In this episode of Behind the Latch, Margaret Salty interviews Dr. Emily Little researcher and founder of Nurturely. Together, they explore how a baby’s sensory world influences their development, the impact of culture on parent-infant interactions, and why early sensory experiences—like babywearing, skin-to-skin, and gentle handling—can have profound effects on feeding, regulation, and bonding. Dr. Little shares evidence-based insights into nurturing the whole baby while advocating for a more inclusive, anti-racist model of perinatal health.
Emily’s Journey into Perinatal Psychology
Dr. Little shares how:
- Her early research focused on infant sensory systems and regulation.
- Time spent in cross-cultural research opened her eyes to the variety of parenting norms around the globe.
- She founded Nurturely to bridge research and equity-centered community care, bringing together science, support, and systems change.
Why Sensory Development Matters in Early Life
They discuss:
- How babies rely on touch, sound, movement, and smell to make sense of their world.
- How common Western parenting norms—like placing babies in containers and using less skin-to-skin—can lead to sensory mismatch and dysregulation.
- Why “fussy” behavior may be a clue to unmet sensory needs rather than a temperament issue.
Cultural Norms, Racism, and Equity in Perinatal Care
Dr. Little explains:
- How colonization and racism have disrupted culturally grounded parenting practices.
- The importance of reclaiming and honoring ancestral knowledge—especially in Black, Indigenous, and Latinx communities.
- That perinatal care must move beyond individual-level support and into system-level change to be truly equitable.
Rethinking the Babywearing “Trend”
They explore:
- How babywearing is often dismissed as “optional” in Western medicine—but is the norm globally.
- The developmental, emotional, and regulatory benefits of babywearing for both parents and infants.
- How Nurturely’s programs provide access to baby carriers, workshops, and community support—especially for BIPOC families.
Creating Systemic Change in Perinatal Health
Dr. Little describes:
- Why research alone is not enough—we need community-driven change.
- Nurturely’s model of working with BIPOC-led organizations to co-create programs that address real-world challenges.
- Why dismantling racism in perinatal health is a lifelong commitment, not a checkbox.
Advice for IBCLCs and Perinatal Professionals
Dr. Little encourages providers to:
- Stay curious—question what you consider “normal” parenting practices.
- Understand the deep connection between sensory development and feeding behaviors.
- Partner with community organizations to expand access and inclusion in perinatal care.
Guest Info:
Dr. Emily Little is a researcher and the founder of Nurturely, a nonprofit dedicated to promoting equity in perinatal wellness and strengthening the connection between culture, science, and care.
🌐 www.nurturely.org
📘 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emilylittlephd
Connect with Margaret:
📧 Email: hello@margaretsalty.com
📸 Instagram: @margaretsalty
📘 Facebook: Margaret Salty
🎙 Hosted by: Margaret Salty
🎧 Guest: Dr. Emily Little
🎵 Music by: The Magnifiers, “My Time Traveling Machine”
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