Latch Issues, Tummy Time, Torticollis, and Flat Heads with Dr. Brita, Infant PT | Episode 70

Nine years ago, when I had my first baby, infant physical therapy wasn't even on my radar - it just wasn't something being talked about, especially not the way it is now. So I sat down with Dr. Brita DeStefano, founder of Progress Through Play in Denver, a mom of two and an infant physical therapist who's spent the last seven years specializing exclusively in that first year of life, to change that for you. We get into what infant PT actually is (spoiler: it's so much more than "my baby isn't rolling yet"), and Brita breaks down how womb positioning, delivery, and even reflux can all show up in your baby's body as tension - impacting everything from feeding to tummy time to sleep. We talk about torticollis, head flattening, and her favorite at-home "boomerang test" that can help you catch tightness before your pediatrician might even notice it.

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What I loved most about this conversation is how Brita reframes the whole thing - it's not about parents needing to be on high alert, it's about approaching your baby's body with curiosity instead of worry. We also get real about the accessibility side of things, because I don't think we talk enough about how frustrating it is that this kind of proactive, whole-body care isn't always covered by insurance or easy to access. If you've ever wondered why your lactation consultant is asking questions your pediatrician isn't, or you've just felt like something's a little off with how your baby is feeding or sleeping and couldn't put your finger on it, this episode is going to hand you the language - and the confidence - to advocate for your baby.

More from Dr. Brita DeStefano:

Visit ptpdever.com

Follow her on Instagram @progressthroughplay

Helpful Timestamps:

• 00:00 Meet Dr. Brita, Infant PT
• 05:47 Why Infant PT Matters
• 09:33 Feeding Referrals and Early Support
• 15:29 Curiosity Over Anxiety
• 20:44 Womb Position and Birth Tension
• 26:37 Torticollis Signs and Screening
• 29:49 Flat Head Prevention Tips
• 33:35 Reflux Digestion and Movement
• 40:50 Resources

About your host:

Lo Mansfield, MSN, RNC-OB, CLC is a registered nurse, mama of 4, and a birth, baby, and motherhood enthusiast. She is both the host of the Lo & Behold podcast and the founder of The Labor Mama.

For more education, support and “me too” from Lo, please visit her website and check out her online courses and digital guides for birth, breastfeeding, and postpartum/newborns. You can also follow @thelabormama and @loandbehold_thepodcast on Instagram and join her email list here.

For more pregnancy, birth, postpartum and motherhood conversation each week, be sure to subscribe to The Lo & Behold podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you prefer to listen!

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Opinions shared by guests of this show are their own, and do not always reflect those of The Labor Mama platform. Additionally, the information you hear on this podcast or that you receive via any linked resources should not be considered medical advice. Please see our full disclaimer here.

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