The Infant OT: Feeding and Development

01/20/2026

Occupational Therapy Spotlight: Flat Head Syndrome

I met this little man in July. His mom had initial concerns something was “off” with his head shape. Birth history included a vacuum extraction attempt 3x, all which failed. His P*P had later diagnosed him with torticollis and plagiocephaly.

Upon my assessment, he had a hyperactive Moro reflex. He moved with strong extension patterns and did not like to flex his body. He was unable to tolerate sidelying positioning in play. He had limited cervical rotation, extension, and lateral flexion. He fed by bottles, shallowly latching.

We worked in OT on nervous system regulation, primitive reflex integration, muscle tension with stretching and massage. We worked on oral motor skills and desensitized his shallow latch to a deeper level latch. He began chiropractic care collaboratively for cervical work and head shaping.

Often times we need more support than just the conservative approach. He specifically had Oral ties released and followed up with helmet therapy for a few months.

FAST FORWARD ⏩ Today
Baby boy has improved significantly and now has a round head shape.
He is eating bottles and solids without difficulty.
He is on time for his developmental milestones.
His parents are confident that he will continue to thrive. They are no longer worried about his head and either am I!
These parents put in the work! “Tell me what I need to do for my baby.” I’m so proud of them ❤️🙌

01/14/2026

Tomorrow at Milk and Giggles, Dr. Shayna with RuralRx Performance Physical Therapy will be providing free services to the parents who attend. Stop in between 10-11:00 for a duel support session from PT/OT! 🖤🩵

01/14/2026

Short ni**le ❌
Gradual slope ✅
That’s why I swap to Evenflo Balance

01/10/2026

Today’s “Beyond the Helmet” event was such an important reminder that many parents simply aren’t told about preventative care when it comes to infant head shape and development.

Flat head syndrome Isn’t just cosmetic. It’s a cascade of events from pregnany, birth interventions, tension patterns, oral restrictions, and more. We represented a panel of pediatric Occupational Therapy, Chiropractic, and Craniosacral Therapy.

Our goal today was to empower parents with knowledge: what to look for, when to act, and how early, conservative support can help guide healthy head shape and motor development. Prevention matters—and parents deserve to know their (local) options early.

Thank you to every family who showed up to learn, ask questions, and advocate for their babies. If you were present, comment below your thoughts on the topic and first ever event. 👶✨

01/10/2026

A wonderful article written by The VW Independent. 📰❤️

Van Wert, Ohio breaking news and local information from the Van Wert Independent.

01/08/2026

Who has newfound motion? … you do! 👅 Let’s make sure babies relearn what they are designed to do with ease!

01/08/2026

Milk and Giggles resumes from the holiday season today! Meet us at the Delphos Public Library from 10-11:00am for meaningful connection with parents and babies in the Delphos community!

01/07/2026

Causing quite a scene on Main Street in downtown today. Guilty as charged!🚨🚔.

01/07/2026

I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity to speak yesterday with the Van Wert Rotary about my role as ‘The Infant OT’ and how Occupational Therapy supports our community’s youngest members 🤍

I shared my passion for serving the mother–infant dyad, supporting feeding and early development, and explaning the holistic management of a tongue tie. The icing on the cake was a delicius meal from R Place 🥗 🥣 😋

Thank you to Van Wert Rotary for welcoming me, asking thoughtful questions, and supporting local businesses that are rooted in community care. I’m excited to continue growing, collaborating, and serving families right here at home.

01/06/2026

• Early intervention > helmets later.

01/06/2026

This Saturday! RSVP if you plan on coming to learn and listen! 👶

Are you concerned for your baby's head shape or are you fighting to get through tummy time and have been told just to "watch and wait" or "they'll grow out of it"?? There are more options!

Flat spots, head-turning preferences, and early asymmetries aren’t just cosmetic or “a phase” — they’re often early signs of tension, positioning habits, or feeding challenges that can be supported before a helmet is ever needed.

Join our expert panel of infant professionals as we break down:
✨ Why flattening happens
✨ What parents can do from day one
✨ How feeding, ties, and tension play a role
✨ When to watch and when to get help

Perfect for pregnant moms, new moms, and families already noticing early flattening.
Gentle tips. Clear guidance. Real solutions.
Let’s shape healthy heads—together.

📆: Saturday, January 10
⏰: 10:30am-12pm
📍: Morman Family Chiropractic - 932 N. Perry St. Suite A. Ottawa, OH 45875
Save your seat and learn more ⬇️
https://workshops.mormanfamilychiropractic.net/beyondthehelmet

01/02/2026

✨ My word for 2026: OPTIMIZATION ✨

This year isn’t about doing more — it’s about doing things better.

Optimizing the processes.
Optimizing the vision.
Optimizing the methods.

As a business owner, therapist, and mom/wife/friend, it’s easy for things to feel all over the place. Ideas flow, opportunities come, and suddenly time feels stretched thin.

In 2026, I’m choosing intention.
Streamlining what works.
Letting go of what doesn’t.
Creating systems that support growth without sacrificing presence.

Because the goal isn’t hustle — it’s sustainability.
The goal isn’t perfection — it’s alignment.
And the goal is to make the best use of my time so I can show up fully for my clients, my family, and myself.

Here’s to a year of clarity, focus, and optimized living. ✨

Special shoutout to Kelsey Baker with for always showing up to lift up others in the ‘Infant Therapy’ world 🫶🏼 . Appreciate you!

What’s your word for 2026?