The Milestone Mentor (2025)

31/07/2025

💙✨ He’s here ✨💙

Introducing Beauden Douglas Braase

At 1:20 AM on July 29, 2025, we welcomed our son “Beau” after an unforgettable labor filled with intensity and surrender.

My water broke early Monday morning on 7/28 at 2:20 AM, but this was pre-contractions, so nothing really changed. I attended my scheduled prenatal visit at 10:30am, where mommy and baby both checked out as healthy. At this appointment, we were informed that if I wasn’t in active labor (7cm dilated) within 24 hours of my water breaking that I’d have to transfer my care from the birthing center to a hospital. Our birth plan has always been a natural birth at the birthing center, so this added some unexpected pressure. Since there were no signs of contractions, we made the decision to employ the help of castor oil (and a lot of patience). Contractions finally started around 1:30 PM—and boy did they immediately come on strong and steady.

The thing about castor oil is that it can potentially induce contractions (and GI upset) without progressing dilation, which is essentially what happened to me. I was having very intense contractions every 1.5 minutes for a few hours at home, even though the anticipated time line is about 4-5 minutes apart. We made the call to head to the birth center around 6:30 pm. When we arrived… we were taken aback to find out that, despite these contractions, I was only 2-3 cm dilated. At this point, it was inferred that hospital transfer by 2am was very likely.

I asked if there was some way to slow my contractions since I couldn’t bear the thought of continuing labor this intensely, without any breaks, for who knows how long?! My midwife agreed to allow me to get in the warm tub… which resulted in about an hour of glorious relief.

I told my husband and mom to alert everyone that was reaching out to “pray specially for dilation!”

Contractions spaced out a bit but quickly intensified. After a number of positional changes and techniques, I was officially dilated to 6-7 cm around 8:30 pm and knew that I no longer had the lingering thought of a hospital transfer over my head. Hallelujah!!! Everyone on the team was shocked that my body progressed in this way!

After a few more hours of powerful labor, I was fully dilated to 10cm at 12:00 AM and ready to push. Again, everyone was shocked! My midwife began to fill the tub, which seemed like it took an eternity. I got in the tub around 12:30 AM and patiently waited for my body to began pushing around 12:45 AM. From the initial push, we brought our sweet boy into the world just 35 minutes later. He was born naturally, with no intervention, in the water at our birthing center. So thankful for the coaching of my midwife in those final moments, allowing me to trust my body and my instincts. It was everything we had hoped and prayed for—challenging, primal, and spirit filled.

Even though we fully anticipated making it to 40 weeks full term, Beau decided he wanted to meet us a week early. We’re soaking up every moment of the newborn bliss and learning how to adjust to life as a family of 3 + Abby 🐶💙.

PS - Doug was an absolute rockstar behind the scenes while I was practically incoherent for hours! I honestly don’t know that I opened my eyes more than 5 times… but when I did, he was right there for me (and everyone else who was reaching out)

Thanks to everyone who has already reached out and thank you in advance to everyone for your congratulations and support!

15/07/2025

“My baby isn’t clapping yet…”

If you’ve ever spiraled after a pediatrician check-up because your baby isn’t meeting the desired milestones — I see you. 🫶

Clapping is often asked about around 9 months, but the truth is, it’s not just a simple “yes” or “no” answer. Let’s dig deeper.

👏 Clapping is not just about social engagement.
👏 It’s an important motor milestone, too.

In order to do something as seemingly simple as clapping, babies need core stability, midline control, and postural balance to do so successfully. To me, this means that if baby is delayed with clapping, they might actually be telling us something about the rest of their gross motor development.

The key take away:
👏 We have to have proximal stability before distal mobility.
👏 This essentially means that the center of our body (core/trunk) has feel stable before we are able to confidently and efficiently move our limbs.

So even though the pediatrician’s checklist might actually be a simple “yes” or no,” we want to ask WHY?! Let’s stop looking at milestones in isolation and start looking at the baby as a whole. 💛

PS - I have many parents come to me with the complaint of “my baby isn’t clapping!” Once I point out things like, core weakness for example, and treat accordingly… the clapping comes flawlessly 🥹

Wondering if your baby needs a little extra support? 💬 Comment “CLAP” if you want me to DM you to chat more about your little one.

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SAVE this for your baby’s next well check
SHARE with a friend &
Follow for more tips & tricks!

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Hi there! I’m Dr. Amy! Pediatric PT, soon to be boy mama, and creator of ! I specialize in supporting families through their little one’s milestone journey, focusing on symmetry and purposeful play. We talk a lot of torticollis, tension, and head shape, too! New here? DM me to say hi 👋

14/03/2025

It’s official! We are hiring at The Milestone Mentor!

Calling all pediatric therapists and bodyworkers looking for

❤️ An amazingly rewarding position
❤️ A chance to live in the beautiful sunshine state
❤️ A flexible work schedule for work/life balance
❤️ an opportunity for mentorship with Dr Amy

✅ Pediatric experience required
✅ Bodywork/manual therapy experience preferred

This position will begin as part time but will likely increase to full time quickly, if interested.

To get more information or to apply, comment APPLY and I’ll send the link straight to your inbox.

Know of an amazing therapist who would be a perfect fit? SHARE this post so that they don’t miss out!

Therapists - have additional questions? DM to chat more!

Thank you for all of your support. I am so humbled by the fact that I get to do this for a living!!! I can’t wait for the opportunity to expand our team and provide even more support to this community.

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Hi there! I’m Dr. Amy! Pediatric PT and creator of ! I specialize in supporting families through their little one’s milestone journey, focusing on symmetry and purposeful play. We talk a lot about torticollis, oral ties, tension, and head shape, too! With a passion for nurturing your child’s potential, I’m here to answer your burning questions, provide guidance, and cheer you guys on every step of the way! 📣💕

05/09/2024

Did I just say to ditch the swaddle??? 😲

Well, ultimately that’s up to you.

I’m really not here to tell you exactly what to do or not to do.

I am here to provide you with education so that you can make a confident decision for you and your family.

Check out all 10 slides in the post above. I’ve included a ton of detail on why I am personally less and less a fan of the swaddle the longer and longer that I practice.

I do think swaddles have a time and a place… but my overall outlook on regular use for a typically developing newborn is not great.

I already feel a sequel coming to this post, by the way, because I know that it’s going to hit home with a lot of you.

Did you have a gut reaction one way or the other when you started swaddling your baby??? 💭⬇️

Providers, do you agree or disagree with me?

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Hi there! I’m Dr. Amy! Pediatric PT, craniosacral fascial therapist, and creator of ! I specialize in supporting families through their little one’s milestone journey, focusing on symmetry and purposeful play. We also talk about how having healthy nervous systems can help to regulate the entire family!

Find this helpful?
SAVE for future use,
SHARE with a friend &
FOLLOW for more!

*Not medical advice. For education purposes only.

09/05/2024

Tummy Time Milestones

… or rather, MINIstones?

Tummy time is sooo much more than just simply spending time on the tummy. Countless skills develop during this floor time activity…. Skills that you might not have even realized existed!

Check out this post for a breakdown of tummy time over the first 7 months. From lifting the head to pushing up on hands & knees… it’s all so exciting to see 💕

What questions do you have about the ages/milestones listed?

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Hi there! I’m Dr. Amy! Pediatric PT and creator of ! I specialize in supporting families through their little one’s milestone journey, focusing on symmetry and purposeful play. We talk a lot about torticollis, tension, oral ties, and head shape, too! With a passion for nurturing your child’s potential, I’m here to answer your burning questions, provide guidance, and cheer you guys on every step of the way! 📣💕

21/03/2024

Happy National Torticollis & Plagiocephaly Awareness Day!

⭐️ Torticollis: a condition where the SCM and other neck muscles tighten and generally present with a head tilt to one side and rotation to the other.

⭐️ Plagiocephaly: also known as positional plagiocephaly is a flat spot on one side of the baby’s skull, typically from prolonged pressure on that part of the head in utero or shortly after.

Did you know there’s a HUGE correlation between the two? Although it’s posssible to have one without the other, they tend to coexist since the asymmetrical muscle pull of torticollis tends to create a positional preference that contributes to plagio.

Did/does your baby have torticollis, plagiocephaly or both?

Tell me more about your story in the comments below!

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Hi there! I’m Dr. Amy! Pediatric PT and creator of ! I specialize in supporting families through their little one’s milestone journey, focusing on symmetry and purposeful play. We talk a lot of torticollis, tension, and head shape, too! With a passion for nurturing your child’s potential, I’m here to answer your burning questions, provide guidance, and cheer you guys on every step of the way! 📣💕

03/11/2023

❤️G I VE A W A Y T I M E❤️

Thank you for 10k, which is now over 11k, and almost 12k!

To celebrate, I’ve partnered with some incredible accounts to gift one lucky winner:

🏆 Tummy Time Wedge from
🏆 High Contrast Cards from
🏆 Baby Massage Cards from
🏆 Organic Baby Oil from
🏆 2 Pack of Ninni Pacifiers from

TO ENTER:

🌟LIKE and SAVE this photo
🌟FOLLOW
🌟FOLLOW the accounts above
🌟Tag your friends! Each tag is 1 entry (1 tag per comment)

🌟🌟🌟BONUS: Share this post in your stories for 5 extra entries. Make sure to tag to get credit. If your account is private, send me a screen shot of your story!

Giveaway will close Thursday November 9 at 11:59 EST. Winner will be chose by random draw and notified via direct message.

If you’re looking to purchase any of these products ASAP, comment below and I’ll send you my aff links and any coupon codes that I have 🛍️

Some constraints may apply for international applicants depending on the product’s availability. Winner may be responsible for shipping costs if outside of the US. If shipping is not available, options will be discussed with the winner on how to proceed.

Per Instagram rules, this promotion is in no way sponsored, administered, or associated with Instagram, Inc. By entering, entrants confirm that they are 13+ years of age, release Instagram of responsibility, and agree to Instagram’s terms of use.”

02/11/2023

Hi there! I’m Dr. Amy! Pediatric PT and creator of ! I specialize in supporting families through their little one’s milestone journey, focusing on symmetry and purposeful play. We talk a lot about torticollis, body tension, oral ties, and head shape, too!

In addition to my doctorate of physical therapy, I am CFT, TMR, and TOTs trained.

How is my approach unique?!

I’d say, I am not your average PT. I’ve practiced from a “textbook” bio mechanical and anatomical approach in the past. Personally, that often left me thinking, “What’s that missing puzzle piece?”

After going through additional training, I now approach the body from a holistic perspective, focusing on the body as a whole. I address nervous system regulation, specifically focusing on tongue posture and fascial tension, and then working to connect the dots.

I approach my hands on care with “rest and digest” in mind. I treat from a position of ease, moving into a position of effort, and finishing with functional age appropriate movements. I want babies to feel comfortable in their bodies in order to set the foundation for age appropriate milestone progression.

As a body work and tension based therapist, I am dedicated to creating a positive and empowering experience for mom and baby, as well as the entire family unit.

Although I am in private practice, I value working with a supportive and collaborative team. I work closely with other professionals, including dental specialists, SLP/OT therapists, feeding and myofunctional therapists, chiropractors, CST, IBCLCs, etc.

I feel truly blessed to be in a position to help facilitate healing. The body is miraculous masterpiece. I believe that all glory goes to God. He is the Healer! I am only a vessel working in Jesus’ mighty name!

Looking for support? My clinic is in the Tampa Bay Area. I offer PEDIATRIC PT and CFT services to ALL AGES! I also offer online consultations world wide. Comment BOOK if you’d like my direct booking link.

Are you a parent or therapist? Let me know below!

23/09/2023

👶 Tummy Time Modifications 👶

Let's talk about how a few simple modifications can help to make tummy time a fuss free experience.

Tummy time is about setting the stage for essential development. It helps build a foundation for future milestones like rolling, crawling, and sitting. Although the goal is to be able to perform it flat on the floor… we want baby to enjoy it! If tummy time on the floor is not tolerated well, we can offer modifications.

Check out this post for some of my favorites modifications to use!

The purpose of these modifications is to build tolerance in order to progress to performing in the floor.

Other helpful tips to consider:

⭐️ By helping your baby bear weight through their arms, it will help to encourage tummy time as an active task instead of passive.

⭐️If using modifications, think about putting their chest above their hips. This will help to decrease overall difficulty.

What’s your little one’s favorite modification for tummy???

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Hi there! I’m Dr. Amy! Pediatric PT and creator of ! I specialize in supporting families through their little one’s milestone journey, focusing on symmetry and purposeful play. We talk a lot about torticollis, tension, and head shape, too! With a passion for nurturing your child’s potential, I’m here to answer your burning questions, provide guidance, and cheer you guys on every step of the way! 📣💕

12/09/2023

High Contrast Toys

Hi there! I’m Dr. Amy! Pediatric PT and creator of ! I specialize in supporting families through their little one’s milestone journey, focusing on symmetry and purposeful play. We talk a lot of torticollis, tension, oral ties, and head shape, too!

Have you ever wondered why toys labeled “newborn” typically tend to be black, white, and red?

These toys are called HIGH CONTRAST and are very beneficial and developmentally appropriate.

Baby’s vision is extremely fuzzy and not yet fully developed, specifically in that 0-3 months age range.

By utilizing high contrast toys, we can:
❤️ Grab baby’s attention, despite their fuzzy vision
🖤Stimulate the optic nerve, helping vision development
❤️ Encourages high contrast color differentiation
🖤 Sends a sharper visual cue to the brain (compared to normal color)
❤️ Expose baby to “entertainment” that is age appropriate
🖤 Have an enriching way to interact and engage with baby

If you’d like to see some of my favorite high contrast options, comment CONTRAST to get the direct link!

Also, if you’re looking to save some $$$ on high contrast cards, Agnes .mothering has you covered. Use code Monti20 to save on the brand. As a thank you, be sure to FOLLOW her for amazing and realistic tips on parenting the montessori way!

18/08/2023

FI**ED HANDS

✊✊🏻✊🏼✊🏽✊🏾

Parents are often told that fi**ed hands are “normal” and age appropriate, and that they are simply a hunger cue.

Although this can be true, anything in EXCESS should raise a “yellow” flag. When we take the perspective of “everything in moderation,” we recognize that fi**ed hands might not be as simple as a hunger cue when they are ALWAYS fi**ed.

In my world, I see fi**ed hands associated with tension ALL OF THE TIME. Tension in the mouth, the neck, throat, jaw, pelvis, etc. etc.

Typically, when we address the tension and fascial statin, we can (finally) get those hands to relax and let go!

Another scenario is that when baby uses fists in a functional position, such as pushing up in tummy time, they tend to be compensating for weakness and/or fascial strain and using that position to find STABILITY.

Does your baby have fi**ed hands? Did you know that it could be more than a hunger cue?

👋 Hi there! I’m Dr. Amy! Pediatric PT and creator of ! I specialize in supporting families through their little one’s milestone journey, focusing on symmetry and purposeful play. We talk a lot of torticollis, tension, and head shape, too! With a passion for nurturing your child’s potential, I’m here to answer your burning questions, provide guidance, and cheer you guys on every step of the way! 📣💕

⭐️ Disclaimer: This is not meant to be or replace medical advice. I am not a feeding therapist, and don’t intend to replace feeding therapy. This is meant to discuss a common symptom from a gross motor and tension related lens.

10/08/2023

Ahhhhhh yahhh - that CFT feeling.

If you’ve experienced it, you know what I’m talking about!

Fascial therapy, in simplistic terms,

🧠 Helps the brain to breathe better

💤 Helps regulate the nervous system from fight or flight to rest & digest

❤️‍🩹Nurtures our overall well being and sets the stage for healing to happen!

Although it’s ESPECIALLY beneficial for newborns, it’s truly beneficial at ANY AGE. Personally, I love the opportunity for co-regulating between mama and newborn within those first few weeks or months following birth.

If you’d like to join the FB group to search for a provider near you, comment CFT and I’ll send you the link!

In Tampa or looking to travel for an intensive? Comment BOOK and I’ll send you my direct booking link!

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Hi there! I’m Dr. Amy! Pediatric PT and creator of ! I specialize in supporting families through their little one’s milestone journey, focusing on symmetry and purposeful play. We talk a lot of torticollis, tension, and head shape, too! When it comes to fascial tension, I offer CFT to ALL AGES!

The Milestone Mentor