn more here
BODYWORK 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 how to implement therapeutic Tummy Time! Method. It's more than tummy time. TTM is about neurodevelopment, body strengthening, and sensory integration. It eases colic, reflux, aids digestion, supports oral motor skills, and optimizes weight gain. Play groups offered monthly.
Learn more here.
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.
CRANIAL SACRAL THERAPY
Cranial sacral therapy is a gentle, yet powerful manual therapy technique. It can have significant therapeutic benefits for babies who experienced birth trauma, digestive issues, dysregulation or colic, and tethered oral tissues. 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.