Torticollis is a condition most commonly diagnosed in infancy in which the baby’s head is consistently tilted or turned to one direction. It is often present beginning at birth, but is typically noticed at 1-2 months of age as the baby’s head control improves. The most common cause is tightness in the neck muscles due to a variety of potential factors.
Torticollis risk factors:
Positioning in utero
Delivery in breech position or use of forceps for delivery
Multiples birth (twins, triplets, etc.)
Reflux (GERD)
Vision concerns
Genetic factors and syndromes
Signs of torticollis:
Baby or child consistently tilts head towards one side in most positions
Baby or child consistently turns head (rotates) or looks in one direction
Baby has difficulty bottle feeding or breastfeeding on one side noted
Baby has a flat spot on the head
Baby has asymmetries in the head and facial region
Torticollis can be treated by a pediatric physical therapist (PT). Your PT will work with you and your baby to create an individualized plan of care including stretching and strengthening activities for your baby’s neck and trunk. Improvements in strength and head position are typically noted within the first few months of physical therapy with a good prognosis to completely resolve the torticollis, especially if treated early. If left untreated, torticollis can impact the following areas of development: rolling, sitting, pulling to stand, crawling, standing, walking, balance, vision, bottle feeding and breastfeeding, and eating.
It is never too early to intervene and to treat torticollis. Schedule a free screening with a physical therapist at BDI Playhouse if you have any questions about your baby’s head position or head shape. So worry not, our BDI Playhouse therapists are experts in this area and we are waiting to answer any questions you may have!
One-on-one virtual or in-person breast and bottle feeding lactation support services from the comfort of your own home or at our clinic.
Meet with our International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) and Certified Breastfeeding Specialists (CBS) at a convenient time and in the location that makes you most comfortable!
Our International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) and Certified Breastfeeding Specialists (CBS) provide non-judgmental and evidence-based support to you and your baby! We are ready to meet you where you are and help you get to where you want to go in your feeding journey! We want you to know that you are not alone and that, with support, we can help you get more milk and worry less!
What to Expect at Your Consult
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Where do lactation consultations take place?
We provide both in-person and virtual lactation consultations. In-person sessions take place at our clinic and virtual sessions are held over Zoom. You can choose what works best for you!
What we do together in a Lactation Consult
First visits are typically 45-60 minutes to give us time for a thorough history, observing baby feeding (breast, bottle or both), and a plan of care. Included is
A history and assessment of breastfeeding and/or bottle feeding issues by an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant and infant feeding SLP
An assessment of latch, suck and positioning
Breast care including mastitis, plugged ducts, blebs, thrush, engorgement, and nipple soreness
Soothing a fussy baby
Breastfeeding while returning to work
Assistance with breast pumps, nipple shields and other lactation devices
Breastfeeding education and support
Transition from breast to bottle OR bottle to breast
A report to send to your care provider(s) if requested
What to have at your consultation:
YOU and your precious baby
Any current nursing gadgets
Any pumps and required pump parts if desired
Preferred feeding pillows if desired
Bottles/pacifiers
Here are some helpful tips to maximize your virtual appointment:
Both users must have adequate internet connection
Both users must have adequate lighting. Please keep a flashlight/light on hand for mouth assessments
May need a second set of hands to help with positioning the device for best viewing
It is beneficial (not necessary) for the family to have two connected devices. I.e. a computer/ipad for discussion and a phone for breast and bottle feeding/latch assessment
While virtual lactation consults are useful for many reasons, there will be times that our IBCLC must refer mom and/or baby to a local health care provider. These cases may include:
Suspected tongue and/or lip tie or other oral malformation
Mastitis, thrush and other breastfeeding concerns requiring treatment
Inadequate lighting/internet connection to perform a quality online assessment
Concerns with weight gain, jaundice and/or general well-being of your baby
Our International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) and Certified Breastfeeding Specialists (CBS) are professionals in lactation consulting who have demonstrated the necessary skills, knowledge, and attitudes to provide clinical breastfeeding consulting and management support to families who are thinking about breastfeeding or who have questions or problems during the course of breastfeeding/lactation. Our IBCLCs are also speech language pathologists who specialize in the overall safety and success of infant feeding.
BDI’s International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) and Certified Breastfeeding Specialists (CBS) in Supporting:
Baby
Baby’s success on the breast/bottle
Mom
Mom’s health and comfort
Family
Family support for mom & baby
Pumping
Preparing for and maximizing pumping
Tummy
Reflux, Spit-up, Vomiting Support
Position & Latch
Finding the perfect position and latch
Lactation Professionals Areas of Expertise
Latching
Milk Supply
Breast and Nipple Soreness
Weight Concerns
Supplementation
Pain or Breast Damage
Plugged Milk Ducts
Engorgement
Breast/Bottle Feeding
Mastitis
Reflux, Spitting-up and/or Vomiting
Induced or Relactation
Feeding Techniques and Positions
Weaning
Transition to Bottle-Feeding from Breast
Transition to Breast Feeding from Bottle
Pumping
Back-to-Work Plan
Oral Motor Restrictions
Tongue/Lip Tie
Tandem Breastfeeding
Amy Stumpf, MS, CCC-SLP/L, IBCLC
International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) & Speech Language Pathologist
Amy is a speech therapist who specializes in feeding, orofacial development, tethered oral tissues, and lactation consulting. She absolutely loves coming alongside families and supporting them and their babies during their feeding journey’s in infancy. Amy will never be finished learning and is constantly humbled by the lessons she takes away from each family she has the pleasure of consulting!
Ms. Kristen, MS, CCC-SLP/L, CBS
Certified Breastfeeding Specialist (CBS) & Speech Language Pathologist
Kristen is a Speech-Language Pathologist at BDI Playhouse who specializes in orofacial myofunctional disorders and is a Certified Breastfeeding Specialist (CBS). Troubleshooting feeding challenges with families so that they can raise happy, healthy eaters is among the most rewarding work she has had the pleasure of doing thus far in her career! Kristen is honored to be a part of your family’s feeding journey.
Ms. Alison, MS, CCC-SLP/L, CBS
Certified Breastfeeding Specialists (CBS) & Speech Language Pathologist
Ms. Alison is a Speech-Language Pathologist at BDI Playhouse. She has a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and a Master’s degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders. Ms. Alison specializes in orofacial myofunctional disorders and is a Certified Breastfeeding Specialist (CBS). She is honored to be a part of a family’s team and support them as they overcome feeding challenges in infancy and beyond.
What is the best way to prevent engorgement while breastfeeding? Frequent feedings! Feeding your baby 10-12 times per 24 hours and making sure your breasts are emptied each feed should reduce your risk of experiencing engorgement. However, if you are experiencing that painful fullness here are a few tips
Strategies to reduce engorgement
Before Breastfeeding
Hand express or pump the breast for 1-3 minutes prior to feeding
If you can get milk to flow use moist warm compresses to increase milk flowing
If you cannot get milk to flow use cold pack on breasts
Warm shower with back to water, taking a “breast bath” in warm water, and/or applying wash cloths that are moist and warm
While Nursing
If the breasts or areola are too swollen for baby to latch pump or and express for 1-3 minutes to soften breast before feeding.
Apply light to moderate pressure (REVERSE PRESSURE SOFTENING) to move fluid around nipple and to make it more latchable.
Between Feedings
Use cold compresses, over a protective layer of fabric, on your breasts, chest, and under arms to help decrease swelling.
Wear bras that are not too loose and not too tight.
Engorged breasts can make your breastfeeding experience tough. The best way to treat engorgement is to prevent it! However, if you are experiencing persistent engorgement and would like additional help, schedule a free screening with one of our lactation counselors.
What are the benefits of breastfeeding babies? Many moms are faced with familial and societal pressure of deciding whether they want to breastfeed or formula feed. Before making the decision based on others experiences or the latest baby marketing trends, read on to find out how breastfeeding benefits baby, mom and your community!
Benefits of Breastfeeding
Baby
Decreases risk of mortality
Reduces risk for asthma, upper respiratory infections, allergies, ear infections
Less risk for colic, reflux, gas, diarrhea, constipation, GI pain
Decreases risk for obesity, type 1 diabetes, Autism, ADHD
Increases intelligence scores
Reduces risk for narrow facial development
Mom
decreases risk of unwanted shorter pregnancy intervals
Satisfies baby’s emotional needs and increases bonding between mother and baby
reduces risk of PPD
Helps mom to lose ‘baby weight’
reduces risk for high blood pressure
decreases risk for ovarian and breast cancers
increases work attendance due to healthier baby
Community
More bonding opportunities for parents/children
Higher IQ subgroups
Do not have to worry about dangers of manufacturing errors/formula recall
Reduced financial strain without costs of formula
decreased waste production to make formula
reduced health care costs
decreased work absenteeism of parents due to infant/toddler illness
When making the decision between breastfeeding and formula feeding, it’s important to consider how it will effect mom, partner, baby, and your community! Research shows that breastfeeding comes with increased health benefits for both mom and baby, mentally and physically. Exclusively breastfeeding reduces the workload and financial burden on your partner. Finally, it reduces the carbon footprint in your community! Want to learn more? Join us at our Breastfeeding Basics class! Already in the thick-of-it and needing some support? Reach out and schedule a free screen with one of our certified lactation counselors and infant feeding specialists!
