The Infant OT: Feeding and Development

11/10/2025

Good morning, Delphos and surrounding communities! Come learn and interact with local businesses at the following community events:
Delphos Area Chamber of Commerce Lima/Allen County Chamber of Commerce Van Wert County Help Me Grow & Early Intervention

11/08/2025

🌿 Full Circle Moments | The Infant OT: Feeding & Development

This little man came to therapy this week and blew me out of the water! He is on the move! What once was a little boy who used strong tension patterns when trying to roll and sit up has become the most happy, playful and confident mover. Watch out mom & dad!

🌿 How OT helped:
From latching to the bottle deeply, to moving on the floor to play with symmetrical movement patterns, I worked on softening extension patterns with him. His family were rockstars with following stretches I sent for his HEP. His care team and I supported his parents choice for a revision of his previously completed tongue tie release. Lastly, I worked closely with the parents on teaching tongue retraining, manual techniques for stretching the mouth and latching to the bottle.

🌿 From mom:
I love this (photo) soooo much! I could never thank you enough for everything. You're so calm, you listen to our concerns and you're so fun! Truly the best OT I've ever worked with 🥹🩵

11/07/2025

Did you know babies can be seen for feeding and bodywork support as early as just a couple of days old? Today I had the joy of working with a 2-day-old newborn. 💕Mom’s response had me near tears… “I’m so happy we made this appointment. He’s doing so well!” 🥹🥹

This little one came in for gentle bodywork and to help establish breastfeeding from the very start. Most families don’t realize that you can schedule this early — and it can make such a difference!

Those first few days are such an important window for helping baby (and mama!) feel comfortable, relaxed, and supported as feeding is getting established. Gentle techniques can help with latch, tension, and comfort so feeding feels smoother from the start. 💫

If you’re expecting or newly postpartum, consider scheduling support early — your future self (and your baby) will thank you. 💛

11/06/2025

💙🚔

The Patrol is proud to be part of Ohio’s Blue Envelope Program, a statewide initiative designed to support individuals with developmental disabilities during traffic stops and emergency situations by enhancing communication and reducing anxiety.

Participants carry a blue envelope containing key documents and information about their condition. This allows troopers to quickly understand how to best interact with the community member.

Each packet includes:
🔹 A blue envelope for documents and accommodation notes
🔹 A car decal to alert first responders
🔹 A program overview brochure

These envelopes are available for free through your local County Board of Developmental Disabilities.

11/05/2025

The sidelying position — where your baby is on their side (just like they’d nurse at the breast) — can be a game changer, especially for bottle-fed babies. 🍼 Today this cutie (with A++ hair) had trouble coordinating suck, swallow breath, until a simple position change made him feel more calm.

Here’s why:
👉 Improved coordination: Being on their side helps babies better manage the flow of milk, making it easier to coordinate sucking, swallowing, and breathing.
👉 Less choking and coughing: Gravity doesn’t push the milk too fast, helping reduce coughing, sputtering, or gulping.
👉 More natural feeding rhythm: This position mimics breastfeeding flow and supports paced bottle feeding.
👉 Comfort and digestion: Babies often feel more relaxed and can take breaks more naturally — just like at the breast!

How to do it:
✔️ Lay your baby on their side with their head supported in line with their body (not tipped back).
✔️ Hold the bottle horizontally so milk fills the ni**le but doesn’t pour quickly.
✔️ Watch your baby’s cues — pause for breaks and let them guide the feeding pace.

Gentle adjustments like this can support safer, calmer, and more connected feedings for both you and your little one. 💛

11/04/2025

Some days, motherhood feels loud — full of cries, dishes, and endless to-do lists.
Other days, it’s quiet — just you, your baby, and the steady rhythm of their breath on your chest.

Both kinds of days matter. Both shape your baby’s sense of safety and connection.

When you slow down, your baby feels it.
When you breathe deeply, their body softens too.
When you tune into your own calm, you help regulate theirs.

Supporting babies starts with supporting moms — body, mind, and nervous system. 💛

If your little one is struggling with tension, feeding, or comfort, that’s where I come in.
Gentle, informed care can make a world of difference for both of you.

🌿 You’re doing better than you think.

11/02/2025

This event has been a long time coming. My friends and I have partnered up to support you and your family with information on food and wellness. Nicole with Healthy Nest in Delphos has graciously offered to host at her local wellness shop downtown.

Grab a freind, family member, or coworker. Stop in open house style for a small snack. Listen to wellness tips for the whole family.

10/30/2025

Whether you’re a new parent navigating feeding journeys, looking for support, or just want a warm place to laugh, vent, and play — Milk and Giggles is for you. Hosted by a lactation-informed occupational therapist, this group is all about community, developmentally supportive play, and real-life parenting.

Come as you are, bring your baby, and let’s build something beautiful together — one giggle at a time.

10/29/2025

What do you mean I have to dress up like the “Cutest Little Pumpkin” and mom gets my Halloween candy? 😭 🍬 🍭

10/27/2025

When I saw an Invitation from Activate Allen County, to their CHIP (Community Health Improvement Plan) quarterly meeting, without a doubt, I was IN! You guys, preventative health is my passion, my jam, and I think they heard that! This committee “in our own back yard” is focusing and planning for the next 3 years what we want to see done better. So humbled to even been invited to the table of health professionals to discuss what I see in the community from an OT and CLC’s standpoint. Here’s the thing, they listened. We planned. We’re moving forward with ideas for the better of Allen county! Proud to live and serve this community 💕