Sensory Processing, Head Shape, and Whole-Body Feeding Support: Episode 133

In this episode, Lisa welcomes Jess Draper, a holistic infant occupational therapist, IBCLC, and pelvic floor therapist based in Eugene, Oregon. Through her practice, Hali’a Therapeutics, Jess provides concierge-style care for families from pregnancy through the first year of life, bringing a whole-body, nervous-system-informed lens to feeding, oral motor function, movement, milestones, and tongue tie care.Lisa and Jess talk about the important role occupational therapy can play in infant feeding and tongue tie care, especially when babies are struggling with regulation, sensory processing, oral motor coordination, head shape, or feeding patterns that do not fit neatly into one category.Jess explains sensory processing in a practical way, including how babies take in, filter, and respond to touch, sound, movement, and oral input. They discuss how sensory differences may show up during feeding, such as gagging, popping on and off the breast, difficulty reorganizing after switching sides, or becoming easily overwhelmed by movement, sound, or touch.They also explore neuroplasticity, mirror neurons, and why babies often need support learning how to use new tongue mobility after release. Jess shares why infant care should include more than identifying restriction, and why supporting function, movement, and nervous system regulation can make such a difference.The conversation also includes an important discussion about head shape, palate shape, birth positioning, time in containers, and how the body’s structure can influence feeding. Lisa and Jess emphasize the importance of looking at the whole baby, not just the mouth.Lisa and Jess discuss:How occupational therapy fits into infant feeding and tongue tie careWhat sensory processing means in babiesSigns that sensory overwhelm may be affecting feedingWhy some babies struggle with oral input, movement, or switching sidesNeuroplasticity, mirror neurons, and infant oral motor learningWhy babies may need help learning to use new tongue mobilityHow head shape and palate shape can affect feedingThe impact of birth positioning, prematurity, and time in containersWhy whole-body assessment matters before and after tongue tie releaseSupporting both baby and parent as a connected dyadConnect with Jess DraperInstagram: @haliatherapeuticsEmail: [email protected] from Tongue Tie ExpertsExplore additional resources, including downloads, free guides, and links mentioned in this episode—along with access to our courses and new book:👉 www.tonguetieexperts.net/LinksUse code PODCAST15 for 15% off all offerings.This podcast is meant for education and conversation only. It is not medical advice and does not replace formal education, professional training, or individualized care from a qualified healthcare provider. Always seek appropriate guidance for individual concerns. The views and opinions shared by our guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the host or Tongue-tie experts.