Some of you mention - you or partner were struggling to do some of the homework activities. This is probably because you too - have a tongue tie or tight tongue. One of the topics we explore is that when a baby has a tongue tie it's a clue. Tongue ties arise from multiple developmental influences. This can include: • Nutrient status• Methylation efficiency• Overall metabolic health For some babies, it may be one piece of a bigger developmental picture. They reflect that, during development, the body may not have had optimal nutrient availability, efficient methylation, or full support for tissue formation. So one or both parents may have methylation challenges whereby nutrients are activated to a useable form. Again don't be alarmed - we all have gene variations/mutations, some influence our health more than others. Remember all four of our boys had tongue ties. I have some heterozygous gene mutations and Simon has some homozygous - so you're not alone if you have MTHFR mutations or others. It's just important to know so that you can personalise your diet and/or supplements. Here's a video when i was checking this couples baby and also checked both of them. This captures only part of the discussion but demonstrates how with Siri you can see that her tongue is restricted because the TMJ or jaw is doing pretty much all the movement.

PART 1 FOR BABIES (Early Oral Development & Foundations) Many of the patterns that influence how your child breathes, feeds, sleeps, and develops begin in the very early months of life. As a parent, you may notice: - Feeding challenges - Difficulty settling - Mouth breathing - Tension in the body - Or simply a sense that something isn’t quite right These early signs are important — but they are also an opportunity. Why This Stage Matters In babies, the tongue, lips, jaw, and nervous system are still developing and learning how to work together. This means: Small, gentle inputs can have a powerful influence on development By supporting your baby early, you are helping to shape: - How they feed and swallow - How they breathe - How their face and jaw develop - How their nervous system regulates A Connected System Feeding, breathing, posture, and movement are not separate. They are all part of the same system. If one area is under strain — such as: - A tight tongue - Tension through the neck or spine - Poor coordination of sucking or swallowing The body will begin to compensate This is why we take a whole-body, proactive approach. Your Role as a Parent A skilled practitioner can assess and guide — but what you do at home is just as important. These simple, gentle practices help your baby: - Develop strong oral muscles - Build coordination and awareness - Establish healthy breathing patterns - Reduce unnecessary tension and compensation What We Are Aiming For Over time, we want your baby to develop: - A tongue that moves freely and lifts well - Lips that can gently close and seal - Coordinated sucking, swallowing, and breathing - Calm, nasal breathing patterns - Balanced movement and posture This is about: - Awareness - Consistency By supporting these foundations early: Many common challenges can be reduced or prevented altogether You are not just helping your baby in the moment — You are shaping how they grow, breathe, and function long-term.

This is an open space to connect with other parents. Ask questions, share thoughts, or check in, whatever feels helpful in the moment, related to tongue tie or not. There’s no pressure to stay on topic or have the “right” words. This is parent to parent support 🤍

Each week I'll add exercises and strategies under each for each of the following topics: · PART 1 Tongue strength and position · PART 2 Lip and cheek function · PART 3 Jaw control and chewing · PART 4 Nasal breathing · PART 5 Posture and alignment PART 1 TONGUE STRENGTH & POSITION WHY TONGUE TRAINING MATTERS The tongue is not just for eating and talking — it plays a central role in how your child’s face, airway, and body develop. When your child’s tongue rests correctly (on the roof of the mouth): - It helps the upper jaw grow wide and strong - Supports straight teeth and proper bite alignment - Creates more space for the airway If the tongue is low, weak, or not functioning well: - The palate can become narrow - Teeth may become crowded - The airway can become restricted # 1. THE TONGUE SUPPORTS BREATHING The tongue helps guide whether your child breathes through their: - Nose (ideal) - Mouth (compensatory) When the tongue is strong and positioned well: - It supports nasal breathing - Improves oxygen delivery - Helps with calm, regulated breathing Mouth breathing is often linked to: - Poor sleep - Behaviour and focus challenges - Fatigue and low energy - Reduced oxygen efficiency # 2. THE TONGUE WORKS WITH THE LIPS AND JAW The tongue doesn’t work alone — it is part of a system: - Tongue + lips = proper oral seal - Tongue + jaw = balanced muscle development Lip incompetence (lips staying open) can contribute to: - Changes in jaw position - Altered craniofacial development If the tongue is not functioning well: - The lips may stay open - The jaw may shift or compensate - The face can develop asymmetrically # 3. THE TONGUE AFFECTS EATING, SWALLOWING & SPEECH Good tongue function helps your child: - Chew food properly - Swallow correctly (without compensation) - Develop clear speech patterns These exercises directly support: - Swallowing mechanics - Speech clarity # 4 THE TONGUE EVEN AFFECTS POSTURE & THE NERVOUS SYSTEM