Mind Your Mouth

Primitive Reflexes and Infant Feeding with Avery Young

Karen Galway — Fri, 17 Oct 2025 08:00:00 -0500

In this episode of Mind Your Mouth, Karen Galway, a speech therapist and infant feeding therapist, delves into the fascinating world of primitive reflexes and their impact on infant feeding and overall development. Joined by Avery Young, a board certified lactation consultant, they discuss how understanding these reflexes can fill the gaps in addressing infant feeding issues, emotional wellbeing, and more. They explore topics like the importance of latching reflexes, the role of trauma on reflex integration, and common misconceptions about tongue ties. They also touch upon practical tips for parents to support their baby's development, including the pros and cons of swaddling and why rhythmic movements can be a game-changer. Listen in to gain valuable insights and learn how to nurture your child's growth from the very start.

00:00 Introduction to Mind Your Mouth Podcast

00:48 Special Guest: Avery Young

01:49 Understanding Primitive Reflexes

03:45 The Importance of Reflexes in Infant Development

13:51 Addressing Trauma and Reflexes

21:15 The Role of Tongue Ties in Infant Feeding

26:05 Understanding Tongue Tie and Its Functional Implications

27:41 The Debate on Swaddling: Benefits and Drawbacks

31:36 Exploring the Moro Reflex and Its Emotional Component

34:59 The Role of Reflexes in Baby's Development

41:49 Practical Advice for Parents and Professionals

44:48 Conclusion and Resources for Parents

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Understanding Myofunctional Therapy and Oral Motor Therapy: Key Differences Explained

Karen Galway — Tue, 23 Sep 2025 10:46:48 -0500

In this episode of 'Mind Your Mouth', host Karen Galway, a seasoned speech therapist and board-certified orofacial myologist, dives into the distinctions between myofunctional therapy and oral motor therapy. Karen explains the appropriate age groups for each approach and clarifies common misconceptions. She also shares insights from her recent training in craniosacral fascia therapy and its application in oral health. Tune in to understand the critical differences in therapeutic techniques and their implications for infant feeding and oral development.

00:00 Introduction to Mind Your Mouth Podcast

00:47 Meet Your Host: Karen Galway

00:54 Understanding Myofunctional Therapy

01:36 Craniosacral Fascia Therapy Insights

04:45 Differences Between Myofunctional Therapy and Oral Motor

07:22 Oral Motor Techniques and Applications

13:32 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Grab The Free Resource, The Guide to Baby Swaps For Better Feeding Skills

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Exploring Craniosacral Fascia Therapy with Laura Rowland

Karen Galway — Thu, 04 Sep 2025 15:54:22 -0500

In this episode of Mind Your Mouth, Karen introduces special guest Laura Roland, a Speech Therapist, Myofunctional Therapist, Infant Feeding Therapist, and Craniosacral Fascia Therapist. They delve into the world of craniosacral fascia therapy and its impacts on oral function and overall well-being. Laura shares her journey and experiences, emphasizing the importance of holistic approaches and bodywork in treating tongue-tie and other oral dysfunctions. They also discuss the significance of proper timing and choosing the right healthcare professionals for tongue-tie interventions. Laura's unique perspective and expertise provide valuable insights into holistic speech therapy practices.

00:00 Introduction to Mind Your Mouth Podcast

00:49 Meet Our Special Guest: Laura Roland

01:54 Laura's Journey and Expertise

03:47 Diving into Craniosacral Fascia Therapy

05:05 Personal Experiences and Professional Insights

12:47 The Impact of Craniosacral Therapy on Infants

24:41 Tongue Tie Release: Timing and Techniques

25:14 The Importance of Professional Referrals

26:33 Concerns and Complications in Tongue Tie Procedures

29:14 Craniosacral Therapy (CST) and Its Impact

31:29 Personal Journeys into CST and CFT

33:43 Training and Certification in CST and CFT

38:16 Building a Successful Practice in a Small Town

42:19 Conclusion and Contact Information

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Grab The Free Resource, The Guide to Baby Swaps For Better Feeding Skills

Karen's Instagram and Website

Beyond the Tie: Uncovering Hidden Roadblocks to Oral Function

Karen Galway — Thu, 21 Aug 2025 08:00:00 -0500

In this episode of Mind Your Mouth, Karen delves into the topic of tongue ties, focusing on how to distinguish between actual tongue ties and other underlying issues. Drawing from her extensive 20-year experience as a speech therapist and certified orofacial myologist, Karen shares personal anecdotes about her children's experiences and highlights the significance of various factors affecting tongue function. She emphasizes the importance of evaluating the body's overall tension and primitive reflexes, and advocates for a multidisciplinary approach involving craniosacral therapy and bodywork before considering a tongue tie release. Karen looks forward to bringing more experts on the show to further explore these perspectives.

00:00 Introduction to Tongue Ties

00:39 Personal Background and Experience

01:31 Challenges with My Own Children

03:05 Debunking Myths About Tongue Ties

06:52 The Role of Body Work in Tongue Function

10:40 Primitive Reflexes and Their Impact

11:52 Conservative Approach to Diagnosing Tongue Ties

16:35 Conclusion and Future Discussions

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Located in Middle Tennessee and curious if Myofunctional Therapy or Infant Feeding Therapy is a good fit for you or your family? Check out my website.

From 'Wabbit' to 'Rabbit': Cracking the R Code

Karen Galway — Thu, 14 Aug 2025 08:00:00 -0500

In this episode of Mind Your Mouth, Karen dedicates the discussion to parents whose children struggle with pronouncing the R sound. She explores why the R sound is particularly challenging, delving into its intricacies, including the different allophones and tongue movements required for proper pronunciation. Karen also explains why traditional school speech therapy may not suffice and advocates for a myofunctional approach to address foundational issues such as palate shape, tongue strength, and possible airway obstructions. Combining her extensive experience in speech and myofunctional therapy, Karen provides insights and practical solutions to help children achieve success with the R sound.

00:00 Introduction to the R Sound Challenge

00:37 Why the R Sound is Tricky

01:08 Variations of the R Sound

04:42 Challenges in School-Based Therapy

06:16 Techniques for Producing the R Sound

07:50 The Role of the Palate and Airway

09:48 Case Studies and Practical Advice

17:04 When to Seek Specialized Help

19:33 Conclusion and Contact Information

When Mewing Goes Mainstream: Is it Hurting Or Helping Your Mouth?

Karen Galway — Thu, 07 Aug 2025 08:56:40 -0500

In this episode of Mind Your Mouth, host Karen Galway delves into the topic of Mewing, a technique popularized for improving jawline and oral function by positioning the tongue against the roof of the mouth. Karen discusses the origins of Mewing, its benefits, and potential drawbacks if done incorrectly. She emphasizes the importance of a comprehensive myofunctional therapy approach, which includes strengthening various muscles in the mouth to prevent strain and ensure balanced function. Karen shares insights from her experience with clients and advises listeners to seek professional assessments for a tailored approach. She concludes by encouraging pre-teens, teens, and adults interested in Mewing to consult a myofunctional therapist.

00:00 Introduction and Podcast Update

00:44 What is Mewing?

01:35 The Origins and Benefits of Mewing

02:40 Potential Challenges with Mewing

05:20 The Importance of Muscle Balance

06:18 Comprehensive Myofunctional Therapy

11:47 Conclusion and Contact Information

Understanding Myofunctional Therapy: Benefits, Applications, and Considerations

Karen Galway — Mon, 07 Jul 2025 16:18:03 -0500

In this episode of Mind Your Mouth, Karen delves into the concept of myofunctional therapy, a treatment aimed at balancing the muscles in the mouth to improve functions such as talking, eating, and breathing. The discussion covers who can benefit from this therapy, especially children, and highlights the multifaceted nature of the treatment which may involve other specialists like ENTs, allergists, and dentists. Karen also differentiates between myofunctional therapy and oral motor therapy, particularly for younger children. Additionally, the episode provides insights into common issues like tongue thrust and sound production challenges, emphasizing the importance of addressing the root cause for effective therapy. Karen shares personal experiences and training in the field, advocating for a comprehensive assessment to tailor the right treatment approach.

00:00 Introduction to Myofunctional Therapy

00:47 Understanding Muscle Imbalance

02:23 Multifaceted Approach and Specialist Involvement

02:51 Assessment and Observations

03:22 Evolution and Awareness of Myofunctional Therapy

04:21 Debunking Myths and Misconceptions

05:44 Age-Specific Approaches

07:49 Personal Journey and Case Studies

12:56 Is Myofunctional Therapy Right for Your Child?

16:07 Conclusion and Contact Information

“Help! My baby is 5 months and won’t take a bottle”. Practical tips on how to support bottle feeding.

Karen Galway — Mon, 07 Jul 2025 08:09:41 -0500

In this episode of Mind Your Mouth, we address common concerns about bottle feeding babies who have been exclusively breastfed. We explore the optimal window for introducing a bottle, the role of the primitive suck reflex, and strategies for making the bottle transition smoother. Key tips include avoiding stress, using play-based approaches, conducting oral motor assessments, and considering bodywork to identify physical barriers. The episode also discusses introducing straw drinking as an alternative and emphasizes the importance of consistency and patience.

00:00 Introduction to Bottle Feeding Challenges

01:17 Understanding the Suck Reflex

02:19 Strategies to Reduce Stress

03:19 Oral Motor Assessments and Body Work

07:28 Introducing Straw Drinking

09:58 Recap and Final Tips

12:13 Conclusion and Contact Information

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The Truth About Your Baby's Pacifier

Karen Galway — Sun, 06 Jul 2025 21:01:13 -0500

In this episode of Mind Your Mouth, host Karen Galway, a speech therapist and infant feeding therapist, dives into the complex world of pacifiers. She outlines the differences between pacifier types and their impacts on oral development, sucking skills, and future speech and feeding milestones. Karen explores why not all pacifiers are created equal and emphasizes the importance of selecting the right pacifier for optimal oral health. She also discusses the timing and process for weaning babies off pacifiers and shares insights from professionals and her own experiences. Tune in to learn which pacifiers support your child's development best and the critical rule that pacifiers should 'pacify, not occupy.'

00:00 Introduction to Mind Your Mouth Podcast

00:52 The World of Pacifiers

04:06 Understanding Oral Development

08:36 The Right Pacifier for Your Baby

12:51 Recommended Pacifiers and Tips

16:50 Conclusion and Contact Information

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What we can learn from watching Tom Cruise run.

Karen Galway — Sun, 06 Jul 2025 20:49:21 -0500

In this episode of 'Mind Your Mouth,' Karen Galway discusses the importance and benefits of nasal breathing, inspired by Tom Cruise's running scenes in movies. The episode delves into the physiological advantages of nasal breathing over mouth breathing, including improved oxygen intake and overall well-being. Karen, a myofunctional and speech therapist, highlights how nasal breathing can enhance endurance, strength, and respiratory function. The episode also provides practical tips for encouraging proper nasal breathing in infants and explains the role of the tongue in optimal oral posture. Listeners are encouraged to establish good nasal breathing habits early for long-term health benefits.

00:00 Introduction and Preface

00:38 Tom Cruise's Running and Nasal Breathing

02:04 Benefits of Nasal Breathing

03:49 Nasal Breathing in Children

08:08 Exercises for Encouraging Nasal Breathing

12:30 Conclusion and Contact Information

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Mind Your Mouth: The Intersection of Oral Health, Infant Feeding, and Holistic Development

Karen Galway — Wed, 02 Jul 2025 08:05:00 -0500

In the debut episode of Mind Your Mouth, host Karen Galway, a seasoned speech therapist and certified orofacial myologist, introduces the podcast's mission to explore the vital connections between oral development, infant feeding, and overall well-being. Karen discusses her extensive background and the inspiration behind the podcast, emphasizing the importance of holistic, evidence-informed approaches to support children's growth. She explains the distinctions between myofunctional therapy and oral motor therapy, the impact of early oral challenges on lifelong health, and the significance of a regulated nervous system. The episode sets the stage for future deep dives into related topics with guest experts. Listeners can follow Karen's work and connect through her website and Instagram.

00:00 Introduction to Mind Your Mouth Podcast

00:49 Meet Your Host: Karen Galway

01:50 Understanding Myofunctional Therapy

02:55 The Importance of Early Oral Development

05:48 Karen's Professional Journey

06:11 The Birth of the Podcast

07:12 Mindset and Nervous System Regulation

09:17 Empowering Parents with Knowledge

10:10 Conclusion and Next Steps

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