Breastfeeding & weaning your toddler with confidence and connection isn't impossible.  But the reason it feels that way (at least some of the time) isn't your fault.  In today's podcast episode I break down the first of 3 cultural traps that keep you stuck and frustrated on your natural term breastfeeding & toddler weaning journey. (The other 2 are available in my free instant-access workshop here!)The trap?  The belief/instinct to start by changing your child's behavior first. What does it look like? ->Deciding it's time to wean->Shorten feeds/dropping feeds/reading the weaning story books->...and your child asks to breastfeed more, not less (and at an increasing volume.)Tune in to learn how to get un-stuck from this trap (and avoid it if you haven't fallen in yet!)Want to learn more from me? Come along to my Free Live Workshop October 27th at 2pm EDT: Designing Your Pathway to Toddler Breastfeeding Mastery Grab your free guide to say "No" to the feed while still saying "yes" to the need at  www.ownyourparentingstory.com/guideLove this episode?!  Shoot me a DM over on Instagram @own.your.parenting.story and tell me all about it.

"They swarm me whenever I sit down and will SCREAM until I breastfeed them - and then they are off to play.  They never want snuggle without breastfeeding.  I feel like all I am is a milk machine."  I know I have! This week I challenge the cultural narrative that we are only milk machines, unpack the ways that this belief impacts our moment-by-moment breastfeeding, and leave you with some practical tips to connect with your child beyond the boob. Note - I'll take things a little slower until the New Year, so stay tuned for new episodes on a slightly less frequent schedule.  Want to learn more from me? Come along to my Free Live Workshop October 27th at 2pm EDT: Designing Your Pathway to Toddler Breastfeeding Mastery Grab your free guide to say "No" to the feed while still saying "yes" to the need at  www.ownyourparentingstory.com/guideLove this episode?!  Shoot me a DM over on Instagram @own.your.parenting.story and tell me all about it.

Lactation support for newborns is hard enough to come by - but when I decided to focus on toddler breastfeeding there was NO one to look too and say "ah, that's how it's done!" So, there was (a lot of) trial & error as I worked to create some kind of support that WORKED to help toddler breastfeeding families get unstuck from the loop of boundary burnout and thrive in their breastfeeding & weaning. In this episode I take you through the different methods I tried, what worked and what didn't, and why  - which I hope will help you be able to sort through what support options will work best for you and your family! Want to learn more from me? Come along to my Free Live Workshop October 27th at 2pm EDT: Designing Your Pathway to Toddler Breastfeeding Mastery Grab your free guide to say "No" to the feed while still saying "yes" to the need at  www.ownyourparentingstory.com/guideLove this episode?!  Shoot me a DM over on Instagram @own.your.parenting.story and tell me all about it.

Hands up if you have gone back & forth about whether or not you should wean your breastfeeding toddler?! 🙋‍♀️It makes sense - and trust me, you are NOT alone.  (It's one of the most common dilemmas "extended" breastfeeding moms face.) In this episode, I offer you an alternative to the "to wean or not to wean" conundrum that will have you feeling hopeful and empowered regardless of your weaning status. Key Takeaways:1. Self-Aggression vs. Self-Kindness:Understand the fundamental difference between self-aggression and self-kindness in parenting.How self-aggression can lead to unnecessary stress and conflict.2. Real-Life Examples of Self-Kindness:Learn practical examples of self-kindness in action.Setting healthy boundaries and nurturing personal needs.Offering self-compassion when breastfeeding & weaning3. The Impact on Parent-Child Relationships:Discover how embracing self-kindness can lead to a more harmonious and loving parent-child relationship.The importance of teaching self-kindness to your children.Click here to listen to episode #7 where I share more about the biological process of weaning & readiness. Want to learn more from me? Come along to my Free Live Workshop October 27th at 2pm EDT: Designing Your Pathway to Toddler Breastfeeding Mastery Grab your free guide to say "No" to the feed while still saying "yes" to the need at  www.ownyourparentingstory.com/guideLove this episode?!  Shoot me a DM over on Instagram @own.your.parenting.story and tell me all about it.

In this episode, I discuss the challenges of weaning your booby-obsessed toddler when they're not quite ready to stop breastfeeding. I explore the role of internal experiences, stress, and co-regulation in this process.Key Points:You Can't Magically Make Them Ready: Unfortunately, you can't instantly make your toddler ready to wean - no matter how badly you might want to! It's important to understand that their internal experiences and feelings can't be changed on a whim - but that doesn't mean you don't have anything within your control...The Toddler Breastfeeding Stress Spiral: I delve into the "toddler breastfeeding stress cycle" where a stressed parent can lead to more frequent breastfeeding, creating a cycle of stress for both child and parent. This is the part you CAN control!Addressing Your Internal Experience: By addressing your own internal experiences and managing your stress, you can turn down the dial of intensity in your child's breastfeeding demands and clinginess.  But, your ability to influence your toddler's readiness doesn't stop there.External Stressors: Examine your child's environment to identify external stressors that might be affecting them. Reducing these stressors can empower your child to handle the stress associated with weaning more effectively.Empowering Your Child: Weaning is a big change, and if they haven't stopped breastfeeding on their own they probably aren't "ready to stop" - BUT if you have laid the foundation well, you can empower them to move through the change of weaning without too much stress.  And the stress that is there will be met with connection & co-regulation from you that will strengthen your bond. Upcoming Workshop: Don't forget to register for the upcoming workshop on October 27th at 2 p.m. Eastern, where I'll dive deeper into these topics and answer your questions. The replay will be available if you can't attend live.Stay Tuned: In the next podcast episode, I'll be talking about how to know if YOU are truly ready to wean. Thank you for tuning in to this episode.Want to learn more from me? Come along to my Free Live Workshop October 27th at 2pm EDT: Designing Your Pathway to Toddler Breastfeeding Mastery Grab your free guide to say "No" to the feed while still saying "yes" to the need at  www.ownyourparentingstory.com/guideLove this episode?!  Shoot me a DM over on Instagram @own.your.parenting.story and tell me all about it.

Who knew you would be longing for the early days of breastfeeding again a year or two don't the road? It seems to get MORE complicated the further along you go - and the big reason for this? Really terrible advice, from (often) really well-meaning people! In this week's podcast episode I am breaking down the 3 different types of toddler breastfeeding "advice" I see out in the world: Behaviour FocusedFantasy FocusedOverly GeneralizedAND I'll be sharing why I believe there is still so much hope for you and your little one. Want to learn more from me? Come along to my Free Live Workshop October 27th at 2pm EDT: Designing Your Pathway to Toddler Breastfeeding Mastery Grab your free guide to say "No" to the feed while still saying "yes" to the need at  www.ownyourparentingstory.com/guideLove this episode?!  Shoot me a DM over on Instagram @own.your.parenting.story and tell me all about it.

Breastfeeding on demand is recommended by leading health & breastfeeding organizations around the world, but what happens when your little one isn't so little anymore?   Is there an age where you should stop offering breastmilk anytime your child asks?  And if there is - what are you supposed to do after it? In this podcast episode, I break down: What on-demand breastfeeding isWhy it's recommended (and touch on the sorted history of infant feeding recommendations) 3 Problems with on-demand breastfeedingWhat the typical answer is for "when to stop on-demand breastfeeding" (and why it doesn't hit the mark) Why you should stop on-demand breastfeeding today and what to do insteadTune in for a nuanced conversation about the topics that keep you up at night (literally & figuratively) as a full-term breastfeeding mom. Read the blog version of this podcast here.Want to learn more from me? Come along to my Free Live Workshop October 27th at 2pm EDT: Designing Your Pathway to Toddler Breastfeeding Mastery Grab your free guide to say "No" to the feed while still saying "yes" to the need at  www.ownyourparentingstory.com/guideLove this episode?!  Shoot me a DM over on Instagram @own.your.parenting.story and tell me all about it.

The hardest part about night weaning?  The BIG emotions! In this episode, I break down: The 2 types of toddler "mis"-behavior (what to do for each kind) 6 Big picture considerations for less-stress night weaning4 steps to navigate night time tantrumss (and when to change course)My best "tip" for night weaning your toddlerIf you want to read this podcast as a blog - head over here. Want to learn more from me? Come along to my Free Live Workshop October 27th at 2pm EDT: Designing Your Pathway to Toddler Breastfeeding Mastery Grab your free guide to say "No" to the feed while still saying "yes" to the need at  www.ownyourparentingstory.com/guideLove this episode?!  Shoot me a DM over on Instagram @own.your.parenting.story and tell me all about it.

Ever wished you could decode the enigma of infant and toddler sleep? As your guide through this labyrinth, I’m excited to bring you my engaging conversation with Kim Hawley, an expert in holistic sleep coaching, lactation consulting, and peaceful parenting education – a rare combination indeed! Drawing on Kim’s years of experience, we delve into the winding path of sleep in a child’s early years, distinguishing what’s normal, what's not, and how to respond when you're caught in the crosshairs of uncertainty.During our enlightening chat, Kim shares insights into her personal journey and how it led her to become a passionate advocate for biologically normal sleep in the modern world. We examine the range of factors that influence sleep in the first two years of life, from developmental milestones to temperamental traits and even medical issues like allergies. Kim shares insider tips on how parental sleep hygiene can positively impact their child's rest, and we shed a light on the often-overlooked importance of night feeds for not just nutrition, but also connection and co-regulation. Finally, we discuss the critical role of physical proximity and connection in a child's overall development. We shed light on why this instinct is deeply embedded in us, courtesy of our evolutionary past, and how it can be adapted to suit modern parenting. Tune in to discover practical advice on incorporating proximity and connection into your child's sleep routine, even if they're sleeping independently. Whether you're just embarking on the parenting journey or already navigating through sleepless nights, this conversation is brimming with invaluable insights that you won't want to miss.Kim Hawley, MA, MPH, IBCLC is a Holistic Sleep Coach, Lactation Consultant, Peaceful Parenting Educator, and the owner of Intuitive Parenting. She helps tired parents bring together developmental knowledge, sleep science, and their intuition to improve family sleep. Her specialty is holistic, responsive sleep support for babies, toddlers, and nursing families. She is the founder of Responsive Family Sleep, an online sleep support program for parents looking to support sleep without sleep training, and the host of the new podcast, The Responsive Family Sleep Podcast. Kim lives in Capitol Hill, Washington DC with her husband, 2 kids, guide dog, and cat. She loves running, listening to audio books, coffee, chocolate, and wine.Kim's Website: https://intuitiveparentingdc.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/intuitive_parenting_dcFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/intuitiveparentingdcKim's Comprehensive guide to normal sleep 0-5 years. Want to learn more from me? Come along to my Free Live Workshop October 27th at 2pm EDT: Designing Your Pathway to Toddler Breastfeeding Mastery Grab your free guide to say "No" to the feed while still saying "yes" to the need at  www.ownyourparentingstory.com/guideLove this episode?!  Shoot me a DM over on Instagram @own.your.parenting.story and tell me all about it.

Engorgement, clogged ducts & mastitis are words all breastfeeding moms are familiar with. They can be scary & overwhelming, particularly at the beginning of your breastfeeding journey, but can pop up throughout the duration of time that you are breastfeeding - mainly when significant changes are happening in your life, including night weaning & complete weaning. To further complicate things, there has been a fundamental shift in the way that science and leading lactation organizations and experts understand these conditions - this has resulted in the Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine completely overhauling their Mastitis Proctol.  This means that the approach both lactating people & those who support them take when addressing engorgement, clogged ducts & mastitis has changed, or needs to change. This is relevant to those who are early in their breastfeeding experience, of course, but it’s ALSO relevant to those who have been breastfeeding for a year or more.   You are more likely to be supporting friends & family members when they are encountering these things, and you are more likely to be using methods you were told to use when you face them yourself - but those methods are likely based on an outdated understanding of what engorgement, clogged ducts & mastitis are and could be creating MORE issues than they are solving. In this episode I break down: -> The big change -> Each condition in the Mastitis Spectrum of Conditions-> Support for general treatment & prevention -> The role stress plays (and what to do about it)   DISCLAIMER: This podcast is for educational purposes only and is not intended to be medical advice. Resources & Citations: Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine Mastitis Protocol.Quoted study: Segerstrom, S. C., & Miller, G. E. (2006, July). Psychological stress and the human immune system: A meta-analytic study of 30 years of inquiry. Psychological bulletin. Study on EFT Tapping efficacy"Burn Out" Book by Emily & Amelia Nagoski Strains to look for in a probitic: Lactobacillus fermentum and Ligilactobacillus salivarius Want to learn more from me? Come along to my Free Live Workshop October 27th at 2pm EDT: Designing Your Pathway to Toddler Breastfeeding Mastery Grab your free guide to say "No" to the feed while still saying "yes" to the need at  www.ownyourparentingstory.com/guideLove this episode?!  Shoot me a DM over on Instagram @own.your.parenting.story and tell me all about it.

Labour and deliver impact breastfeeding - and Beau Wilson is here to share all about it. Whether you are pregnant with your first, or planning for your third, this episode will leave you inspired & empowered.Learn about how you can set yourself up for success in both your birthing & breastfeeding, regardless of the external factors that you encounter - and how the power of your intuition can guide you.  About Beau:Beau is a passionate Australian midwife with over a decade of experience in guiding and supporting women and their families through the transformative journey of childbirth. As a mother herself, she understands the profound significance of this momentous life event and is driven by her mission to empower women with the education and tools they need to approach birth and parenthood with confidence and informed decision-making. Whilst not initially planned, she is still breastfeeding her daughter 4.5 years on. She knew that during the pandemic, the single-most valuable thing she could do for her daughter's health is to continue to breastfeed. Extended breastfeeding has afforded her daughter ongoing emotional comfort and immune support while promoting a sense of security and emotional wellbeing.You can read more about Beau's work at www.birthtobaby.com.au or follow her on Instagram @birthtobabyausWant to learn more from me? Come along to my Free Live Workshop October 27th at 2pm EDT: Designing Your Pathway to Toddler Breastfeeding Mastery Grab your free guide to say "No" to the feed while still saying "yes" to the need at  www.ownyourparentingstory.com/guideLove this episode?!  Shoot me a DM over on Instagram @own.your.parenting.story and tell me all about it.

Ever wondered why your little one wakes up frequently throughout the night, leaving you both exhausted? Could it be something more than just regular feeding needs? This episode illuminates how certain overlooked medical issues might be the hidden culprits affecting sleep patterns.  Learn about the unexpected connection between low iron levels, thyroid imbalances, and sleep disturbances. Discover how something as simple as a blood test might be the key to unlocking a peaceful night's sleep for you and your child.Moving beyond the physical, we also delve into the psychological aspects of sleep. Stress, a ubiquitous part of modern motherhood, often goes unnoticed as a significant disruptor of sleep. Unravel the cues of danger and threat that loom in your daily life and learn how they may be affecting your sleep. This episode uncovers practical strategies to create a sense of safety and calm amidst the chaos, ultimately aiding in better sleep. Whether you're a stay-at-home mom or juggling work and family, this episode equips you with the tools to manage your stress effectively. Remember, improving your sleep may not necessitate a massive change like night weaning - sometimes, it's about understanding your body better and keeping your stress levels in check.Want to learn more from me? Come along to my Free Live Workshop October 27th at 2pm EDT: Designing Your Pathway to Toddler Breastfeeding Mastery Grab your free guide to say "No" to the feed while still saying "yes" to the need at  www.ownyourparentingstory.com/guideLove this episode?!  Shoot me a DM over on Instagram @own.your.parenting.story and tell me all about it.

What happens when we start taking care of our bodies and minds during pregnancy and after childbirth? Kath Baquie, a women's physiotherapist and the founder of FitNest Mama, joins us to share her unique insights. In this enlightening conversation, we discuss the real post-birth challenges and how they can affect your breastfeeding journey.  Kath also shares some practical strategies for breastfeeding moms, including the art of lying down to breastfeed—a real game-changer for many mothers.As Kath passionately tells us, investing in pelvic health and making adjustments to our exercise routine after childbirth can have long-term positive impacts. We also explore easy exercises for moms because even small movements can help us feel better. So, join us for this heartfelt discussion and learn why taking time for ourselves as new mothers is not just important, it's essential.___________________________________________________________________________________________Kath Baquie is an Australian mum of 3 young girls, a physiotherapist for women, and owner of FitNest Mama, an online community which provides new and expecting mothers with the exercises, support & resources they need to move from the physical aches & pains of pregnancy, the weakness felt after birth, to strong bodies and minds so that they can get back to doing what they love with a bubba by their side (whether or not that’s running around with the kids at the park, or running the next marathon).Kath also has a podcast, the FitNest Mama Podcast, where each week she dives into all things pregnancy care, childbirth, and postnatal recovery.Kath was so generous and is offering listeners of this podcast 7 free days in her Fitnest community - click here to take advantage of this opportunity. Want to learn more from me? Come along to my Free Live Workshop October 27th at 2pm EDT: Designing Your Pathway to Toddler Breastfeeding Mastery Grab your free guide to say "No" to the feed while still saying "yes" to the need at  www.ownyourparentingstory.com/guideLove this episode?!  Shoot me a DM over on Instagram @own.your.parenting.story and tell me all about it.

Ever felt drained, tired, and even resentful while going through the demanding process of breastfeeding and weaning your toddler? Join me as I sit down with Katie, a recent graduate of Own Your Breastfeeding Story, who courageously takes us through her night weaning journey. Katie’s transformation is nothing short of inspiring, especially considering she had recently moved to a new province and got pregnant while she was weaning. What if I told you that a crucial factor in Katie's parenting transformation was a healthy dose of self-compassion? Yes, that's right. Together, Katie and I delve into how her newfound self-compassion not only enhanced her breastfeeding journey but also improved her understanding of her child's needs. We also talk about how this compassionate perspective has helped her create a safe and trusting space for her little one, something that plays a vital role in the emotional journey of weaning.We also reflect on Katie's personal weaning process, underlining the importance of emotional safety and, once again, self-compassion. Tune into our conversation to discover how finding hope and support can pivot your parenting challenges and provide you with practical and comforting insights. Whether you're in the throes of your own weaning journey or about to embark on one, Katie's story will certainly resonate with you, offering not just hope, but also practical tips to cope and thrive.Wanna join Own Your Breastfeeding Story?  Spots are open - get all the details here. Want to learn more from me? Come along to my Free Live Workshop October 27th at 2pm EDT: Designing Your Pathway to Toddler Breastfeeding Mastery Grab your free guide to say "No" to the feed while still saying "yes" to the need at  www.ownyourparentingstory.com/guideLove this episode?!  Shoot me a DM over on Instagram @own.your.parenting.story and tell me all about it.

Have you ever felt judged for your choices around breastfeeding? Are you looking for strategies to confidently navigate these pressures and judgments? We tackle these sensitive topics head-on, offering grounded ways to manage societal pressures surrounding extended breastfeeding. From your intimate relationships to healthcare professionals, we delve into the dynamics of this area that is often fraught with unsolicited opinions. Whether you’ve already settled on extended breastfeeding or are still weighing the options, we provide actionable strategies to guide you through this journey.Want to learn more from me? Come along to my Free Live Workshop October 27th at 2pm EDT: Designing Your Pathway to Toddler Breastfeeding Mastery Grab your free guide to say "No" to the feed while still saying "yes" to the need at  www.ownyourparentingstory.com/guideLove this episode?!  Shoot me a DM over on Instagram @own.your.parenting.story and tell me all about it.

Does the word 'boundaries' make you flinch? Are you riddled with guilt about setting limits when it comes to breastfeeding your toddler? Release that guilt and hold your head high as this episode tackles the often-contentious subject of breastfeeding boundaries head-on. In this episode you'll get: A fresh take on boundaries and a (probably) new-to-you definition.Insight into how to create structure & predictability with your breastfeeding toddler.A step-by-step guide to boundary setting in breastfeeding .Resources mentioned: Instant access workshop: www.ownyourparentingstory.com/workshopToddler Communcation Guide: www.ownyourparentingstory.com/guideWant to learn more from me? Come along to my Free Live Workshop October 27th at 2pm EDT: Designing Your Pathway to Toddler Breastfeeding Mastery Grab your free guide to say "No" to the feed while still saying "yes" to the need at  www.ownyourparentingstory.com/guideLove this episode?!  Shoot me a DM over on Instagram @own.your.parenting.story and tell me all about it.

Teeth, and all the issues that come with them, seem to pop up alongside breastfeeding concerns throughout the breastfeeding journey.It's hard not to worry when these are things you hear day-to-day: "You'll be ready to wean once they have teeth!""You need to stop breastfeeding at night or you will rot their teeth""They have teeth now, they are supposed to be eating REAL food!" In this episode I'll dip into the science, and provide some practical support for: Breastfeeding a baby with teeth Breastfeeding a teething toddlerHandling bitingOral developmentCavities & breastfeeding toddlersDon't forget to subscribe and leave a rating & review!Research Links: A Natural Age of Weaning by Katherine Dettwyler, PhDDevenish G, Mukhtar A, Begley A, Spencer AJ, Thomson WM, Ha D, Do L, Scott JA. Early childhood feeding practices and dental caries among Australian preschoolers. Am J Clin Nutr. 2020 Apr 1;111(4):821-828. doi: 10.1093/ajcn/nqaa012. PMID: 32047898.Law V, Seow WK. A longitudinal controlled study of factors associated with mutans streptococci infection and caries lesion initiation in children 21 to 72 months old. Pediatr Dent. 2006 Jan-Feb;28(1):58-65. PMID: 16615377.Want to learn more from me? Come along to my Free Live Workshop October 27th at 2pm EDT: Designing Your Pathway to Toddler Breastfeeding Mastery Grab your free guide to say "No" to the feed while still saying "yes" to the need at  www.ownyourparentingstory.com/guideLove this episode?!  Shoot me a DM over on Instagram @own.your.parenting.story and tell me all about it.

Your tongue posture (or your child's!) could be sabotaging all of your attempts at making breastfeeding & weaning an enjoyable experience. Continuing last week's interview - Jenna and Jenny discuss the importance of orofacial myofunctional therapy for children and adults. In this partition of the interview, we go over various symptoms that may indicate the need for "tongue physiotherapy" (Aka - Myofunctional therapy!) such as sleep issues, mouth breathing, clenching and grinding, (in adults) and messy eating, picky eating and frequent night waking in kids. We talk about how your child's quick "clip" of a tongue tie as a newborn might need revisiting and covers the benefits of bodywork and massages to release tension in the facial muscles. Show Notes:Symptoms that may indicate the need for orofacial myofunctional therapy: sleep issues, mouth breathing, clenching and grinding, messy eating, sleep disturbances.The role of tongue ties and the importance of proper stretching and care after a release.The benefits of bodywork and massages in releasing tension in the facial muscles.How tongue function affects overall health, facial changes, pain relief, and improved jaw function.Compensatory muscle movements and their impact on facial pain and TMJ issues.Goals of therapy: helping children sleep better and adults alleviate pain.The transformative impact of simple exercises on quality of life.Schedule an initial virtual (or in person) consult with Jenny at www.myobalanceomt.com and keep the conversation going on Instagram @myobalanceomtWant to learn more from me? Come along to my Free Live Workshop October 27th at 2pm EDT: Designing Your Pathway to Toddler Breastfeeding Mastery Grab your free guide to say "No" to the feed while still saying "yes" to the need at  www.ownyourparentingstory.com/guideLove this episode?!  Shoot me a DM over on Instagram @own.your.parenting.story and tell me all about it.

In this episode, we delve into the fascinating world of orofacial myofunctional therapy with our special guest, Jenny, a registered dental hygienist. Jenny shares her personal journey and how she discovered the transformative effects of this therapy. We explore the core principles of myofunctional therapy and how it can impact so many areas of your life (and your child's) including night waking & challenging daytime behaviours.Episode Highlights:Jenny's personal story (inspired by her daughter's struggles with dyslexia, behavioral issues, and sleep problems) to explore oral-facial myofunctional therapy.The 4 main goals of myofunctional therapy.The impact of myofunctional therapy on behavior, sleep, allergies, and even tonsil size.The role of tongue ties and oral restrictions in oral facial myofunctional disorders.The importance of nasal breathing for oxygen delivery, nitric oxide production, and overall health.Book an initial in-person or virtual assessment with Jenny on her website. Hang out with Jenny on Instagram & Facebook @myobalanceomtA bit about Jenny: "I am a Registered Dental Hygienist and Orofacial Myofunctional Therapist. I first stepped foot into the dental field back in 2011 graduating St. Clair College in 2014. Over the years I have taken many continuing education courses, leading me to finish my Bachelor of Science - with specialization in dental hygiene, at the University of Detroit Mercy in 2018. I have always been interested in how oral health effects overall health, and have taken many continuing education courses around this area. I have found that there are many people (including myself) with orofacial myofunctional disorders (OMD) and that people were just dealing with it. This brought me to do some research and asking myself - Why are people just dealing with the symptoms? There has to be negative long-term effects in having OMDs and there has to be a root cause to the OMD.During the shutdown of March of 2020 due to the global pandemic, I came across the field of Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy (OMT). This was the first time I have heard of OMT and wondered why I havent heard of it before. Researching more about OMT, I knew I had to get certified, and completed my certification October 2020.During my studies of OMT I learned how to assess for signs and symptoms of orofacial myofunctional disorders (OMDs) and learned how to treat my own OMDs, realizing the impact it had on my overall health. I am excited to provide the same services to you! Through a comprehensive examination, a therapy program is specifically designed depending on the persons myofunctional disorder and severity to help them start breathing well, sleeping well, and living well.I also look forward in collaborating with other health care professionals who are interested in learning about OMT and how it can help make a difference in their patients who live with OMDs.Outside of Dental Hygiene and OMT, you can find me out and about in the community with my husband and daughter, usually taking our two dogs for their walks. I have recently enjoyed learning the art of photography - mainly landscapes. My biggest joy would have to be traveling; Im always looking for aWant to learn more from me? Come along to my Free Live Workshop October 27th at 2pm EDT: Designing Your Pathway to Toddler Breastfeeding Mastery Grab your free guide to say "No" to the feed while still saying "yes" to the need at  www.ownyourparentingstory.com/guideLove this episode?!  Shoot me a DM over on Instagram @own.your.parenting.story and tell me all about it.

Immune system support is something we think about when we're talking about breastfeeding newborns, but did you know that the immune support in your breastmilk increases when your child reaches toddlerhood? You might think that breastfeeding your toddler is a helpful way to comfort them when they are sick, but the reality is that even a few drops of your breastmilk is providing sooo much more than comfort. In this week's episode, I share with you: -Some mindblowing reasons why you may want to breastfeed your toddler through their next illness-Practical ways to make breastfeeding a sick toddler easier (including some of my tried & true mom-hacks)-How to navigate moving back into a routine once your little one is well again. Don't forget to sign up for my free workshop on toddler breastfeeding, weaning & tandem feeding at www.ownyourparentingstory.com/workshop. Want to learn more from me? Come along to my Free Live Workshop October 27th at 2pm EDT: Designing Your Pathway to Toddler Breastfeeding Mastery Grab your free guide to say "No" to the feed while still saying "yes" to the need at  www.ownyourparentingstory.com/guideLove this episode?!  Shoot me a DM over on Instagram @own.your.parenting.story and tell me all about it.