Thrive Growth & Development
Dr. Jessika Martin
We are moms on a mission to help other moms. There are few times in life as vulnerable and beautiful as the months surrounding the birth of your baby. This time can be incredibly wonderful, challenging, rewarding, empowering, overwhelming, fulfilling and impossibly hard...sometimes all in one day!
​
Breastfeeding is natural so we expect it to be easy...but sometimes it isn't. When you and your baby experience struggles with breastfeeding, it strains the bond you're developing and skyrockets the stress you both feel. You're not in this alone. There is a community of professionals to help you on your journey and we are privileged to be part of that team.
Dr. Jessika and her team work specifically with tethered oral tissues, aka: TOTs. A baby with TOTs has anatomy that prevents them from being able to latch well, so they don't nurse effectively. These TOTs may include: tongue ties, lip ties or cheek ties. When any of these tissues are tethered, they restrict movement which leads to a plethora of challenges in the early years and beyond.
​
By gently correcting these tethers with the use of a CO2 soft tissue laser, your baby will be better equipped to breastfeed successfully. Eliminating restrictions in oral tissues sets your baby up for success as they grow and develop to their full potential.
OUR TEAM APPROACH
Dr. Jessika is one member of a team of professionals in the community whose goal it is to make your breastfeeding relationship easier and enjoyable. Here are some of the other key players involved in a successful outcome that will be a benefit to your journey:
-
An International Board-Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) provides full feeding observation, latch/position adjustment, suck assessment, pre and post feeding weight checks and strategies for correcting problems and managing breastfeeding.
-
Bodyworkers such as a craniosacral therapist, osteopath, chiropractor, occupational or physical therapist can help babies to release tense muscles that have accompanied the tethered tissues.
By seeking the help of these highly educated professionals you will rule out most other factors, aside from TOTs that interfere with successful breastfeeding.
Your IBCLC and Bodyworker play a vital role in pre- and post-treatment therapy. Working as a team prevents unnecessary treatment and allows the most predictable and successful outcomes. We are happy to provide contact information for an IBCLC and bodywork provider.
Services
Phone Consultation
Prior to meeting in person, Dr. Jessika and her team is available to talk with you on the phone to learn about the struggles you're experiencing and determine a path moving forward.
Clinical & Functional Evaluation
Dr. Jessika will combine your history and concerns with a thorough evaluation of anatomy and function.
Treatment & Support
Release of oral restrictions and personal, frequent communication and support as you navigate the healing process on your way to success.
Some of our Success Stories
"Jessika and her team are the BEST!! 10/10 for care, knowledge, parental support, kindness, and overall service. We went to Jessika when our first born had a tongue tie, and when our second born had a lip tie. Both times she was able to quickly and accurately diagnose the problem, helped US make the informed decision about what to do, made sure we felt comfortable with all protocols and follow up exercises, and made herself available for questions and help at all times! Their in-office lactation consultant, Alex is also the best. Encouraging, super knowledgeable and informative, and someone we want to work with for all future babies. So thankful for the Thrive Growth and Development team! They’ve come to our rescue multiple times!"
Brooke McIntire
"I had a tongue tie release at 70. The staff and Dr. Martin are exceptional . Very caring and explained everything ahead of time and as we went along. Highly recommend. Couldn’t ask for a better experience. So glad I had the procedure done."
Debra Youmans
"I had the best experience with Thrive Growth & Development! Dr. Jessika and her team are highly knowledgeable and I really appreciated all of the education I received along the way in addition to the procedure for my son. They were so genuine and hands on - checking in via text on a regular basis and always available to hear any questions or concerns ... You can really tell this team loves babies and that really puts a mommas heart at ease. We actually looked forward to seeing this staff for our appointments! ... Thank you, Jessika and Alex for taking such wonderful care of my boy and me. I enjoyed every step of the journey and will happily refer folks in your direction!"
Jessica Ward
Highlighted Procedures and Products
Curious about some of the equipment we use, procedures we do, and products we recommend? See the list below! Clicking on one of the links will redirect you to an external website where you can find out more information, directly from the source.
​
-
This is the surgical cool laser we use in office: https://www.lightscalpel.com
​
-
This is the medical grade red light therapy (photobiomodulation) laser we use in office: https://summuslaser.com/provider/medical/lasers/p4/
​
-
This Myobrace is a line of products I can use for early orthodontic intervention, for patients younger than six. The patient has to be the right candidate, and it's not a perfect fit for everyone. https://myoresearch.com/en-au
​
-
This Muomunchee is a training tool that can be used for all ages. I like to use them here when it's a good fit for the patient. https://myomunchee.com
​
Soft Palate Procedure
One of the procedures we do is called a soft palate procedure. Below you will find the before and after photos for the procedure we performed on one of our patients. In the first photo, you can hardly see her uvula or soft palate at all. In the second photo there is a clear view of her soft palate, uvula, and throat. The tissues are lifted and her sleep quality is drastically improved, her nasal breathing has improved significantly, and she no longer feels the obstruction from her elongated uvula when exercising. This was with a simple, comfortable procedure that takes less than 5 minutes and uses only a numbing rinse. Most patients feel immediate improvements! Have any questions? Feel free to ask!
​
Before
After
Thrive Growth and Development
15455 Gleneagle Dr, Ste 100
Colorado Springs, CO 80921
Phone
(719)354-2472
​