E19: Tongue Ties, Breastfeeding and C-Section Scars: How Osteopathy can Help Mums and Babies, with Stephanie James

Worried about tongue tie, breastfeeding struggles, tummy time, or your baby’s head shape? Learn practical, expert advice from an osteopath on how to support your baby’s development and your recovery after birth.

In this episode, Lisa is joined by Stephanie James, founder of The Osteoperformance Clinic in London. Stephanie explains how the body is deeply interconnected and why gentle, hands-on therapy can make a powerful difference for both babies and mothers.

This episode focuses on the physical reasons behind common challenges and offers clear, practical guidance to help you feel more confident in what to do next.

⭐ Key Advice from This Episode 

🤱 Feeding & Latching Difficulties

Stephanie explains that many feeding issues are not simply due to tongue tie. Instead, they are often caused by:

•  Tension or restriction in the neck and jaw 
•  Compression during birth (forceps, ventouse, or C-section) 
•  Reduced movement affecting the nerves to the tongue 

👉 Her key advice:

•  Don’t assume it’s tongue tie straight away 
•  Consider a non-invasive approach like osteopathy first
•  Remember: “Don't blame yourself—there is often a restriction in baby's body causing the difficulty”

🤸‍♀️ Tummy Time (Her Biggest Advice)

Stephanie explains it’s essential not just for strength but also for:

•  Brain development 
•  Integration of primitive reflexes 
•  Coordination and future learning skills 

She links lack of tummy time to:

•  Delayed development 
•  Retained reflexes 
•  Attention and coordination difficulties later on 

👉 Important point she makes:
If a baby can’t do tummy time, it’s not because they’re being difficult—
it may be due to a physical restriction in the body.

🚫 Containers & Baby Movement

Stephanie advises limiting time in:

•  Bouncers 
•  Car seats 
•  Other “containers” 

👉 Her key message:
Babies need time on the floor to:

•  Move freely 
•  Explore movement 
•  Develop properly 

💛 C-Section Recovery (For Mums)

Stephanie highlights that C-sections are often under-recognised in recovery.

She explains that scar tissue can:

•  Create tightness and adhesions 
•  Affect the pelvis, hips, and lower back 
•  Impact overall movement 

👉 Her advice:

•  Osteopathy can help release scar tissue—even years later 
•  Treatment often improves movement and reduces discomfort 
•  Emotional release during treatment can also happen, especially after traumatic births 

🎯 Key Takeaway

Before jumping to invasive treatments or assuming the worst, consider whether your baby’s body may just need support to move more freely.

Links Mentioned:

The Osteoperformance Clinic 

The Tomatis Method

Connect with Lisa here!

For help on: 

Baby Flat Head Syndrome (Plagiocephaly and Torticollis), click here!

Positional Talipes (Correctable Club Foot), click here!