Honeycombs represent paralleled efficiency, strength, and organization, offering maximum storage volume with minimal material (wax) and energy, inspiring engineering for structural strength, and symbolizing unity, industry, and natural order in culture, representing cooperation and interconnectedness. when babies have oral dysfunction, muscles and tension causes uncoordinated suck, swallowing and difficulty breathing while nursing. Our feeding integration supports infants with tethered oral tissues, body tension and latching challenges. 

 

Infant Oral & Latch Support Massage Protocol

Gentle, trauma-informed bodywork to support feeding, comfort, and oral function

This specialized infant massage protocol is designed to support babies experiencing latching challenges related to oral dysfunction, muscle tone imbalances, and oral restrictions—including those preparing for or recovering from a frenotomy (tongue-tie or lip-tie release). Using slow, nurturing touch and evidence-informed techniques, this session supports the structures involved in feeding while honoring the baby’s nervous system, cues, and pace.

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Who This Protocol Is For

This service may support infants who are experiencing:

• Difficulty latching or maintaining a latch

• Shallow latch, clicking, or milk leakage

• Gagging, choking, or fatigue during feeds

• Preference for one breast or head position

• High or low muscle tone impacting feeding

• Tension in the jaw, neck, shoulders, or face

• Preparation for frenotomy or post-release integration

This protocol is ideal when used alongside lactation support, pediatric therapy, or body-based feeding care.

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What the Protocol Addresses

This infant massage approach focuses on:

• Oral motor coordination (tongue, lips, jaw, cheeks)

• Muscle tone regulation in the face, neck, shoulders, and diaphragm

• Fascial tension that may restrict oral movement

• Neurological integration of suck–swallow–breathe patterns

• Postural support that impacts feeding mechanics

• Nervous system regulation for both infant and caregiver

Rather than “forcing” change, this work gently invites the body toward balance and functional ease.

 

Frenotomy Support: Pre & Post-Release Care

Pre-Release Sessions
Before a frenotomy, massage sessions help:

• Reduce oral and body tension

• Improve tissue awareness and elasticity

• Prepare the nervous system for change

• Support feeding comfort while awaiting release

Post-Release Sessions
After a frenotomy, sessions focus on:

• Supporting oral integration and new movement patterns

• Reducing compensatory tension

• Encouraging functional tongue and jaw use

• Supporting feeding transitions and comfort

• Helping parents feel confident with gentle aftercare

This bodywork complements prescribed oral exercises and lactation guidance.

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What to Expect in a Session

• A brief intake discussing feeding history and concerns

• Observation of infant posture, tone, and movement patterns

• Gentle, responsive massage to the face, mouth (externally), neck, shoulders, and body

• Parent education on simple, nurturing touch techniques to continue at home

• Sessions guided entirely by the baby’s cues—pausing, adjusting, or stopping as needed

No forceful intraoral manipulation is used. Safety, consent, and infant comfort are always prioritized.

 

A Collaborative, Whole-Babee Approach

This protocol does not diagnose or replace medical, dental, or lactation care. It works best as part of a collaborative feeding support team, which may include:

• IBCLCs or lactation professionals

• Pediatricians

• Pediatric dentists or ENTs

• Speech-language or occupational therapists

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Our goal is to support the infant’s body so feeding can become more efficient, comfortable, and connected.