Does your baby feel stiff in your arms?
Arch their back when feeding or crying?
Struggle to settle or relax—even when all their “needs” seem met?

You’re not imagining it—and it’s not just colic, gas, or a “hard baby.”

In this episode of Mothering From Within, pediatric OT Kaili Ets shares what it really means when a baby feels tight, fussy, or hard to settle—and how body tension in babies often goes unrecognized and misunderstood by both professionals and well-meaning family members.

You’ll learn:

• What “holding tension” looks like in babies (subtle and obvious signs)
• The connection between birth experiences, body patterns, and behavior
• Why some babies arch, hate lying flat, or can’t fully relax—even when fed and loved
• The emotional toll on moms when no one listens to their concerns
• How to start supporting your baby’s body gently, without waiting for a diagnosis

This episode is your reminder that if your baby feels “off,” your instincts are likely right—and there is help available.

🕒 Episode Highlights:
00:00 – Welcome to Mothering From Within
00:57 – You can feel when something’s off
03:41 – Why this episode matters: the missing conversation
06:30 – Signs your baby may be holding tension
09:27 – How birth, positioning, and compression affect baby’s body
12:10 – Colic, reflux, feeding issues—could tension be underneath it all?
14:45 – Why your baby’s discomfort isn’t “just a phase”
17:03 – The toll on moms when no one validates your concerns
19:56 – What to do next: looking deeper, trusting yourself, finding support

✨ Resources & Next Steps:
📘 Grab Kaili’s book: Mothering From Within → https://kailiets.com/book/
🎁 Download the Free Baby Body Tension Guide → https://freebie.kailiets.com/baby-tension
📍 Interested in local support or research participation? Learn more → https://kailiets.com/therapy/

💜 If this episode resonated, share it with another mama who needs it—and tag @theholisticbabyguru so Kaili can cheer you on.

In this expert-packed episode of Mothering From Within, pediatric OT Kaili Ets is joined by Marisa Marino, a seasoned pediatric physical therapist who specializes in torticollis and plagiocephaly (flat head syndrome) in babies as well as pre/postnatal women's health.

Together, they break down:

• What torticollis and plagiocephaly actually are (and what causes them)
• The difference between a baby’s head turning preference and a true diagnosis
• Simple positioning strategies to try at home
• How to spot early signs before it becomes a bigger issue
• When to seek professional support—and what therapy might look like

Whether you're noticing a flat spot on your baby’s head, struggling with tummy time, or hearing new words like “plagiocephaly” or “torticollis” from your provider—this conversation will help you feel more informed, empowered, and supported.

Episode Highlights:

00:00 – Welcome to Mothering From Within
01:14 – Meet Marisa Marino, pediatric physical therapist
03:03 – What is torticollis? What is plagiocephaly?
04:50 – How head shape and positioning are connected
09:44 – Treatment strategies + tummy time tips
12:11 – What the research says & how to advocate for your baby
26:22 – Final reflections & where to find Marisa

Perfect for parents who are:
• Noticing their baby always turns their head one way
• Concerned about flat spots on their baby’s head
• Wondering if tummy time is enough
• Looking for holistic, gentle alternatives to “wait and see”

💜 Know a mama who needs this? Forward the episode or tag us on IG!
Follow Kaili → @theholisticbabyguru
Find Marisa → risamarino@gmail.com

Want to participate in my Torticollis research study? Book your FREE session here

In this episode of Mothering From Within, Kaili Ets—pediatric occupational therapist and holistic baby guru—dives deep into the often misunderstood condition of Torticollis in babies.

If your baby constantly turns their head to one side, struggles with tummy time or latching, hates one breast, or seems tight and fussy when lying flat—this episode is a must-listen.

You'll learn:

• What torticollis actually is (spoiler: it's more than just a neck issue)
• The connection between torticollis and tongue ties
• Common causes, from in-utero positioning to birth interventions
• Why your baby’s tension might be showing up as feeding, sleep, or motor issues
• Why passive stretching alone often isn’t enough—and what you can do instead

Kaili also shares how craniosacral therapy, osteopathy, and whole-body approaches can gently support babies with head turning preference—without forcing movement or waiting it out.

If you’re local to Stoney Creek, Burlington, or Ancaster, she’s also inviting families to participate in her osteopathy thesis research project focused on gentle, effective support for babies with torticollis.

🕒 Episode Timestamps:
00:00 – Welcome to Mothering From Within
01:11 – Personal update + what inspired this episode
01:43 – What is torticollis? Signs & red flags
04:07 – Common causes of torticollis in babies
05:51 – Why torticollis is more than a neck issue
09:39 – Torticollis & tongue tie connection
15:06 – Why stretching alone isn’t always enough
18:52 – Join Kaili’s local research study (free treatment opportunity!)
19:54 – Final thoughts + how to support your baby holistically

✨ Resources Mentioned:
📘 Mothering From Within – Kaili’s book: A holistic guide to sleep, reflux, feeding, baby development & maternal well-being. Buy your copy here.
🎁 [Free Baby Body Tension Guide] – Learn how to identify subtle signs of body tension at home
📍 [Join Kaili’s Research Study] – For local families with babies experiencing torticollis or head turning preference