My journey into sleep and breathing disorders began in 2021, shortly after the birth of my second child. I was struggling with poor sleep habits and constant fatigue, which led me to undergo a sleep study. The results revealed mild sleep apnea, and once I began using an APAP device, the transformation in my sleep quality was life changing.

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Not long after my diagnosis, I noticed my 3-year-old exhibiting signs of sleep disruption—despite sleeping over 12 hours a night and daytime naps. I dove into research, trying to understand what was happening beneath the surface. That’s when a close friend introduced me to the world of myofunctional therapy. I became her patient and discovered I had long-standing low tongue posture, which was impacting my sleep and overall wellness. Through orofacial myofunctional exercises, I became more aware of my tongue posture and unlocked yet another level of restorative sleep.

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Taking an introductory course in orofacial myofunctional therapy was a turning point. It helped me connect the dots between early feeding challenges—like breastfeeding difficulties—and potential oral restrictions that could be affecting both of my children’s sleep and development.

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Motivated by this revelation, I pursued further education at UC San Diego through Pathway 2 to become a lactation consultant. This training has empowered me to support families from the very beginning of life, helping them make informed decisions and navigate treatment options when early intervention isn’t possible.