42 - Beyond the Latch: How Tongue Ties Shape Airway, Sleep, and Development (Guest: Brittany Hageman)

Send us Fan MailIn 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 concernsHow ties can influence jaw growth, palate shape, and facial developmentWhy airway health is directly linked to sleep, focus, and even behavior in childrenPractical steps you can take right now to support your child’s airway and oral developmentThe role of myofunctional therapy, craniosacral therapy, and collaboration with specialists in creating lasting changeAnd 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 ChecklistConnect with Brittany for in-person or virtual myofunctional therapy if you’re in Washington or CaliforniaLearn more about Deb’s support for families: DoulaDeb.comOral 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.Support the showThank you for listening! Tune in next time for more insights and support on your parenting journey.Contact Information:Doula Deb: www.DoulaDeb.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/doula.deb/Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/debdoulaTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@doula.debTwitter: https://twitter.com/doula_debDisclaimer: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.