In this episode of the Tongue Tie Experts Podcast, Lisa Paladino, CNM, IBCLC shares a clinical thinking framework she has primarily taught inside her professional trainings - until now.

One of the most common questions Lisa hears from professionals is not simply “How do I identify a tongue tie?” but something deeper:

How do I think through these cases?

How do I avoid missing something important?

How do I support families without creating fear or confusion?

The challenge is often not a lack of knowledge - it’s the absence of a clear framework for clinical reasoning.

In this episode, Lisa introduces the CAREFUL™ framework, a model developed from more than three decades of working with babies and families. This approach is designed to help professionals slow down, consider the full feeding picture, and provide thoughtful, family-centered care.

Lisa also discusses:

• Why feeding challenges cannot be understood through anatomy alone

• The importance of caring for the parent–baby dyad

• How structured clinical thinking improves confidence and decision-making

• Why interdisciplinary collaboration is essential in tongue tie care

• How a careful, measured approach builds trust with both families and colleagues

This episode offers a look into the thinking process Lisa teaches in her professional education programs and reflects the philosophy behind Tongue Tie Experts.

If this episode resonates with you, consider sharing it with a colleague. The more we strengthen how professionals approach these cases, the better outcomes we create for babies and families.

More From Tongue Tie Experts:

To learn more, download freebies, and for the links mentioned in the episode, including our popular course, Understanding Milk Supply for Medical and Birth Professionals, click here: www.tonguetieexperts.net/Links

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This podcast is meant for education and conversation only. It is not medical advice and does not replace formal education, professional training, or individualized care from a qualified healthcare provider. Always seek appropriate guidance for individual concerns. The views and opinions shared by our guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the host or Tongue-tie experts.