Bonus Episode - Connection Between Tongue Ties and ADHD with Melanie Henstrom, IBCLC

This is an extra special bonus episode with an incredible lactation consultant, infant massage instructor, and postpartum doula, Melanie Henstrom, on the subject of all things tongue-tie! 

Melanie lives and works in Boise, Idaho, specializing in teaching prenatal breastfeeding, educating professionals on tongue tie, and how to better support the breastfeeding dyad. 

This podcast is illuminating and potentially life-changing! Melanie shares her professional and personal journey with issues related to the tongue, focused on sleep, breastfeeding, ADHD, and Down Syndrome. 

Melanie explains the need for greater awareness of the tongue to infant developmental stages, and is fighting to bring the tongue into the conversation on issues not traditionally associated with it. 

We hear about her son's struggles with ADHD symptoms and his successes as a result of releasing the tongue. Join us to learn about this vital muscle!

Key Points From This Episode:

Melanie's career path to lactation consultant, and her wonderful big family.Training and transitioning into lactation consultancy and certifications.Early symptoms of tongue-tie: frustration, painful nipples, weight loss, and more.How tongue-ties present in surprising symptoms and tendencies in babies. Connections between tongue-tie and ADHD symptoms, sleep deprivation, and early signs of tongue-tie. Alleviating breathing issues that can lead to increased anxiety and higher cortisol levels. Narrow palates and treatments through palatal expansion. A recent case study conducted by Melanie on tongue-tie and Down Syndrome. Melanie explains 'bodywork' and why it is integral to tongue-tie release procedures. Closing advice from Melanie and the possibility and realistic nature of release treatments. 

Be sure to check out the show notes on our blog at  Harkla.Co/Podcast.

Brought To You By Harkla

This podcast is brought to you by Harkla.  Our mission at Harkla is to help those with special needs live happy and healthy lives. We accomplish this through high-quality sensory products, child development courses, & The Harkla Sensory Club.

Podcast listeners get 10% off their first order at Harkla with the discount code "sensory". Head to Harkla.co/sensory to start shopping now.

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Harkla
Melanie Henstrom on LinkedIn
MacroBar Everlasting Joy
Melanie Henstrom on Instagram
Melanie Henstrom on Twitter
Portland Community College
Portland State University
International Board-Certified Lactation Consultant
Jane Morton
Stanford Medical Center
Center for Orofacial Myology
All Things Sensory on Instagram
All Things Sensory on Facebook