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42 - Beyond the Latch: How Tongue Ties Shape Airway, Sleep, and Development (Guest: Brittany Hageman)
Manage episode 513367627 series 3620260
In this episode of Doula Talk: Postpartum, Babies, and the Battle for Sleep, Deb sits down with returning guest Brittany Hageman, a myofunctional speech therapist specializing in oral facial development, infant feeding, and airway health.
Most parents hear about tongue ties when breastfeeding isn’t going well — but the impact goes far beyond latch. Brittany and Deb unpack how tongue ties can shape a child’s jaw and palate development, airway space, facial symmetry, speech clarity, and even long-term sleep and breathing patterns. From the baby stage through adulthood, these small restrictions can make a surprisingly big difference.
You’ll hear:
- The red flags every parent should know about tongue ties and airway concerns
- How ties can influence jaw growth, palate shape, and facial development
- Why airway health is directly linked to sleep, focus, and even behavior in children
- Practical steps you can take right now to support your child’s airway and oral development
- The role of myofunctional therapy, craniosacral therapy, and collaboration with specialists in creating lasting change
And because she knows how overwhelming this can feel, Brittany has created a PDF checklist of symptoms you can download to help spot potential concerns early and bring to your provider.
💡 Resources & Links:
- Download Brittany’s free Airway & Tongue Tie Symptom Checklist
- Connect with Brittany for in-person or virtual myofunctional therapy if you’re in Washington or California
- Learn more about Deb’s support for families: DoulaDeb.com
- Oral Development Tools Mentioned in this Episode:
- EZPZ Developmental Cup Set — helps little ones practice open cup and straw drinking skills that support oral development.
- NinniCo Pacifiers — designed to mimic the breast and support a healthier latch. Use this link for Doula Deb’s affiliate discount.
- TalkTools Oral Motor Tools — fun, effective tools created by speech therapists to strengthen oral muscles and promote chewing, swallowing, and tongue mobility.
- MyoMunchee — a simple, chew-based tool that supports jaw strength, tongue posture, and nasal breathing. Available in versions for babies, kids, and adults.
Thank you for listening! Tune in next time for more insights and support on your parenting journey.
Contact Information:
Doula Deb: www.DoulaDeb.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/doula.deb/
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/debdoula
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@doula.deb
Twitter: https://twitter.com/doula_deb
Disclaimer:
The content in this podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider for personalized advice and information.
Chapters
1. Welcome & Episode Introduction (00:00:00)
2. Meet Brittany: Myofunctional Speech Therapy and Airway Focus (00:02:20)
3. What Is a Tongue Tie? Red Flags Every Parent Should Know (00:05:00)
4. How Tongue Ties Affect Jaw, Palate, and Airway Development (00:09:00)
5. Facial Growth, Symmetry, and Breathing Challenges (00:14:30)
6. Sleep, Snoring, and the Airway Connection (00:19:00)
7. `Chewing, Swallowing, and Feeding Struggles Linked to Ties (00:23:00)
8. Speech Development and Tongue Tie Impacts (00:28:00)
9. Brittany’s Personal Story: Adult Tongue Tie Release (00:33:00)
10. Early Signs of Airway Issues in Babies and Kids (00:37:00)
11. Practical Steps for Parents: Nasal Breathing, Chewing, and Oral Exercises (00:42:00)
12. Tools to Support Development: TalkTools, MyoMunchee, EZPZ Cups & Ninni Pacifiers (00:46:30)
13. Finding the Right Provider & Therapy Options (00:50:00)
14. Closing Thoughts, Key Takeaways & Checklist Resource (00:52:40)
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