Strive Pediatrics

Strive Pediatrics Doctor Kennedy received her bachelor’s and clinical doctorate from Quinnipiac University in Hamden, Connecticut. She has practiced in top-ranked U.S.

We help babies & children improve their function through holistic Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy & Craniosacral Fascial Therapy (CFT) in Austin, Texas and surrounding areas. hospitals, including Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Children’s National Medical Center of Washington D.C., and other outpatient settings. Most of her career was spent treating fragile children in neonatal intensive care units. Now Dr. Kennedy specializes in outpatient, in-home physical therapy, infant massage, and wellness. As a mother of two, she understands both the gifts and challenges of motherhood.

Myth: “All kids reach motor milestones at the same age.”Truth: While there are general milestone guidelines, every child...
11/17/2025

Myth: “All kids reach motor milestones at the same age.”

Truth: While there are general milestone guidelines, every child develops at their own pace. Some may crawl early, others may skip crawling and go straight to walking. Some toddlers walk at 9 months, others at 15 months — both can be typical.

💡 Here’s what matters:
- Motor milestones are a range, not a strict deadline.
- PT/OT can help children who are slightly behind or showing uneven development to build strength, coordination, and confidence.
- Early intervention prevents secondary issues like poor posture, low core strength, balance challenges, or compensatory movement patterns.

⚡ Signs parents should watch for:
- Difficulty bearing weight through arms or legs
- Trouble sitting independently or crawling
- Uncoordinated or stiff movements
- Frequent falls or difficulty with balance
- Asymmetrical Movement Patterns (rolling one direction, 3- point crawling, cruising only one direction.)

ALERT NEW BLOG POST: Pacifier: Yes or No? 🤔It’s one of the most common questions parents ask — and the truth is, there’s...
11/14/2025

ALERT NEW BLOG POST:
Pacifier: Yes or No? 🤔
It’s one of the most common questions parents ask — and the truth is, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer.

👶🏽Pacifiers can be a helpful tool!
They soothe your baby’s natural sucking reflex, promote calm, and may even reduce the risk of SIDS.
Some pacifiers (like the NinniCo) can support oral motor development by encouraging proper tongue cupping and movement patterns.

But… there are some cons to keep in mind:
➡️ More frequent ear infections after 6–12 months
➡️ Dental misalignment if used long-term
➡️ Can impact speech or tongue movement if used all day
➡️ May cause extra night wakings when it falls out

🌿 OT Tips for Safe Pacifier Use + Weaning:
✨ Limit use to naps and bedtime after 6 months
✨ Keep it clean + replace regularly
✨ Avoid using it for every cry — babies need chances to explore, babble, and self-regulate in other ways
✨ Around 12–18 months, start gentle weaning with positive reinforcement or a “pacifier fairy”

Remember — pacifiers aren’t bad! When used mindfully, they can support regulation and comfort while still promoting healthy oral development.

click the link in our profile to read the full blog which includes tips and recommendations from an infant oral motor expert

If your baby struggles with feeding, sucking, or letting go of the pacifier — an OT or feeding therapist can help support oral motor coordination and smooth transitions.

Written by Dr. Marisa Milavetz, OTD, OTR/L, CLC

Myth: “Kids will outgrow sensory sensitivities.”Truth: Many kids don’t just “grow out of it” — they grow with it.Their n...
11/11/2025

Myth: “Kids will outgrow sensory sensitivities.”

Truth: Many kids don’t just “grow out of it” — they grow with it.

Their nervous system matures, and they often learn strategies to help their body feel safe and regulated. But that doesn’t mean their sensory needs disappear.

👂 Some children stay sensitive to sounds.
🖐 Others crave deep pressure or movement.
👃 Some are bothered by textures or smells others barely notice.

When we assume kids will “just grow out of it,” we miss the chance to help them build the tools they need to thrive.

✅ Occupational therapy helps kids:
- Understand what their body is telling them
- Learn regulation strategies that actually work
- Find environments and routines that support their sensory profile

💡 Think of it this way: we’re not trying to “fix” their sensory system — we’re helping it work with them, not against them.

Let’s Talk About Lip Blisters in Babies 👶✨Have you noticed little blisters on your baby’s lips after feeding? Here’s wha...
11/07/2025

Let’s Talk About Lip Blisters in Babies 👶✨

Have you noticed little blisters on your baby’s lips after feeding? Here’s what they can mean:

👉 Shallow latch at the breast or bottle – babies grip with their lips to keep the seal.
👉 Fast let-down or oversupply – lips round tightly to control milk flow and prevent leaking.
👉 Prematurity – babies may lack the fat pads in their cheeks that normally help stabilize the latch.
👉 Tongue or lip tie – a classic sign that the lips are compensating for limited tongue range, strength, or coordination.

💡 Lip blisters aren’t always a cause for concern, but they are a clue that your baby may be working extra hard at the breast or bottle.

✨ If you’re noticing frequent blisters, clicking sounds, leaking milk, or ongoing feeding struggles, reach out to a feeding therapist (OT, SLP) or lactation consultant who can help assess latch and oral function.

Myth: “Tongue tie always causes major problems.”Truth: Not every tongue tie leads to feeding or speech challengesIt’s no...
11/04/2025

Myth: “Tongue tie always causes major problems.”
Truth: Not every tongue tie leads to feeding or speech challenges
It’s not just about the tie — it’s about how the tongue functions. A baby (or child) can have a visible tongue tie and still move their tongue efficiently… while another might have no tie at all, but still show oral motor dysfunction.

👅 The tongue plays a huge role in:
– Coordinating sucking, swallowing, and breathing
– Moving food side to side for chewing
– Stabilizing the jaw

So instead of focusing only on what the tongue looks like, we look at FUNCTION = what can the tongue do.

At Strive Pediatrics, we provide holistic physical and occupational therapy therapy in Austin Texas. We assess and treat both structure and function to help your baby feel comfortable in their bodies to help feeding, playing, sleeping and pooping.

Understanding the Polyvagal Theory: Your Child’s Nervous System in Action Ever notice how your child sometimes feels cal...
11/04/2025

Understanding the Polyvagal Theory: Your Child’s Nervous System in Action

Ever notice how your child sometimes feels calm and connected… then suddenly becomes fussy, anxious, or shuts down?

That’s their nervous system shifting states — a normal, biological response described by the Polyvagal Theory.

💛 Our goal as parents and therapists is to help children return to the “safe and social” state, where they feel calm, connected, and ready to play and learn.

Here’s what that can look like 👇

👶 Infants:
Pacifier • Skin-to-skin contact • Rocking • Gentle humming
➡️ Activates the ventral vagal system (safety + calm)

🧒 Toddlers & Children:
Deep pressure hugs • Movement breaks • Predictable routines • Co-regulation (your calm voice + presence)
➡️ Builds body awareness and emotional regulation

👩‍👧 Parents:
When you feel regulated, your child borrows your calm.
You’re literally lending your nervous system to help theirs settle.

✨ At Strive Pediatrics we provide holistic OT and PT, we use these principles in therapy to support self-regulation, connection, and developmental growth from the inside out.

💬 Want to learn how to support your child’s regulation at home?
👉 Send us a message or schedule a complimentary parent call — we’d love to help guide you!

Myth: “The longer babies stay in a container, the safer they are.”.Truth: While short periods in swings, bouncers, or se...
10/28/2025

Myth: “The longer babies stay in a container, the safer they are.”.

Truth: While short periods in swings, bouncers, or seats can be helpful, too much container time can actually delay motor milestones and limit exploration.

✨ Babies need floor time to practice rolling, crawling, and strengthening their muscles.
✨ Movement builds balance, coordination, and body awareness.
✨ Exploration supports curiosity, problem-solving, and independence.

Containers are a tool—not a place to grow. 💡 Balance is key!

💬 How do you help your little one get daily floor play?

Toe walking is common in toddlers, but persistent toe walking after age 2–3 or if it becomes your childs preferred walki...
10/24/2025

Toe walking is common in toddlers, but persistent toe walking after age 2–3 or if it becomes your childs preferred walking pattern, it can lead to:

✅ Tight calves & Achilles
✅ Balance and posture challenges
✅ Foot, ankle, and joint issues
✅ Difficulty with running, jumping, and coordination

If your child is a habitual toe walker or it's their preferred walking pattern 80% of the time, consulting a pediatric OT or PT can help stretch muscles, improve gait, improve posture so alignment and support overall motor development.

ALERT NEW BLOG POST: “Why won’t my baby take a bottle?” 👶🍼It’s one of the most common feeding concerns parents face — an...
10/22/2025

ALERT NEW BLOG POST:
“Why won’t my baby take a bottle?” 👶🍼

It’s one of the most common feeding concerns parents face — and it’s not just about being “picky.” There’s always a reason behind bottle refusal.

Let’s break it down 👇

🍼 Bottle Refusal vs. Oral Aversion

➡️ Bottle Refusal: baby refuses the bottle but still breastfeeds. Often sensory-related — like tactile defensiveness to the ni**le or feeding position.
➡️ Oral Aversion: baby refuses all oral input (breast, bottle, toys) and may gag, clamp, or turn away. This may indicate a deeper oral motor or sensory regulation challenge.

💡 Common Causes

✨ Oral motor difficulty using lips, cheeks, or tongue
✨ Timing of introduction (too early or too late)
✨ Teething, ear infections, or reflux pain
✨ Stressful feeding experiences or force-feeding
✨ Formula taste or milk temperature
✨ Allergies/intolerances

⚠️ What Not To Do

❌ Forcing the bottle into baby’s mouth
❌ Repeatedly offering when baby is crying or dysregulated
❌ Using excessive chin/cheek support or syringe feeding

💕 OT Tips to Support Bottle Feeding

✔️ Introduce the bottle calmly, when baby isn’t starving
✔️ Try elevated side-lying position
✔️ Explore milk temps (some like it warmer or cooler!)
✔️ Let baby play with and mouth the ni**le to build positive associations
✔️ Co-regulate — hum, sing, or hold close during feedings

If your baby shows ongoing refusal, poor weight gain, or distress during feeding — you don’t have to figure it out alone. A pediatric OT or feeding therapist can help uncover what’s behind it and create a gentle plan forward. 🌿

Written by Dr. Marisa Milavetz, OTD, OTR/L

Myth: “Purees are bad and you should only do baby-led weaning.”Truth: Both purees and baby-led weaning have value! In fa...
10/20/2025

Myth: “Purees are bad and you should only do baby-led weaning.”
Truth: Both purees and baby-led weaning have value! In fact, blended approaches often best support a baby’s developmental needs.

✨ Purees help with early oral-motor coordination, pacing, and exposure to flavors.
✨ Finger foods build chewing skills, self-feeding, and independence.
✨ A combined approach gives babies practice with a variety of textures, motor patterns, and feeding experiences.

Every baby is different—what matters most is supporting safe, positive, and responsive feeding experiences. 💕

💬 Which did your baby prefer—purees, finger foods, or a mix of both?

Address

2631 Gattis School Road 160 1
Round Rock, TX
78664

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