Welcome to Mind Your Mouth — the podcast where we explore the powerful connection between the mouth, mind, and body. I'm Karen Galway, a Speech-Language Pathologist, Board Certified Orofacial Myologist, and Infant Feeding Therapist, who is also madly obsessed with neuroscience and nervous system regulation. I'm here to guide you through the essential but often overlooked world of oral development, infant feeding, and oral motor milestones— all through a mindful, parent-empowered lens.
Primitive Reflexes and Infant Feeding with Avery Young
In this episode of Mind Your Mouth, Karen Galway, a speech therapist and infant feeding therapist, delves into the fascinating world of primitive reflexes and their impact on infant feeding and overall development. Joined by Avery Young, a board certified lactation consultant, they discuss how understanding these reflexes can fill the gaps in addressing infant feeding issues, emotional wellbeing, and more. They explore topics like the importance of latching reflexes, the role of trauma on reflex integration, and common misconceptions about tongue ties. They also touch upon practical tips for parents to support their baby's development, including the pros and cons of swaddling and why rhythmic movements can be a game-changer. Listen in to gain valuable insights and learn how to nurture your child's growth from the very start.
00:00 Introduction to Mind Your Mouth Podcast
00:48 Special Guest: Avery Young
01:49 Understanding Primitive Reflexes
03:45 The Importance of Reflexes in Infant Development
13:51 Addressing Trauma and Reflexes
21:15 The Role of Tongue Ties in Infant Feeding
26:05 Understanding Tongue Tie and Its Functional Implications
27:41 The Debate on Swaddling: Benefits and Drawbacks
31:36 Exploring the Moro Reflex and Its Emotional Component
34:59 The Role of Reflexes in Baby's Development
41:49 Practical Advice for Parents and Professionals
44:48 Conclusion and Resources for Parents
Follow Avery Young
Website (https://www.nourishedyoung.com)
Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/nourishedyoung/)
Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/NourishedYoung)
Grab The Free Resource, The Guide to Baby Swaps For Better Feeding Skills (https://holisticspeechandwellness.com/babyswaps)
Karen's Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/holisticspeechandwellness/) and Website (https://holisticspeechandwellness.com/)
23 Sept 2025
Understanding Myofunctional Therapy and Oral Motor Therapy: Key Differences Explained
In this episode of 'Mind Your Mouth', host Karen Galway, a seasoned speech therapist and board-certified orofacial myologist, dives into the distinctions between myofunctional therapy and oral motor therapy. Karen explains the appropriate age groups for each approach and clarifies common misconceptions. She also shares insights from her recent training in craniosacral fascia therapy and its application in oral health. Tune in to understand the critical differences in therapeutic techniques and their implications for infant feeding and oral development.
00:00 Introduction to Mind Your Mouth Podcast
00:47 Meet Your Host: Karen Galway
00:54 Understanding Myofunctional Therapy
01:36 Craniosacral Fascia Therapy Insights
04:45 Differences Between Myofunctional Therapy and Oral Motor
07:22 Oral Motor Techniques and Applications
13:32 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
Grab The Free Resource, The Guide to Baby Swaps For Better Feeding Skills (https://holisticspeechandwellness.com/babyswaps)
Karen's Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/holisticspeechandwellness/) and Website (https://holisticspeechandwellness.com/)
4 Sept 2025
Exploring Craniosacral Fascia Therapy with Laura Roland
In this episode of Mind Your Mouth, Karen introduces special guest Laura Roland, a Speech Therapist, Myofunctional Therapist, Infant Feeding Therapist, and Craniosacral Fascia Therapist. They delve into the world of craniosacral fascia therapy and its impacts on oral function and overall well-being. Laura shares her journey and experiences, emphasizing the importance of holistic approaches and bodywork in treating tongue-tie and other oral dysfunctions. They also discuss the significance of proper timing and choosing the right healthcare professionals for tongue-tie interventions. Laura's unique perspective and expertise provide valuable insights into holistic speech therapy practices.
00:00 Introduction to Mind Your Mouth Podcast
00:49 Meet Our Special Guest: Laura Roland
01:54 Laura's Journey and Expertise
03:47 Diving into Craniosacral Fascia Therapy
05:05 Personal Experiences and Professional Insights
12:47 The Impact of Craniosacral Therapy on Infants
24:41 Tongue Tie Release: Timing and Techniques
25:14 The Importance of Professional Referrals
26:33 Concerns and Complications in Tongue Tie Procedures
29:14 Craniosacral Therapy (CST) and Its Impact
31:29 Personal Journeys into CST and CFT
33:43 Training and Certification in CST and CFT
38:16 Building a Successful Practice in a Small Town
42:19 Conclusion and Contact Information
Laura's Website (https://mattersofthemouth.com)
Grab The Free Resource, The Guide to Baby Swaps For Better Feeding Skills (https://holisticspeechandwellness.com/babyswaps)
Karen's Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/holisticspeechandwellness/) and Website (https://holisticspeechandwellness.com)
21 Aug 2025
Beyond the Tie: Uncovering Hidden Roadblocks to Oral Function
In this episode of Mind Your Mouth, Karen delves into the topic of tongue ties, focusing on how to distinguish between actual tongue ties and other underlying issues. Drawing from her extensive 20-year experience as a speech therapist and certified orofacial myologist, Karen shares personal anecdotes about her children's experiences and highlights the significance of various factors affecting tongue function. She emphasizes the importance of evaluating the body's overall tension and primitive reflexes, and advocates for a multidisciplinary approach involving craniosacral therapy and bodywork before considering a tongue tie release. Karen looks forward to bringing more experts on the show to further explore these perspectives.
00:00 Introduction to Tongue Ties
00:39 Personal Background and Experience
01:31 Challenges with My Own Children
03:05 Debunking Myths About Tongue Ties
06:52 The Role of Body Work in Tongue Function
10:40 Primitive Reflexes and Their Impact
11:52 Conservative Approach to Diagnosing Tongue Ties
16:35 Conclusion and Future Discussions
Enjoyed the episode? Subscribe and leave a 5-star review.
Want to connect? You can find me on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/holisticspeechandwellness/).
Located in Middle Tennessee and curious if Myofunctional Therapy or Infant Feeding Therapy is a good fit for you or your family? Check out my website (https://holisticspeechandwellness.com/).
14 Aug 2025
From 'Wabbit' to 'Rabbit': Cracking the R Code
In this episode of Mind Your Mouth, Karen dedicates the discussion to parents whose children struggle with pronouncing the R sound. She explores why the R sound is particularly challenging, delving into its intricacies, including the different allophones and tongue movements required for proper pronunciation. Karen also explains why traditional school speech therapy may not suffice and advocates for a myofunctional approach to address foundational issues such as palate shape, tongue strength, and possible airway obstructions. Combining her extensive experience in speech and myofunctional therapy, Karen provides insights and practical solutions to help children achieve success with the R sound.
00:00 Introduction to the R Sound Challenge
00:37 Why the R Sound is Tricky
01:08 Variations of the R Sound
04:42 Challenges in School-Based Therapy
06:16 Techniques for Producing the R Sound
07:50 The Role of the Palate and Airway
09:48 Case Studies and Practical Advice
17:04 When to Seek Specialized Help
19:33 Conclusion and Contact Information
Enjoyed the episode? Subscribe and leave a 5-star review.
Want to connect? You can find me on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/holisticspeechandwellness/).
Located in Middle Tennessee and curious if Myofunctional Therapy or Infant Feeding Therapy is a good fit for you or your family? Check out my website (https://holisticspeechandwellness.com).
7 Aug 2025
When Mewing Goes Mainstream: Is it Hurting Or Helping Your Mouth?
In this episode of Mind Your Mouth, host Karen Galway delves into the topic of Mewing, a technique popularized for improving jawline and oral function by positioning the tongue against the roof of the mouth. Karen discusses the origins of Mewing, its benefits, and potential drawbacks if done incorrectly. She emphasizes the importance of a comprehensive myofunctional therapy approach, which includes strengthening various muscles in the mouth to prevent strain and ensure balanced function. Karen shares insights from her experience with clients and advises listeners to seek professional assessments for a tailored approach. She concludes by encouraging pre-teens, teens, and adults interested in Mewing to consult a myofunctional therapist.
00:00 Introduction and Podcast Update
00:44 What is Mewing?
01:35 The Origins and Benefits of Mewing
02:40 Potential Challenges with Mewing
05:20 The Importance of Muscle Balance
06:18 Comprehensive Myofunctional Therapy
11:47 Conclusion and Contact Information
Enjoyed the episode? Subscribe and leave a 5-star review.
Want to connect? You can find me on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/holisticspeechandwellness/).
Located in Middle Tennessee and curious if Myofunctional Therapy or Infant Feeding Therapy is a good fit for you or your family? Check out my website (https://holisticspeechandwellness.com/).
7 Jul 2025
Understanding Myofunctional Therapy: Benefits, Applications, and Considerations
Karen explores myofunctional therapy, explaining its benefits for improving oral functions like talking and breathing, and emphasizes the importance of comprehensive assessment for effective treatment.
7 Jul 2025
“Help! My baby is 5 months and won’t take a bottle”. Practical tips on how to support bottle feeding.
This episode explores practical tips for supporting bottle feeding in exclusively breastfed babies, addressing the suck reflex and offering strategies for a smoother transition.
7 Jul 2025
The Truth About Your Baby's Pacifier
Speech therapist and infant feeding therapist Karen Galway explores pacifier types and their impacts on oral development, sucking skills, and future speech and feeding milestones, emphasizing selecting the right pacifier for optimal oral health.
7 Jul 2025
What we can learn from watching Tom Cruise run.
Myofunctional therapist Karen Galway explores the advantages of nasal breathing over mouth breathing, drawing inspiration from Tom Cruise's running scenes, and emphasizes its impact on endurance and respiratory function.
2 Jul 2025
Mind Your Mouth: The Intersection of Oral Health, Infant Feeding, and Holistic Development
Host Karen Galway introduces Mind Your Mouth, exploring the connections between oral development, infant feeding, and overall well-being, emphasizing holistic approaches to support children's growth.
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
1 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 37 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
57
Social presence
91
YouTube
0
Engagement
0
Contact Mind Your Mouth
Guest appearances
Does not typically book guests
Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.
Host of Mind Your Mouth?
Claim your podcast to manage its listing and keep your show details accurate.
Pod Engine is an independent podcast discovery and analytics service and is not affiliated with or endorsed by this podcast. Artwork and show content belong to their owners. Full legal notice.
Explore this show Podcast research with Pod Engine