Family Tree OT and Lactation

Family Tree OT and Lactation Ashley Karlin, OTR/L, SWC, IBCLC. Empowering families from the start.

11/20/2025

The holidays can be joyful and overwhelming.

As an OT, I’m always thinking about one thing: participation.

How can we make gatherings feel safe and accessible for every nervous system at the table?

A simple place to start:

1) Ask instead of assume. “Is there anything I can do to make this space more comfortable for you or your child?”

2) Support sensory needs – quiet corners, movement breaks, soft lighting.

3) Honor food differences – safe foods, labels, flexibility.

4) Allow people to participate in the ways that work for them.

When we create environment environments that feel safe, flexible, and compassionate, we make room for true connection and belonging. That’s what the holidays are really about.

11/13/2025

This is just one example of what we discuss in our circles. This is a place of neuroscience education. We talk about the baby brain, the adult brain. We work through topics that are going to help us develop in the parents we want to be. We are here, in community striving to help new parents and their families thrive today and be prepared to support overall well being in the future. So, come and join us for our next circle, starting in January. We are offering in person and on zoom so we can reach as many families as we can. Feel free to comment “circles” and I’ll send the sign up links your way.

10/06/2025

✨ Infant sleep is developmental ✨

Instead of measuring your baby’s “success” by whether they sleep through the night, let’s flip the script. Babies wake for many reasons—growth, hunger, connection—and that’s normal. There are many ways we can support infant sleep, but today let’s talk about us, the parents!

What we can focus on is finding ways to support our own rest:
🌙 Head to bed a little earlier yourself
🌙 Create a calming bedtime routine for YOU (not just baby!)
🌙 Sneak in rest during the day—even if it’s just lying down or closing your eyes
🌙 Ask for support when you can, so you’re not doing it all alone

Your baby’s sleep will grow and change over time—it’s developmental, not a milestone to rush. In the meantime, caring for your own sleep needs matters too. 💛

🍼 How do you give yourself a little extra rest these days?

Ready to start solids?Make the transition confident & stress-free.Hi, I’m Ashley Karlin,IBCLC + Pediatric OT (feeding & ...
08/31/2025

Ready to start solids?
Make the transition confident & stress-free.

Hi, I’m Ashley Karlin,
IBCLC + Pediatric OT (feeding & swallowing).
10+ years helping families navigate first bites.

Confused about:
• Purees vs. Baby-Led Weaning?
• When to introduce allergens?
• Gagging vs. choking

This class teaches you:
✔️ Readiness signs
✔️ Safe feeding positions
✔️ BLW and puree strategies
✔️ Allergen introduction
✔️ Gagging vs. choking
✔️ Cups & utensils

Let’s make mealtimes safe, joyful & stress-free.
(Link in bio)

A new class is coming to Family Tree OT and Lactation in the Fall. A new parent and me class. This circle is for anyone...
08/08/2025

A new class is coming to Family Tree OT and Lactation in the Fall.

A new parent and me class. This circle is for anyone curious about breaking cycles and building secure attachment. Caregivers who want to nurture themselves while nurturing their little ones.

Come join Mary Carp (she/her) Clinical Psychology Graduate Student and Nurture Neuroscience Practicioner and Ashley Karlin (she/her) pediatric occupational therapist and IBCLC lactation consultant.

Sign up in Bio

It’s Breastfeeding Awareness Week — and I want to pause and honor all the ways families show up for their babies and for...
08/05/2025

It’s Breastfeeding Awareness Week — and I want to pause and honor all the ways families show up for their babies and for each other.

To the parent nursing around the clock,
To the one pumping in between work calls or NICU visits,
To the educator guiding with compassion,
To the friend, partner, or provider holding space for the hard moments,
And to the parent who wished breastfeeding could have worked but it didn’t…

You are all part of the feeding story. And your story matters.

As a lactation consultant and pediatric occupational therapist and feeding therapist, I know that feeding isn’t just about nutrition — it’s about relationship, regulation, recovery, and resilience. It’s about trying again. It’s about letting go. It’s about meeting your baby where they are, and honoring where you are, too.

Let’s continue to lift up every feeding journey — the beautiful ones, the bumpy ones, and the ones still unfolding.

You’re doing incredible, important work. And I’m so glad you’re here.

Want to join the fun? Comment below with a pic of your messy baby!
08/05/2025

Want to join the fun? Comment below with a pic of your messy baby!

Building a Sandcastle at the beach has sensory benefits!Did you know that building a sandcastle is more than just a fun ...
07/24/2025

Building a Sandcastle at the beach has sensory benefits!

Did you know that building a sandcastle is more than just a fun beach activity? It’s also a powerful sensory experience that supports development and regulation in both kids and adults!

Proprioception (Body Awareness):
Digging, scooping, and packing sand provides deep pressure input to the joints and muscles—especially in the arms, hands, and shoulders. This “heavy work” input is incredibly grounding, helping to develop proprioceptive awareness and even promoting calm and focus.

Tactile (Touch):
Wet sand, dry sand, cool sand, gritty sand—the beach offers a full range of tactile sensations. Running your fingers through the grains or molding sand into shapes activates the tactile system, supporting sensory integration and fine motor skills. For some, it can even support tolerance for individuals who may be touch-sensitive in a safe, playful way.

Bonus benefits:

Encourages creativity and planning
Builds hand strength and coordination
Offers natural relaxation through rhythmic, repetitive movements
Provides a full-body sensory experience when you’re barefoot, kneeling, or laying in the sand
Next time you’re at the beach, grab a bucket and shovel—not just for fun, but for a sensory-rich, body-smart experience. (Parents, do it with your kids)

Did you know you can support better sleep for your whole family—without sleep training?⁣It’s true! Restful sleep can hap...
07/11/2025

Did you know you can support better sleep for your whole family—without sleep training?
⁣
It’s true! Restful sleep can happen without rigid schedules or stressful methods. Here are a few gentle things to consider:⁣
⁣
Get sunlight first thing in the morning – Natural light helps set everyone’s internal clock (even your baby’s!). Step outside or open the curtains early.⁣
⁣
Ditch the blackout curtains – Letting in some morning light helps the body know it’s time to wake up and can support better nighttime sleep too.⁣
⁣
Focus on the infant-caregiver relationship – Feeling safe, connected, and supported is a big part of how babies (and grown-ups!) sleep.⁣
⁣
Rule out health concerns – Discomfort from reflux, oral ties, allergies, or other issues can impact sleep. Trust your gut and talk to your care provider if something feels off.⁣
⁣
Feeding matters – Babies with feeding challenges or unmet hunger needs may wake more often. Supporting feeding can support sleep.⁣
⁣
Rethink sleeping arrangements – Infants are seeking closeness and connection. Is your baby in close proximity? Are they in the same room as you?
⁣
Time in nature – Fresh air and natural light during the day are powerful sleep supports.⁣
⁣
Prioritize your rest too – Rest when and how you can. Even short moments count. Ask for help. Create space to recharge in ways that work with your baby’s current rhythms.⁣
⁣
Lean on your village – You’re not meant to do this alone. Support, community, and shared care make a difference.⁣
⁣
Sleep doesn’t have to be trained. It can be supported—with love, presence, and trust.
⁣

I’m deeply honored and grateful to be chosen by my local colleagues as their provider and support person on their breast...
06/16/2025

I’m deeply honored and grateful to be chosen by my local colleagues as their provider and support person on their breastfeeding journeys. It’s incredibly meaningful to have the trust of those who work alongside me in this field. Supporting fellow professionals through such a personal and powerful time in their lives is a privilege I don’t take lightly. Thank you for allowing me to walk with you on this path—it truly means the world. 💛.

Just wanted to take a minute to share that this work of supporting growing families is exactly what I’m meant to do. Wa...
06/12/2025

Just wanted to take a minute to share that this work of supporting growing families is exactly what I’m meant to do. Watching parents learn to trust their intuition, tune into their babies and nurture their babies is so special. To me, supporting parents is helping to grow a generation of kids with improved overall health (mental health and physical health). As an OT and IBCLC I get to touch on all aspects of life during my visits with clients. In addition to feeding and development, we discuss what routines look like, what families values are, ergonomics and so much more. It’s a wholistic approach for better overall health for the whole family. Infant feeding and development cannot be separate from the whole family until, it’s all connected. If you need support I’m here to help guide you.

Activities with your baby don’t have to be complicated or use a lot of toys. Get outside to the park and let nature do t...
06/11/2025

Activities with your baby don’t have to be complicated or use a lot of toys.

Get outside to the park and let nature do the work. With you and the outdoors, your baby has everything they need.

Here are a few activities to try:

Tummy Time Outdoors
Spread a blanket in the shade and let baby enjoy tummy time on the grass. The new smells, sights, and textures give their senses a workout while building neck, shoulder, and core strength

Nature Walks & Visual Discovery
Take slow stroller walks and stop to let your baby gaze at trees, flowers, clouds, and birds. Point to objects, name them, and let baby track them with their eyes—great for visual tracking and attention

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