Join us as we explore the intersection of occupational therapy (OT) and feeding support with our guest, Liz Koren, an experienced pediatric occupational therapist. Liz, who holds a master's degree from Boston University and runs Pure Pediatric Therapy, shares her extensive knowledge on addressing pediatric oral, motor, and feeding issues. Through her personal postpartum experiences, Liz offers invaluable insights into how OT can play a crucial role from infancy through early childhood, emphasizing the importance of educating new moms and empowering families to support their child's development.

We discuss the specialization of pediatric feeding therapy, drawing from both professional and personal experiences. We'll talk about the challenges of teaching babies and children how to eat, considering structural and sensory perspectives. Additionally, we emphasize the role of family mealtimes, developmental readiness, and cultural influences on diet.

Listen in for a meaningful conversation.

In this episode, you will hear:

• Specialization in pediatric feeding therapy, including challenges, advanced practice certifications, and the importance of a holistic approach.
• Family mealtime dynamics, the shift from purees to solid foods, and the role of imitation and developmental readiness in feeding.
• Effective strategies to reduce mealtime stress method and consistent food introduction.
• Importance of understanding different types of eaters before creating a feeding plan.
• Cultural influences on diet and the significance of family mealtimes in encouraging children to try new foods.

Resources from this Episode

• Website: https://purepeds.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pure.pediatric.therapy/

Follow and Review:

We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Let us know your favorite part of the episode! It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.

Episode Credits

If you are thinking of creating your own podcast, consider talking to our producer, Emerald City Productions; find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com. Let them know we sent you.

If you think homeschooling requires a mountain of educational tools and rigid schedules, think again. In our latest episode, Sarah Collins, a registered and licensed occupational therapist with a unique blend of professional expertise in pediatrics, home health, and homeschooling, joins us.

In this episode, Sarah shares her journey from skepticism to advocacy, detailing how occupational therapy principles can seamlessly integrate into a homeschooling environment to create a developmentally supportive space for children. We challenge the common misconceptions about early childhood education and provide insights into fostering essential skills through play and minimalistic setups rather than relying on a plethora of educational gadgets.

This episode is packed with valuable tips on balancing sensory play, motor skills development, and discipline, aimed at revolutionizing your approach to motherhood and education. Don't miss Sarah's expert guidance and the supportive community she's built through Homeschool OT.

In this episode, you will hear:

• Integrating occupational therapy principles into homeschooling routines
• Misconceptions about the necessity of extensive tools and structured activities in early childhood education
• Emphasizing the importance of simple, everyday interactions and minimalistic setups
• Addressing children's developmental milestones and sensory play
• Building a supportive community and team around homeschooling families
• Practical advice on managing learning challenges and fostering a peaceful learning environment

Resources from this Episode

• Website: www.homeschoolOT.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/homeschool_ot

Follow and Review:

We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Let us know your favorite part of the episode! It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.

Episode Credits

If you are thinking of creating your own podcast, consider talking to our producer, Emerald City Productions; find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com. Let them know we sent you.

Join us in this episode as we explore the nuances of maternal mental health with Dr. Emily Guarnotta, a licensed clinical psychologist and certified perinatal mental health specialist. Dr. Guarnotta helps us understand the distinct differences between postpartum anxiety and postpartum depression. Learn how to recognize the signs when something feels off and the importance of seeking help early on.

Listen in as we address the significant issue of underdiagnosis and insufficient screening for perinatal mood and anxiety disorders. This conversation emphasizes the importance of basic self-care, including proper nutrition, hydration, and rest, as foundational steps to manage anxiety and support overall well-being during the postpartum period. We also explore coping mechanisms beyond medication and therapy, highlighting the value of consistent follow-up screenings and support systems.

Dr. Guarnotta also shares insights on teaching mindfulness techniques to children to help them manage emotions and tantrums. Additionally, we explore alternative practices like acupuncture for reducing postpartum anxiety and stress the significance of self-awareness.

In this episode, you will hear:

• Distinguishing postpartum anxiety from postpartum depression and understanding their unique symptoms.
• The impact of societal pressures and stigma on maternal mental health.
• Importance of early intervention and recognizing when to seek help.
• Practical self-care tips, including nutrition, hydration, and rest.
• Mindfulness strategies and habit-stacking techniques for busy parents.
• Alternative therapies like acupuncture for reducing postpartum anxiety.

Resources from this Episode

• Phoenix Health: www.joinphoenixhealth.com
• Emily's Instagram: www.instagram.com/dr_emily_guarnotta/

Follow and Review:

We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Let us know your favorite part of the episode! It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.

Episode Credits

If you are thinking of creating your own podcast, consider talking to our producer, Emerald City Productions; find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com. Let them know we sent you.