GrowWellSTL

That thing you’re wondering if you can actually do?

Keep going.

You might surprise yourself.

Working on neck mobility doesn’t have to look like a big, dramatic stretch!

Sometimes it’s gentle movement, a little play, and following baby’s cues. When I’m working with a baby who has neck tightness or a preference for turning one way, I’m looking at the whole picture, including comfort, movement, and symmetry.

And of course, baby’s cues always matter. And when I get a sweet smile I know that they are comfortable!

Big news!

Starting in November, Grow Well is coming to YOU!

I know getting out of the house with a baby can feel like a whole production. Between packing the diaper bag, feeding everyone, and getting out the door on time… sometimes you just need one less thing on your to-do list.

That’s why I’m excited to begin offering in-home occupational therapy evaluations and therapy sessions for babies and their families!

We’ll work together to support your baby’s feeding and development right in the environment where everyday life happens.
✨ Home visits begin in November!

In-office appointments and check-ins will still be available at the clinic.

Have questions or want to learn more? Send me a message or schedule a free discovery call. I’d love to connect!

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Feel Good Friday is a little mix of goodness from the week.

You will find:
✨ Motivation for the days when parenting feels overwhelming
✨Recap of Tip Tuesday to make feeding and development smoother
✨A busted myth because there’s a lot of outdated or confusing baby advice out there
✨A little about Grow Well
✨And a little joy from the week because it’s important to focus on the positive!

If you would like to save one of the slides from the reel, just Comment or DM me and I can send it over!

My goal with Grow Well is simple:
To help parents feel confident, informed, and supported as their baby grows through the first year.

Because most of the time, parents don’t need more pressure. They just need the right information and a little guidance.

You know your baby.

You know the little things that make them smile. You know when something feels different. You know their hunger cues, their tired cues, their “I’ve had enough” cues.

And you know when that little voice in your head is saying, “Something just doesn’t seem quite right.”

You don’t have to know exactly why something is happening to trust that feeling and ask questions.

You can listen to your baby and ask for support when you need it. Both can be true.

Because you don’t need to be the expert on everything.
You just need to know your baby.

And if you have a question or concern about your baby’s feeding or development, that’s what I’m here for.

Tip Tuesday: Your baby doesn’t HAVE to burp every time they eat.

You don’t have to keep your baby upright until they produce a big, satisfying burp.

Some babies burp easily. Some need a little help. And some… just don’t burp every time.

If your baby is comfortable, relaxed, and not showing signs that they need to burp, you don’t necessarily need to keep trying.

✨ Try a few gentle burping positions.
✨ Give baby a little time.
✨ And if no burp happens? That’s okay!

The goal isn’t to make a burp happen. It’s to help your baby be comfortable.

If your baby is consistently uncomfortable after feeds, arching, coughing, gagging, spitting up frequently, or having a hard time feeding, that’s worth looking at more closely.

Baby feeding tip: follow your baby, not the burp “rule” that isn’t actually a rule.

Big things are often built in really small moments. Keep showing up and chasing your dreams.

🪨 ROCK BEATS SCISSORS ✂️ And sometimes, the simplest choice is the one that wins!

For this round, we’re crushing the things that leave parents second-guessing themselves and choosing the things that actually help. 🙌

✨ Less stress over making sure to buy and do the “right” things More time for connection with your baby.
✨ Less Googling every little thing. More getting answers to YOUR questions.
✨ Less comparing your baby to everyone else’s. More learning about YOUR baby’s development.
✨ Less wondering if feeding challenges are “normal.” More getting support and a plan.
✨ Less waiting until you’re overwhelmed. More checking in when something doesn’t feel quite right.

That’s what Grow Well is here for! You don’t have to wait until there’s a big problem to ask questions about your baby’s feeding or development. Sometimes a little guidance and reassurance can make all the difference.

Have a question or concern about your baby’s first year? A Grow Well check-in might be just what you need.

Myth: Your baby should eat a set amount on a set schedule.

Truth: Your baby’s cues matter more than the clock.

There are SO many numbers and rules out there about how much and how often your baby should eat. And while feeding guidelines can be helpful starting points, they aren’t necessarily a one-size-fits-all rulebook.

And just to be clear, I’m not saying there’s anything wrong with following a feeding schedule! Routines can be helpful. The goal is to remember that your baby’s needs and cues matter, too, and it’s okay to adjust as needed.

Your baby’s appetite can vary from one feeding to the next. Some feedings are bigger, some are smaller, and sometimes your baby may want to eat sooner than expected.

Instead of focusing only on the ounces or the clock, pay attention to your baby’s hunger and fullness cues, too.
✨ Is your baby showing signs of hunger? Offer a feeding.
✨ Are they slowing down, turning away, or showing signs they’re finished? Give them space to communicate that, rather than pressuring them to finish the bottle.

Of course, your baby’s age, growth, medical needs, and feeding history matter, too. If you’re concerned about how much your baby is eating or gaining, reach out to your pediatrician or a feeding professional for individualized guidance.

If feeding feels harder than you expected, you don’t have to figure it all out alone. Save this for the next time you find yourself watching the ounces instead of watching your baby.