All Things Sensory by Harkla

If you asked 100 occupational therapists whether they've experienced burnout, how many do you think would say yes?
In this episode, we have an honest conversation about burnout in the OT profession. We share our own experiences working in clinics, schools, and early intervention, and talk about the realities that many therapists face every day: overwhelming caseloads, endless documentation, productivity demands, long commutes, emotional exhaustion, and the pressure to constantly do more. 
We also discuss something that doesn't get talked about enough: how caring deeply about the children and families we serve can make it difficult to leave work at work. From challenging cases to social media comparison, there are so many factors contributing to burnout that go beyond simply being "too busy." 
Most importantly, we share practical strategies that have helped us protect our nervous systems, advocate for ourselves, set better boundaries, and create more sustainable careers. 
Thanks for listening 🩷 Whether you're a new grad, a seasoned therapist, or somewhere in between, we hope this conversation helps you feel a little less alone. And reminder: GO ON THE TRIP. We’d love to hear your thoughts: have you experienced burnout and what have you used to combat it? 
Links
We’d love to answer your questions on the podcast! Fill out this form - https://harkla.typeform.com/to/ItWxQNP3
Primitive Reflex Digital Course
https://harkla.co/products/primitive-reflexes-course 
All Things Sensory Podcast Instagram 
https://www.instagram.com/allthingssensorypodcast/ 
Harkla Website 
https://harkla.co/ 
Harkla YouTube
​​https://www.youtube.com/c/HarklaFamily 
Harkla Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/harkla_family/ 
Harkla Digital Courses
https://harkla.co/collections/courses

If your child was born between 2018 and 2022, should they have their primitive reflexes screened?
In this episode, we explore how the COVID-19 pandemic may have impacted child development and why Rachel believes primitive reflex screenings should become a routine part of early childhood care. From pregnancy stress and delayed services to increased screen time, fewer social opportunities, and less movement, they discuss how these experiences may have affected (and continue to affect) kids today.
We also explain what primitive reflexes are, how retained reflexes can impact learning, behavior, coordination, and emotional regulation, and what signs parents, therapists, and educators may want to watch for.
This conversation isn't meant to cause fear or point blame. We want people to get curious, focus on early identification, and give kids the support they need to thrive.
Thanks for listening 🩷 We'd love to hear your thoughts. Do you have a pandemic-era child, and have you noticed any of the challenges we discussed?
Links
We’d love to answer your questions on the podcast! Fill out this form - https://harkla.typeform.com/to/ItWxQNP3 
Primitive Reflex Digital Course
https://harkla.co/products/primitive-reflexes-course 
All Things Sensory Podcast Instagram 
https://www.instagram.com/allthingssensorypodcast/ 
Harkla Website 
https://harkla.co/ 
Harkla YouTube
​​https://www.youtube.com/c/HarklaFamily 
Harkla Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/harkla_family/ 
Harkla Digital Courses
https://harkla.co/collections/courses

Feeding a baby can feel overwhelming, especially when things don't go as planned. In this episode, I sit down with Kristin and Maureen from Wild Milk Co., two International Board Certified Lactation Consultants (IBCLCs), for a conversation about infant feeding, lactation support, oral ties, and what families really need to know during those early months.
We talk about common feeding challenges like painful latch, supply concerns, reflux, colic, and bottle feeding struggles, as well as how oral function and oral ties can impact feeding. We also explore the connection between feeding, sensory processing, nervous system regulation, and infant development, along with what families can expect when working with an IBCLC.
Whether you're breastfeeding, bottle feeding, pumping, or doing a combination of all three, this episode is full of practical guidance, reassurance, and encouragement to help you feel more confident in your feeding journey.
Thanks for listening 🩷If this episode helped you feel more supported in your feeding journey, share it with another parent who might need to hear it.
LINKS
We’d love to answer your questions on the podcast! Fill out this form - https://harkla.typeform.com/to/ItWxQNP3 
Wild Milk Co.
https://www.wildmilkco.com/ 
Follow Wild Milk Co. on Instagram 
https://www.instagram.com/wildmilkco
Real Food for Pregnancy
https://www.amazon.com/Real-Food-Pregnancy-Prenatal-Nutrition/dp/0986295043 
IBCLC Masterclass:
https://www.lactationmasterclass.com/
How to find a masterclass trained IBCLC: 
https://www.lactationmasterclass.com/findanibclc
Idaho Breastfeeding Coalition:
https://www.idahobreastfeeding.org/
Spectra S2:
https://www.spectrababyusa.com/products/spectra-s1-plus-premier-rechargeable-double-electric-breast-pump
Eufy Wearable:
https://www.eufy.com/products/t8d04121?variant=43660277121210
Ninni Co. Pacifier:
https://ninnico.com/
Medela Harmony:
https://www.medela.com/en-us/breastfeeding-pumping/products/pumps/manual/harmony-manual-breast-pump?productId=1021
Natural Breastfeeding Video:
https://naturalbreastfeeding.com/
First Droplets Educational Resource:
https://firstdroplets.com/
Pigeon Glass Bottles:
https://www.pigeonstore.com/
Inno Baby Teethers:
https://www.innobaby.com/
All Things Sensory Podcast Instagram 
https://www.instagram.com/allthingssensorypodcast/ 
Harkla Website 
https://harkla.co/ 
Harkla YouTube
​​https://www.youtube.com/c/HarklaFamily 
Harkla Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/harkla_family/ 
Harkla Digital Courses
https://harkla.co/collections/courses

If potty training, constipation, accidents, or stool withholding feel way harder than they should, you are not alone. In this episode, we’re talking about pediatric pelvic floor health and why many toileting struggles are actually connected to body awareness, sensory processing, nervous system regulation, and coordination.
Amanda shares her perspective as an OT specializing in pediatric pelvic floor health, while Rachel brings in the sensory and regulation lens. Together, we break down why kids who struggle with toileting are not being lazy, stubborn, or defiant, and why pressure and shame often make things worse.
We also talk about common signs a child may need extra support, how stress and dysregulation impact the body, and practical strategies families can use at home to make toileting feel safer and more manageable.
This episode is all about helping parents better understand what’s happening beneath the surface and reminding families that their child is not broken and they are not failing.
Thanks for listening 🩷 If this episode made you feel less alone, share it with another parent navigating toileting struggles right now.
LINKS
We’d love to answer your questions on the podcast! Fill out this form - https://harkla.typeform.com/to/ItWxQNP3 
Amanda’s Potty Training Resources 
https://stan.store/yourpediatricOT 
All Things Sensory Podcast Instagram 
https://www.instagram.com/allthingssensorypodcast/ 
Harkla Website 
https://harkla.co/ 
Harkla YouTube
​​https://www.youtube.com/c/HarklaFamily 
Harkla Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/harkla_family/ 
Harkla Digital Courses
https://harkla.co/collections/courses

Vibration plates are everywhere right now, but how do you actually use them safely and effectively with kids? In this episode, I’m diving into one of my favorite tools and sharing how I use vibration plates in therapy, what the research is saying, and what families and therapists need to know before trying one at home.
I talk about how vibration plates work, why they were originally developed, and why they can be such a powerful tool for sensory regulation, body awareness, muscle activation, and reflex integration. I also share some of the biggest safety considerations, including when to avoid using vibration plates, what signs to watch for during sessions, and why “low and slow” is always the best place to start.
Throughout the episode, I walk through practical ways I incorporate vibration plates into therapy sessions using functional activities instead of just having kids stand on them. From balance work and yoga flows to games, primitive reflex activities, and sensory integration exercises, I share ideas that make this tool purposeful and engaging.
I also discuss what current research is showing around toe walking, constipation, cerebral palsy, and sensory regulation, along with how I decide whether a vibration plate might be helpful for a child at home versus something better used in a clinical setting.
This episode is designed to help you feel more informed, more confident, and more thoughtful about using vibration plates with kids in a way that supports the nervous system safely and intentionally.
Thanks for listening 🩷If you’ve ever used a vibration plate with your child or in therapy, I’d love to hear about your experience!
LINKS
We’d love to answer your questions on the podcast! Fill out this form - https://harkla.typeform.com/to/ItWxQNP3 
LifePro Vibration Plates
https://lifeprofitness.com/collections/vibration-therapy 
Therapeutic Use of Vibration Plates Webinar
https://sensationalbrain.com/product/vibration-plates-pediatric-occupational-therapy/ 
All Things Sensory Podcast Instagram 
https://www.instagram.com/allthingssensorypodcast/ 
Harkla Website 
https://harkla.co/ 
Harkla YouTube
​​https://www.youtube.com/c/HarklaFamily 
Harkla Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/harkla_family/ 
Harkla Digital Courses
https://harkla.co/collections/courses