Questions parents ask us
These come straight from our consult calls. If yours isn’t here, ask it on a free 15-minute call.
Do I need a referral?
A referral from your pediatrician, pediatric dentist or chiropractor is the best way to start. Depending on your plan, you may be able to book without one.
What insurance do you take?
BCBS and Cigna, including HMO plans. Have a different plan? Call and ask. Private pay is also welcome.
The pediatrician said the flat spot will round out on its own. Will it?
It depends on what’s causing it. If your baby has a side preference, or a feeding issue like a tongue tie or high palate, the flat spot often won’t round out without help.
Do we need a helmet?
Helmets usually aren’t fitted before 4 months. When we see a baby before then, we can often shorten the time in one, and in some cases avoid it altogether, depending on severity. After that, it depends on how pronounced the flattening is and on related issues like torticollis or a tongue tie.
My baby is already 7 months old. Is it too late?
No. If the flattening is severe, a helmet may still be needed, but our goal is to shorten the time in it. That matters: helmets can make babies avoid rolling and tummy time because of the extra weight.
Nursing hurts and my baby won’t latch. Is it a tongue tie?
It could be, but it isn’t the only cause. A buccal (cheek) tie or low muscle tone can look similar. Only a doctor or dentist can diagnose a tie, but we look at the whole picture and help.
The dentist is doing the release. Why does my baby need therapy before and after?
The release gives the tongue more range of motion. It doesn’t teach your baby how to use it. Babies tend to keep using their old feeding patterns, and that raises the risk of the tie reattaching. Therapy around the release helps your baby learn the new pattern.
We had the release and feeding still isn’t working. Why?
Usually your baby is still using old habits at the breast or bottle, or tension is lingering in the body. Both are things we work on.
My baby screams the whole time during tummy time. What do I do?
You’re not doing it wrong. We teach a step-by-step way to roll your baby into and out of tummy time that responds to their cues, so they build strength and trust at the same time.
My baby only turns their head one way. Should I worry?
It’s a sign of tension or torticollis, and it’s very treatable. We ease the tension and help your baby turn both ways naturally.
When should I worry about rolling?
Babies usually start exploring rolling around 4 months. If your baby isn’t rolling by 6 months, book an evaluation.
What happens at the first visit?
Plan on about an hour. We start by talking through your child’s medical history with you, then evaluate your child. Please complete the intake paperwork at least 24 hours before the visit. Coming in for feeding? Bring the foods your child prefers.
How often are sessions, and how long?
Sessions run 30 to 60 minutes, usually once or twice a week.
What is a session like?
Every session is child-led. We follow your child so they feel safe and comfortable enough to learn and grow. You’re welcome to join in, and with babies there’s a lot for you to learn. Sometimes a child does better with a parent stepping back, because a parent can become a crutch or a distraction. No two sessions look the same.
Do you work with older children?
Yes, on sensory processing, reflex integration and emotional regulation.
Still wondering? Ask us directly.
BCBS and Cigna acceptedPrivate pay welcome