“We were struggling to exclusively breastfeed our little one until we found out he had tongue-tie. Karen Peck and Kidspace were highly recommended by different people and were a game-changer in our breastfeeding journey. We did a bodywork with pre and post-tongue-tie release. Karen is a highly skilled and intuitive bodyworker with expertise in ties. Also, at Kidspace, they use a team approach so we did consult with Dr. Vallone as well. We felt empowered and supported as parents to keep pursuing our breastfeeding goals. I can not say enough good things about the treatment we received at Kidspace and how grateful we are to have them part of our (successful) breastfeeding journey.”

Therapies that meet your needs.

“Dr. Faraneh at Kidspace made all the difference in our newborn son’s ability to nurse correctly and for the painful discomfort I was feeling to completely subside. I suspected oral ties in my son, and Dr. Faraneh did a thorough evaluation and confirmed that the ties were significant enough to warrant revision. As a new mom I was uneasy about the idea of getting the revision, but Dr. Faraneh put my mind at ease that we were making the correct decision and that she’d support us along the way.
She gave us special stretches to prepare baby’s mouth and provided detailed follow up visits. Dr. Faraneh’s gentle, good-vibes approach made what could have been a distressing process one of positivity and healing. Her evaluation was correct and following her advice helped us move from painful, ineffective nursing to a proper latch and body comfort for both baby and mama in a matter of weeks! Aside from mouth work, Dr. Faraneh also helped gently correct our son’s body alignment which also led to more comfort and ease during nursing for both of us! Now that nursing is comfortable we can focus on enjoying the special bond and nurturing it brings.”

Specific therapeutic techniques utilized by our practitioners:

A gentle, non-forceful, hands-on palpation and treatment of the cranial bones (that comprise the skull) and the soft tissue that surrounds and supports the brain and spinal cord (the meninges, dura and the diaphragms that run throughout our body). When watching someone do CST, it may look as if nothing is happening, as the work is very subtle. Sometimes you will see the infant’s head or trunk or limbs move in the therapist’s hands as they support the body as the infant “unwinds” tension in their own time and under their own power. Sometimes babies “tell their story” during the process (whimpering, crying intermittently, babbling) – the reassurance of the therapist and parents close by allows them to converse with us. If their anxiety or discomfort escalates, the therapy can be interrupted and time taken to support and comfort them before resuming treatment. Sometimes treatment can be done while baby is nursing at breast if that’s comfortable for the mom and infant.

Chiropractors and Osteopaths, and now, many Doctors of Physical Therapy, are trained physicians who also employ manual techniques that take the understanding of anatomy and physiology and palpation of the human body to another level. Specific manual techniques employed by these physicians will involve and understanding of the joint’s character and mobility and will apply specific mobilizing techniques to normalize motion and restore alignment of the joints. Most will, of course, be addressing the soft tissues (the muscles, ligaments, and fascia) as well.

It’s important to evaluate the techniques of all manual therapists as to whether they have pediatric training and experience and whether their particular techniques or methods are modifiable for infants with an understanding that their anatomy and physiology are not the same as an adult. For example, although pediatrics should be a part of every physician’s curriculum, it is perhaps only a semester of their study. Those who love children and want to work with them will often seek out post-graduate study or have more years of experience.

It is also important that you work with a practitioner who understands the mechanics of breastfeeding and is comfortable supporting and working with mothers and infants who want to breastfeed. It is also important that your practitioner understands the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration between the infant’s pediatrician, IBCLC or SLP, manual therapist, and the surgeons/dentist who will perform the release.

A direct contact of hands on the soft tissue of the body (skin, fascia, muscle) applying gentle pressure to release tension or restriction in the fascia (the soft tissue that “holds” everything together), relax or stimulate muscles as appropriate, reduce discomfort, and increase range of motion to help improve blood flow, lymphatic drainage, and restore overall function. This work is also known to help regulate the autonomic nervous system, helping to transition from “fight or flight” into a more restful, healing state.  Massage and myofascial release may be done by hand or with an instrument like the Z-vibe that can be applied to very small muscles or supported by techniques like kinesiotaping.