Best for Baby | Expert Baby Advice & Support for Overwhelmed Mums

E19: Tongue Ties, Breastfeeding and C-Section Scars: How Osteopathy can Help Mums and Babies, with Stephanie James

54 min · 16 de abr de 2026
Portada del episodio E19: Tongue Ties, Breastfeeding and C-Section Scars: How Osteopathy can Help Mums and Babies, with Stephanie James

Descripción

Worried about tongue tie, breastfeeding struggles, tummy time, or your baby’s head shape? Learn practical, expert advice from an osteopath on how to support your baby’s development and your recovery after birth. In this episode, Lisa is joined by Stephanie James, founder of The Osteoperformance Clinic in London. Stephanie explains how the body is deeply interconnected and why gentle, hands-on therapy can make a powerful difference for both babies and mothers. This episode focuses on the physical reasons behind common challenges and offers clear, practical guidance to help you feel more confident in what to do next. ⭐ KEY ADVICE FROM THIS EPISODE  🤱 Feeding & Latching Difficulties Stephanie explains that many feeding issues are not simply due to tongue tie. Instead, they are often caused by: *  Tension or restriction in the neck and jaw  *  Compression during birth (forceps, ventouse, or C-section)  *  Reduced movement affecting the nerves to the tongue  👉 Her key advice: *  Don’t assume it’s tongue tie straight away  *  Consider a non-invasive approach like osteopathy first *  Remember: “Don't blame yourself—there is often a restriction in baby's body causing the difficulty” 🤸‍♀️ Tummy Time (Her Biggest Advice) Stephanie explains it’s essential not just for strength but also for: *  Brain development  *  Integration of primitive reflexes  *  Coordination and future learning skills  She links lack of tummy time to: *  Delayed development  *  Retained reflexes  *  Attention and coordination difficulties later on  👉 Important point she makes: If a baby can’t do tummy time, it’s not because they’re being difficult— it may be due to a physical restriction in the body. 🚫 Containers & Baby Movement Stephanie advises limiting time in: *  Bouncers  *  Car seats  *  Other “containers”  👉 Her key message: Babies need time on the floor to: *  Move freely  *  Explore movement  *  Develop properly  💛 C-Section Recovery (For Mums) Stephanie highlights that C-sections are often under-recognised in recovery. She explains that scar tissue can: *  Create tightness and adhesions  *  Affect the pelvis, hips, and lower back  *  Impact overall movement  👉 Her advice: *  Osteopathy can help release scar tissue—even years later  *  Treatment often improves movement and reduces discomfort  *  Emotional release during treatment can also happen, especially after traumatic births  🎯 Key Takeaway Before jumping to invasive treatments or assuming the worst, consider whether your baby’s body may just need support to move more freely. Links Mentioned: The Osteoperformance Clinic  [https://osteoperformance.co.uk/] The Tomatis Method [https://www.tomatis.com/en/] Connect with Lisa here! [https://physiobaby.co.uk/] For help on:  Baby Flat Head Syndrome (Plagiocephaly and Torticollis), click here! [https://physiobaby.co.uk/headshapecourse] Positional Talipes (Correctable Club Foot), click here! [https://go.physiobaby.co.uk/widget/form/xRUkHqF7CFyPtTX9mSLo]

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37 episodios

episode E25: 5 Modern day threats to your baby's health and development artwork

E25: 5 Modern day threats to your baby's health and development

From Toxins and Poor Nutrition to Screen Time and Microplastics we are hard-up to keep our babies healthy and safe these days!! Join Lisa as she goes through what to believe (and what to do about ) this minefield of baby health topics. Today's episode explores five modern parenting habits that may be affecting your baby's physical, cognitive and long-term health, often without us even realising it. Lisa shares practical insights to help parents make informed decisions without guilt or overwhelm. Remember: this episode isn't about perfection. It's about awareness, small changes, and celebrating the wins. In This Episode You'll Learn: ✔ Why babies are exposed to more microplastics than adults ✔ How microplastics may affect hormones, gut health and long-term wellbeing ✔ Why tummy time remains one of the most important activities for baby development ✔ The surprising ways baby equipment can delay movement milestones ✔ What the latest screen time recommendations say for babies and young children ✔ How screen time impacts learning, emotional regulation and social development ✔ The role ultra-processed foods may play in children's long-term health ✔ Why family mealtimes matter more than you might think ✔ Practical ways to reduce risks without adding stress to your parenting journey The 5 Things Discussed in This Episode: 1.  Microplastics  2.  Lack of Tummy Time  3.  Overuse of Baby Equipment  4.  Screen Time  5.  Ultra-Processed Foods & Nutrition Key Takeaway Parenting in today's world is hard. The goal isn't perfection, it's making small, intentional changes that support your baby's development and long-term health. Every tummy time session, screen-free meal, outdoor play opportunity, and nutritious food choice adds up. Resources Mentioned *  Free Microplastics Reduction Checklist [https://physiobaby.co.uk/microplasticschecklist] *  Head Shape Resources [https://physiobaby.co.uk/services-229861]  * The Gentle Birth Method by Dr Gowri Motha [https://amzn.to/444DTPn] Connect With Lisa If you have questions about your baby's development, head shape, tummy time, or movement milestones, reach out and connect. You're not meant to do this alone. Connect with Lisa here! [https://physiobaby.co.uk/] For help on:  Baby Flat Head Syndrome (Plagiocephaly and Torticollis), click here! [https://physiobaby.co.uk/headshapecourse] Positional Talipes (Correctable Club Foot), click here! [https://go.physiobaby.co.uk/widget/form/xRUkHqF7CFyPtTX9mSLo]

12 de jun de 202640 min
episode E 24: Why New Mums Need More Postnatal Support: Postnatal Anxiety, Boundaries and Finding your Village with Postnatal Doula, Jade Harkness artwork

E 24: Why New Mums Need More Postnatal Support: Postnatal Anxiety, Boundaries and Finding your Village with Postnatal Doula, Jade Harkness

What happens after the midwives leave and the reality of motherhood begins? As new mums, we have all been through those moments where you feel isolated, unheard and unseen. You are "happy" to put your needs second (or third, or fourth...) as long as your baby is well. This isn't always the best way, but how do we create an environment where mum can thrive as well as the new baby, despite the sleepless nights and overwhelm. In this episode of the Best for Baby Podcast, Lisa is joined by postnatal doula Jade Harkness from the Mamas Wellbeing Hub. Jade shares her own experience of postnatal anxiety and explains how it led her to become passionate about supporting mothers through the often-overlooked fourth trimester. Together, they discuss the emotional, practical and informational support new mums need, why community matters so much in early motherhood, and how postnatal doulas can help families feel seen, heard and supported during one of life's biggest transitions. Whether you're expecting a baby, navigating the newborn stage, or supporting someone who is, this episode offers reassurance, practical advice and a reminder that mothers deserve care too. In This Episode We Discuss: *  What a postnatal doula is and how they differ from birth doulas  *  The emotional challenges many mums face in the early weeks after birth  *  Why the day 3–5 hormone shift can feel overwhelming  *  The importance of holding space for mothers without trying to "fix" them  *  Setting boundaries with visitors after birth  *  Why community can be a lifeline in motherhood  *  Supporting both mums and partners through the transition to parenthood  *  Birth and hospital debriefs after difficult experiences  *  Returning to work after maternity leave  *  The power of skin-to-skin contact for babies, mothers and fathers  *  Learning to ask for — and accept — practical help  Find out more about Jade and her postnatal support services through Mamas Wellbeing Hub: Connect with Jade here! [https://mamaswellbeinghub.com/] Connect with Lisa here! [https://physiobaby.co.uk/] For help on:  Baby Flat Head Syndrome (Plagiocephaly and Torticollis), click here! [https://physiobaby.co.uk/headshapecourse] Positional Talipes (Correctable Club Foot), click here! [https://go.physiobaby.co.uk/widget/form/xRUkHqF7CFyPtTX9mSLo]

5 de jun de 202641 min
episode E 23: Microplastics & Babies: 5 Easy Ways to Reduce Your Baby’s Exposure artwork

E 23: Microplastics & Babies: 5 Easy Ways to Reduce Your Baby’s Exposure

Are babies really more exposed to microplastics than adults? In this eye-opening episode of the Best for Baby Podcast, paediatric physiotherapist Lisa Rogers Sergeant explores the growing concern around microplastics in babies’ environments and what parents can realistically do to reduce exposure without stress, guilt, or perfectionism. From baby bottles and food pouches to clothing, toys, nursery dust, car seats, and feeding equipment, Lisa shares the biggest hidden sources of microplastics affecting babies today and explains why little ones may be more vulnerable than adults. Importantly, this episode is not about fear or becoming completely plastic-free. Instead, it’s about simple, affordable changes that can reduce exposure in the areas that matter most. You’ll learn: ✨ Why babies are exposed to more microplastics than adults ✨ What emerging research says about microplastics, inflammation, hormones, and gut health ✨ The surprising everyday baby items that may release microplastics ✨ Safer swaps for baby bottles, feeding, food prep, and toys ✨ How to reduce exposure without overwhelm or guilt ✨ Lisa’s practical 80/20 approach to making manageable changes In This Episode We Cover: *  What microplastics are and where they come from  *  Why babies may absorb more microplastics than adults  *  Formula feeding, breast milk storage, and bottle concerns  *  Food prep, weaning, and hidden plastic exposure  *  Nursery dust, carpets, baby toys, and teething rings  *  Synthetic clothing and bedding  *  Five simple ways to reduce your baby’s exposure  Resources Mentioned: * The Plastic Detox documentary  *  FREE Microplastics Checklist for Babies  [https://physiobaby.co.uk/microplasticschecklist] 💛 Remember: this episode is about progress, not perfection. Small changes can make a meaningful difference. If this episode helped you, please share it with another mum or parent who would love practical, evidence-informed ways to support their baby’s health. Connect with Lisa here! [https://physiobaby.co.uk/] For help on:  Baby Flat Head Syndrome (Plagiocephaly and Torticollis), click here! [https://physiobaby.co.uk/headshapecourse] Positional Talipes (Correctable Club Foot), click here! [https://go.physiobaby.co.uk/widget/form/xRUkHqF7CFyPtTX9mSLo]

22 de may de 202629 min
episode E 22: Tummy Time & Supervised Tummy Naps: What’s Actually Safe for Babies? artwork

E 22: Tummy Time & Supervised Tummy Naps: What’s Actually Safe for Babies?

Confused about tummy time? Worried about tummy naps after scary headlines or conflicting advice online? In this episode of the Best for Baby Podcast, paediatric physiotherapist Lisa Rogers Sergeant explains what tummy time actually is, why it matters for your baby’s development, and how supervised daytime tummy naps may fit safely into your routine. After recent conversations around infant sleep safety, many parents feel frightened and unsure about what’s safe, especially when it comes to newborn tummy time and contact naps. This episode gives you clear, practical guidance without the overwhelm. In this episode, you’ll learn: ✔️ Why tummy time matters for baby development, strength, and milestones ✔️ How tummy time affects head shape and flat head syndrome (plagiocephaly) ✔️ Why many babies hate tummy time, and how to make it easier ✔️ What counts as tummy time (it’s more than just floor time) ✔️ The safest ways to start tummy time from day one ✔️ How to create a safe tummy time space ✔️ The difference between night sleep and supervised daytime naps ✔️ What supervised daytime tummy naps mean and the conditions required for safety Key reminder from this episode: Overnight sleep = always on their back in a clear cot. Daytime tummy time = supervised, safe space, clear airway. This episode is designed to help parents feel calm, confident and informed especially if tummy time has been stressful or confusing. Links Mentioned: Totter and Tumble Play Mat: 10% off: Here [https://www.totterandtumble.co.uk/LISA06322] Loved this episode? Please share it with another parent who may be worried about tummy time or feeling overwhelmed by conflicting advice. Connect with Lisa here! [https://physiobaby.co.uk/] For help on:  Baby Flat Head Syndrome (Plagiocephaly and Torticollis), click here! [https://physiobaby.co.uk/headshapecourse] Positional Talipes (Correctable Club Foot), click here! [https://go.physiobaby.co.uk/widget/form/xRUkHqF7CFyPtTX9mSLo]

15 de may de 202645 min
episode E 21: Struggling with Breastfeeding? Latch, Milk Supply and Newborn Feeding Explained artwork

E 21: Struggling with Breastfeeding? Latch, Milk Supply and Newborn Feeding Explained

Breastfeeding is often described as “natural”—but for many mums, it’s anything but easy. In this episode, I’m joined by lactation consultant and paediatric nurse Michelle Kuteyi of the Baby Care Consultancy, who shares clear, practical strategies to help you feel confident feeding your baby, whether you’re breastfeeding, bottle feeding, or combining both. We cover everything from painful latch and low milk supply to cluster feeding and newborn feeding cues, with simple explanations that will completely change how you approach feeding in those early weeks. If you’ve ever felt confused, overwhelmed, or unsure if your baby is getting enough milk, this episode is for you. 🎯 What You’ll Learn: *  The CHINS method for a pain-free, effective latch  *  How to tell if your baby is getting enough milk (without guessing) *  The real reason babies feed so frequently in the early days  *  What cluster feeding actually means  *  The biggest mistake affecting milk supply (and how to fix it)  *  Why pumping output doesn’t reflect your actual supply *  How to transition from breast to bottle without refusal *  The truth about foods, teas, and “milk-boosting” products 👶 Key Takeaways: *  Breastfeeding is a learned skill for both mum and baby *  Frequent feeding in the early days is normal and necessary *  Milk supply works on supply and demand, not schedules *  A painful latch is not normal and can be fixed *  Babies don’t just feed for hunger - they feed for regulation and comfort 🧠 Practical Tips You Can Start Today: *  Feed your baby based on cues, not the clock *  Aim for 8–10 feeds per day in the early weeks  *  Use nappies (wet + dirty) to track intake  *  Prioritise night feeds or pumping to protect supply  *  Keep baby close, supported, and aligned when feeding  *  Don’t compare your journey to others—especially online  💛 Support & Resources: If you’re struggling with feeding, you’re not alone and you don’t have to figure it out by yourself. You can connect with Michelle here [https://babyconsultancy.co.uk/?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=23414530746&gbraid=0AAAABCBYbejXexY1hc--Ztz_ECw-yRGIN&gclid=CjwKCAjwntHPBhAaEiwA_Xp6RsSfSNQzllxMbcLi4y95jGYOo-8yLhWBY-QDiEiY67aTO4eEVmZ4IBoCaVoQAvD_BwE]! Connect with Lisa here! [https://physiobaby.co.uk/] For help on:  Baby Flat Head Syndrome (Plagiocephaly and Torticollis), click here! [https://physiobaby.co.uk/headshapecourse] Positional Talipes (Correctable Club Foot), click here! [https://go.physiobaby.co.uk/widget/form/xRUkHqF7CFyPtTX9mSLo]

1 de may de 20261 h 1 min