Lactation & Development Resources
evidence-based, holistic, and individualized services
An integrated approach
Lactation Therapy / Breastfeeding Therapy
Let’s work together to figure out why lactation and/or breastfeeding issues are still present and then let’s make a plan to reach your goals.
Pre-op / post-op therapy: Tongue tie, Lip tie, & Cheek tie
Let’s improve your baby’s feeding skills, oral function, and overall developmental trajectory both before and after surgical release of tethered oral tissues in order to achieve the best possible result.
Feeding Therapy for infants
Understand why your baby is having feeding difficulties and how to turn feeding into a positive experience for the whole family.
Testimonials
“Marissa is an absolute genius and I couldn't recommend her more highly. If your baby is struggling with feeding, she is the person you want on your team. Before finding Marissa, our baby had a poor (and VERY painful) latch, spit up constantly, and screamed all evening. We worked with IBCLCs, osteopaths, pediatric dentists... no one could help with our feeding struggles. But then we found Marissa. She has so much incredible knowledge, she identified multiple intersection issues causing our feeding struggles. We followed her care plan and our baby immediately began making improvements.
Marissa identified that our baby was suffering from reflux caused by food allergies, and that she had a substantial posterior tongue tie. With her help, we were able to resolve the reflux, so that our baby felt much, much better-- no more massive spit-ups! No more unexplained crying! Once she felt better, we were able to have her tongue tie fixed. Marissa prepared us for this with exercises to strengthen our baby's underused facial muscles and change her motor patterns. The exercises are like play, and our baby loves them.
In addition to being an incredible detective, Marissa is just an absolute joy to work with and an incredible resource. She truly loves babies and has a passion for helping them thrive. We trust her one thousand percent and couldn't be more grateful to her for her help!”
— A.J., mother of a 3-month-old baby girl
“Marissa is a one of a kind specialist!
After almost 6 months of triple feeding, and surgery (frenectomy), breastfeeding success after 3 sessions/weeks with Marissa!
I had 2 IBCLCs in the hospital, 1 IBCLC out of the hospital; my baby had a frenectomy for multiple tethered oral tissues; lactation appointments after that; saw the pediatrician about my little ones issues breastfeeding (she gave me formula and sent me on my way); my baby lost weight from when she was 3 weeks old and went under her birth weight; I spent so many hours pumping, breastfeeding and bottle feeding; dealt with supply issues; all of this lasted almost 6 months. I was so close to giving up on what I thought was the most valuable thing I could do for my baby: breastfeeding. I couldn’t even enjoy time with my little one because I was so busy trying to feed her; something quite heart breaking. Then I was referred to Lactation & Development: 3 sessions (3 weeks!) and my little one was feeding well at last, and gaining more than when I was triple feeding! Marissa couldn’t be more respectful, relaxed, and all while making you feel like she is giving you and your little one privacy. Her heart is to help, and if you are struggling at all don’t hesitate to see her. The fact that she sends you an actual plan with goals and what we talked about in the session helps so much…because of well, mom brain! She helped with starting solids, bottle feeding, sitting and even pointed out some hip tightness I didn’t know my baby had from being breech. All done with the utmost professionalism while being flexible and understanding that she is informing you, teaching you, but respecting that ultimately your child is YOUR child.”
— M.P., mother of a 6-month-old baby girl
“I can’t say enough good things about Marissa’s approach, knowledge, and caring hands-on manner. My daughter and I were having feeding difficulties at bottle and breast including severe pain for me, and poor weight gain and severe reflux for her that were making life miserable. My daughter's pediatrician and the lactation consultant in his office were unable to help identify what was going on. Marissa helped us identify her lip, cheek, and tongue ties; provided oral-motor/feeding therapy for the associated muscle weakness; made some corrections to our routine; and prepared us for and saw us through surgery. After only four sessions with Marissa, my baby is now thriving at both bottle and breast, I have no more pain, and she’s a completely different (and happy) baby. Thank you, Marissa!”
— C. V., mother of a 4-month-old baby girl
