Parents of Mouth Breathers

About Parents of Mouth Breathers

Each month, I speak with professionals who help me dig into the often overlooked epidemic of childhood airway dysfunction — including mouth breathing, snoring and sleep apnea. If you're looking for answers, allies, and unapologetic truth — you’re in the right place. This podcast is for the parents who won’t sit quietly while their child struggles to breathe, sleep, or thrive and are done being dismissed by professionals. Hosted by, me, Tasha — a mum who’s been ignored, fobbed off, and finally said: no more.

Publisher

Tasha

Category

kids & family

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

19 Jun 2025

Latest episode

14 Apr 2026

Latest episodes

16 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   14 Apr 2026

   Ep 16. Why My Son’s Sleep Apnea Isn’t Gone: 5 Months After Surgery

   Five months ago, my son had his tonsils and adenoids removed, along with grommets, after years of recurring ear infections, glue ear, and sleep apnea. This episode is a real-time update on where we are now. I’m sharing what’s improved (his growth, the reduction in snoring) but also what’s quietly crept back in. Because the truth is, surgery hasn’t been a full solution. I talk through our delayed post-op ENT review here in Cardiff, where I left feeling like my concerns weren’t properly addressed. His throat wasn’t examined, his ongoing (though reduced) apnea was brushed off, and I’ve since been chasing a follow-up plan, including trying to push for another sleep study. This episode is really about what happens after surgery. Because for us, it’s becoming clear that surgery creates an opportunity for change, but it’s not the end of the story. I share where my head is at with next steps: myofunctional therapy (and why it feels daunting) questions around ALF expansion and timing the cost and practicality of all of this as a family and the frustration of trying to piece together care across disconnected specialties If you want to go deeper, I’ve put together a simple airway health guide you can DM me the word CHECK on my Instagram @parentsofmouthbreathers (https://www.instagram.com/parentsofmouthbreathers/)

2. 

   24 Feb 2026

   Ep 15. A Broader Approach to Airway Health with Dr. Jessica Lee

   In this episode, I’m joined by Dr Jessica Lee — an integrative ENT who trained in a conventional, surgery-focused medical system and realised that looking only at tonsils and adenoids wasn’t enough. She now approaches airway health through a broader lens — considering breathing patterns, growth curves, inflammation, immune health, gut health and collaboration across disciplines. We discuss sleep-disordered breathing as a spectrum, why children don’t go from “fine” to severe obstructive sleep apnea overnight, and the two questions that may predict airway concerns early — including why daytime mouth breathing matters. We also explore: • When tonsil and adenoid surgery is appropriate • Why surgery isn’t a failure — but isn’t always the whole answer • What a true multidisciplinary airway model looks like • The gut–airway connection and environmental factors • How parents can advocate without operating from fear This episode isn’t about pushing surgery. It’s about widening the lens, removing shame from the decision-making process, and helping parents feel more informed and less dismissed. If you’ve ever been told “snoring is normal” but something didn’t sit right, this conversation will give you context.

3. 

   10 Feb 2026

   Ep 14. Talking Early Dental Interventions with Dr. Aiofe

   I’m joined by Dr Aoife, a London/Kent-based dentist whose work sits at the intersection of tongue tie, early orthodontics, and airway health. We talk about early signs from birth, feeding mechanics (not just position), reflux and congestion, sleep disruption, why crooked teeth can be downstream of mouth breathing, and what’s often missing from the “expansion” conversation online. We also get into the reality: surgery can help in some cases, but it’s rarely the whole answer, airway issues are usually multifactorial and need a multidisciplinary approach. It's a practical conversation to help parents feel more informed and less dismissed.

4. 

   27 Jan 2026

   Ep 13. Update on My Son's Tonsillectomy. Was the Surgery Worth It?

   After nearly two years on the waiting list and months of trying everything else, my son finally had a tonsillectomy, adenoidectomy, and grommets. This episode is my honest update. Not medical advice, not a tidy success story, just the reality of living through it as a parent. If you’re stuck in that awful in-between place, trying to avoid surgery but running out of alternatives, this one is for you. I share: What led us to surgery after years of holistic and private treatments What the surgery day and recovery were actually like (including a scary post-op complication) The changes we’ve seen since hearing, sleep, infections, behaviour What surgery helped with and what it didn’t Why I now see surgery as one piece of a much bigger, multidisciplinary puzzle We talk openly about navigating the NHS, the confusion of conflicting advice, the cost of private care, and the emotional toll of constantly second-guessing yourself as a parent. I didn’t want surgery to be the answer, and I still don’t think it is the answer on its own. But it was part of our answer. If you’re questioning your next step, feeling alone in the decision, or wondering whether surgery is “worth it,” I hope this episode helps you feel less isolated and a little more informed. 💬 If you’re walking a similar path, you’re always welcome to message me and share your experience.

5. 

   4 Nov 2025

   Ep 12. When Poor Sleep Changes the Brain — with Dr David McIntosh ENT

   In this episode of Parents of Mouth Breathers, I’m joined by Dr David McIntosh, an Australian ENT (ear, nose & throat) surgeon and author of Snored to Death and Your Child’s Sleep Disorder Breathing. Dr McIntosh is internationally recognised for his work in paediatric airway health and sleep-disordered breathing. We dig into: Why snoring and mouth breathing are never normal in children The shocking truth that just six months of poor sleep can alter brain development Why the phrase “they’ll grow out of it” is outdated and harmful How “mild” sleep apnoea can still cause lasting brain and behavioural changes The UK study of 12,000 children that changed how we understand airway health The role of ENTs, airway dentists, allergy specialists, and myofunctional therapists in recovery What parents can do while they wait for referrals and how to advocate effectively Dr David McIntosh — ENT Surgeon & Author Instagram: @drdavidmcintosh Resources mentioned Sleep-Disordered Breathing in Children (2012 UK cohort study) Myofunctional therapy (OMT) and multidisciplinary follow-up If this episode helped you: 👍 Like, 💬 comment, and 🔔 follow Parents of Mouth Breathers.

6. 

   2 Sept 2025

   All Things Tongue-Tie — Interview with Dr. Suraj Vatish

   I’m joined by Dr Suraj Vatish, dental surgeon and lead at the Tongue Tie & Breathing Centre (Happy Kids, Chelsea). We unpack what a tongue tie really is, why “can they stick it out?” misses the point, how ties affect feeding, sleep, speech and breathing, and why aftercare + multidisciplinary support matter just as much as the release itself. What we cover The biggest myths (incl. the “stick it out” test) Functional definition: elevation > protrusion Sleep/breath/eat: the three pillars tied to tongue function Lip ties and what Dr Suraj is observing clinically Laser vs scissors — safety, visibility, healing Aftercare: exercises, bodywork, OMT, suturing in older kids Do all ties need treatment? Anterior vs posterior Is tongue tie a “fad”? History & context Building a team: OMT, SLT, osteopathy, paediatrics, ENT, orthodontics Guest Dr Suraj Vatish — @svatishdds (Instagram) Happy Kids Dental — Tongue Tie & Breathing Centre (Chelsea, London)

7. 

   19 Aug 2025

   Ep 10. Gentle Parenting Can’t Fix Poor Breathing

   I’ve tried the scripts. The co-regulation. The whispered apologies. I’ve kneeled down at eye level and told myself, “this is what gentle parenting looks like.” But still—nothing seemed to work. In this episode, I’m sharing something I posted recently that’s brought me a weird sense of relief: maybe it’s not that I need to parent better. Maybe my child just needs to breathe and sleep better. Because when your child is chronically congested, mouth breathing, waking constantly, or living in fight-or-flight—none of the parenting techniques stick. Their body can’t receive it. This one’s for the parents blaming themselves. For the ones over-analysing every reaction, wondering what they’re doing wrong. You’re not failing. You’re just working with a nervous system that needs more support. Let this episode take some weight off. 00:00 Introduction to the Podcast 00:13 The Impact of Sleep and Breathing on Parenting 00:58 Personal Experiences and Realisations 01:56 Challenges of Modern Parenting Techniques 03:04 The Importance of Addressing Sleep Disorders 05:44 Recognising Symptoms and Seeking Help 09:10 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

8. 

   12 Aug 2025

   Ep 9. How I Helped My Child Without Surgery – with Dr Kathleen Schuster

   When Dr Kathleen Schuster’s daughter started snoring, having nightmares, and acting “not like herself,” Kathleen didn’t just see a phase — she saw red flags. In this powerful conversation, Kathleen shares how she navigated swollen tonsils, chronic infections, and mounting pressure for surgery — and what actually helped her daughter breathe, sleep, and grow better without going under the knife. We talk about: Why mouth breathing wrecks the body How growth, behaviour, and breathing are all connected What to try before surgery The power of early intervention, tongue exercises, and myofunctional therapy And why most parents are still being left in the dark This one’s for any parent who's been dismissed, gaslit, or told their child will “just grow out of it.” There’s another way — and you deserve to know about it. Resources mentioned: Dr Kathleen Schuster on Insta (https://www.instagram.com/magnoliaridgedentistry/) Tongue Tied – Dr Richard Baxter Breathe – James Nestor Jaws: The Story of a Hidden Epidemic – Sandra Kahn & Paul R. Ehrlich Myofunctional therapy app: MyoFitPro (https://apps.apple.com/us/app/myofitpro/id6742456080) Myo Munchee (https://myomunchee.com/ ) Full show notes on YouTube.

9. 

   5 Aug 2025

   Ep 8. ENT Appointments: What to Know Before You Go

   In this episode, I offer a real-world guide for parents preparing for their child’s ENT appointment. We talk through what to expect, what to bring, and what not to take lying down. Because while ENTs can be part of the solution, they’re not the whole story—especially when it comes to airway health, sleep disordered breathing, and myofunctional issues. I share my own experience of walking into that appointment full of hope and walking out with frustration, realising that if I wanted answers, I’d have to ask the right questions—and know what to look for outside the ENT room too. What You’ll Learn: What ENTs do (and don’t) look for How to prep with videos, symptom tracking and the right language Why sleep studies matter—and how to push for one What they won't tell you about tongue tie, glue ear, and airway health Timestamps: 00:00 – Introduction to the podcast 00:11 – Why ENT matters—but isn’t the full picture 01:46 – My first ENT appointment: expectations vs. reality 03:27 – What to bring: videos, notes, questions, evidence 04:55 – The three to five questions that really matter 08:13 – Sleep apnea in kids: obstructive vs central 11:15 – Final thoughts and what ENT won’t tell you Whether your child is being referred for snoring, recurrent infections or suspected glue ear, this episode will leave you clearer, stronger, and ready to advocate. 🎧 Listen now—and share with a friend who’s feeling lost in the system. 📲 If this episode gave you language or clarity, share it on Instagram and tag me @parentsofmouthbreathers – it helps more parents find their voice.

10. 

    29 Jul 2025

    Ep 7. Sleep Apnea in Kids: Getting a Sleep Study

    In this episode of Parents of Mouth Breathers, I’m laying it all out, the overlooked reality of paediatric sleep apnoea, and what it’s really like trying to get your child’s breathing issues taken seriously. Sleep apnoea in children isn’t rare. It isn’t harmless. And it certainly isn’t something they’ll just "grow out of." It’s oxygen desaturation, chronic sleep disruption, behavioural issues, missed developmental milestones, and most terrifyingly, it’s often ignored. I share my story of noticing the signs in my eldest at two and a half: the snoring, the mouth breathing, the ragey mornings and puffy eyes. The way he never woke up rested. And how, despite showing GPs videos and flagging every red flag, I was met with smirks, shrugs, and the age-old line: “He’s fine.” But he wasn’t fine. From cranial osteopathy and dairy elimination to airway dentists and ENT battles, I talk about the messy, exhausting journey of fighting for a diagnosis, and what finally led to a sleep study and a confirmation of sleep apnoea. I also break down why a multi-disciplinary approach matters, and what parents need to know before blindly opting for surgery. If your child snores, struggles to breathe at night, or wakes up exhausted and cranky, please listen. You are not overreacting. You are not alone. You are your child’s best advocate. Timestamps: 00:00 – Introduction to Paediatric Sleep Apnoea 01:11 – Recognising the Signs and Symptoms 02:19 – Seeking Medical Help and Facing Challenges 03:45 – Exploring Treatment Options 08:29 – The Importance of Advocacy and Awareness 13:25 – Conclusion and Call to Action Referenced in this episode: – Breathe by James Nestor – Jaws by Sandra Kahn and Paul Ehrlich 🎧 Listen wherever you get your podcasts 📲 Share this episode with a parent who needs to hear iT

11. 

    22 Jul 2025

    Ep 6. You’re Not Anxious You’re Attuned

    In this episode of Parents of Mouth Breathers, I share my personal journey of advocating for my son’s airway health. I talk about the struggles and challenges I faced in getting my son’s sleep-disordered breathing issues acknowledged and treated. I offer practical advice for other parents in similar situations, focusing on the importance of trusting your instincts and relentlessly pursuing proper medical assessments and treatment. I also discuss strategies for documenting symptoms, requesting specific referrals, and navigating both the NHS and private healthcare systems. My goal is to validate your concerns as parents and empower you to advocate effectively for your children’s health. 00:00 Introduction to Parents of Mouth Breathers 00:29 Personal Experiences and Reassurance 02:10 Understanding My Son's Symptoms 03:44 Challenges with Medical Professionals 05:53 Exploring Alternative Treatments 07:13 Practical Steps for Advocacy 09:42 Navigating the Medical System 11:53 Private Avenues and Alternatives 13:25 Parental Determination and Support 17:21 Conclusion and Encouragement If this episode resonated with you, don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who could benefit from hearing it. You can also follow me on Instagram and visit Parents of Mouth Breathers for more updates and resources. Thanks for listening, and I’ll see you in the next episode!

12. 

    15 Jul 2025

    Ep 5. Glue Ear: The Hidden Struggle

    In this episode, I share the deeply personal and frustrating journey of discovering that my son’s behaviour, speech delays, and social struggles weren’t defiance, they were signs of undiagnosed glue ear. We talk about: What glue ear is and why it’s so often missed The signs we overlooked at home and in nursery How airway health and glue ear are linked Why so many children are labelled before they’re properly heard What finally made a difference—and how it changed everything This one is for the parents who feel like something’s off… and are tired of being told it’s “just behaviour.” 00:00 – Welcome & intro: the hidden impact of glue ear 01:15 – First signs: “He ignored me.” But did he really? 03:00 – Behaviour, not disobedience: connecting the dots 05:05 – Doubts at home: the guilt, the second-guessing 07:20 – A second nursery flags a concern: instinct reawakened 08:45 – Building the case: what to track before going to the GP 10:50 – Hearing test #1: the start of clarity 12:20 – What is glue ear? A simple explanation 13:50 – Why glue ear is more common in mouth breathers 15:40 – Study spotlight: research linking airway dysfunction & glue ear 17:30 – The rollercoaster of NHS testing & waiting 19:10 – Antibiotics, infections & fluctuating results 20:25 – Hearing test #5 and a long-awaited diagnosis 21:40 – Finally: hearing aids—and the moment it all changed 23:20 – “Mummy, I can hear the birds.” 24:10 – The emotional aftermath: relief, guilt, and clarity 25:30 – Glue ear isn’t always obvious—it hides in plain sight 26:50 – Why hearing loss can mimic behaviour disorders 28:00 – Action steps for parents: what to say, do, and ask 30:00 – Final message: you’re not imagining it. You’re observing it. Keep going. 📥 Free Guide: 10 Signs Your Child Might Be a Mouth Breather (#) 📬 Subscribe to the newsletter on Substack 📸 Follow on Instagram (https://instagram.com/parentsofmouthbreathers) 🔗 Connect on LinkedIn (https://linkedin.com)

13. 

    8 Jul 2025

    Ep 4. Tongue Tie and Its Link to Airway Health

    The host explores the often-overlooked issue of tongue tie, covering its manifestations, consequences, and the challenges in diagnosis and treatment, particularly regarding airway development and overall well-being.

14. 

    1 Jul 2025

    Ep 3. What James Nestor Taught Me About My Son’s Breathing

    Host Natasha from Parents of Mouth Breathers explores James Nestor's book Breath and its profound impact on understanding a child's mouth breathing symptoms, covering the body's reshaping, carbon dioxide's importance, and modern habits' effects.

15. 

    24 Jun 2025

    Ep 2. Why Nasal Breathing Isn’t Optional: What Thought Leaders Want You to Know

    Host Natasha explores the critical importance of nasal breathing for children, spotlighting insights from Dr. Christian Guilleminault, Dr. Kevin Boyd, Dr. Steven Lin, Patrick McKeown, Sharon Moore, and Dr. William Hang regarding airway health and early intervention in this interview episode.

16. 

    19 Jun 2025

    Ep 1. Taking Back Control of My Son's Health

    A mother recounts her journey to understand and address her son's mouth breathing, describing early signs, medical dismissals, and the pursuit of alternative therapies to empower other parents facing similar challenges.

Who has been a guest on Parents of Mouth Breathers

Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.

• Dr Christian Guilleminault
• Dr Kevin Boyd
• Dr Steven Lin
• Patrick McKeown
• Sharon Moore

Podcast Authority Score: 25 / 100

A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.

Quality

50

Social presence

0

YouTube

0

Engagement

0