Mother’s Intuition: Trusting the Signs in Feeding & Oral Motor Development
What if the thing you’ve been worried about is the thing no one else is catching?
You know your child better than anyone.
So when your gut says something feels off—even when doctors say, “They’ll grow out of it”—you’re not imagining things.
At OroGlow, we see moms every day who’ve been dismissed or told to “wait and see.” But waiting often means missing the window where early intervention can make the biggest difference—especially when it comes to feeding and oral motor development.
This blog is for the moms of tongue-tied babies. The moms whose toddlers gag at new textures. The moms wondering why their kid only sleeps with their mouth open. If that’s you, keep reading. You’re not alone—and you’re not overreacting.
Common Signs Something Might Be Off
These red flags might seem subtle, but they can signal an underlying issue with muscle function, airway development, or structural restriction:
In babies:
Clicking or losing suction during breastfeeding
Frequent gas, reflux, or colic
Shallow latch or falling asleep while feeding
Poor weight gain despite frequent nursing
Breathing noisily or through the mouth
In toddlers and older children:
Gagging or spitting out new food textures
Excessive drooling
Delayed speech or unclear speech sounds
Open-mouth posture during the day or while sleeping
Picky eating or food aversions
These signs are often tied to oral motor delays, tongue ties, or orofacial dysfunctions that can affect feeding, speech, and airway health. The earlier we address them, the smoother the path ahead.
Why “They’ll Grow Out of It” Isn’t Always True
Many parents are told to wait things out—but function doesn’t improve without support. Kids don’t always grow out of these challenges; they grow around them, creating compensations that can cause bigger issues later.
For example:
A baby who can’t latch properly may become a toddler with weak chewing patterns.
A child with undiagnosed tongue tie may develop a speech delay or chronic congestion.
Mouth breathing during sleep can disrupt brain development, energy levels, and even behavior.
That’s why we focus on root-cause therapy. Not just improving how things look, but how they function.
Trusting Yourself Is the First Step
You’re not being “dramatic” or “too cautious.” Your child deserves a full-body, full-function evaluation—not a rushed opinion.
At OroGlow, we honor a mother’s intuition. We believe you should never have to convince someone that your child needs help. If something feels off to you, it’s worth exploring.
If you’re a mom in Abilene, Texas or surrounding areas who feels stuck, unheard, or unsure—book a free consultation. We’ll listen, evaluate, and guide you through what’s next with no pressure. Just support.
Sources & Further Reading:
International Affiliation of Tongue-Tie Professionals (IATP)
American Academy of Pediatrics: Feeding Milestones
Feeding Matters: Pediatric Feeding Disorder Guidelines
About OroGlow
OroGlow Myofunctional & Speech Services is a therapy practice based in Abilene, Texas, specializing in root-cause care for children and adults. We help families address feeding challenges, oral motor delays, tongue ties, and speech issues through myofunctional and holistic therapy approaches. Let’s work together to support your child’s development, starting with a free consultation.