The Mother–Baby Connection: Supporting Early Development and the Nervous System
Heather Wheelock
OTR/L, PCD Occupational Therapist Postpartum Doula
Founded - Heart to Brain OT
JULY 1, 2026 11am - 1pm
Heather is a neuro-holistic practitioner grounded in the work of Moshe Feldenkrais. She integrates a deep understanding of nervous system development and neuroplasticity into her practice. As a licensed occupational therapist with advanced experience in primitive reflex integration, she specializes in supporting infants and children through a developmental, relationship-based lens that prioritizes "connection through movement" and honors each child’s unique timeline, rather than “fixing" or forcing.
Using gentle touch, her work focuses on supporting the whole nervous system by creating awareness within the child and addressing sensory processing, motor development, regulation, and the foundational reflexes that shape early patterns of movement, learning, and emotional resilience.
Heather draws deeply from the philosophies of Emmi Pikler and Magda Gerber, as well as RIE parenting, all of whom emphasize respectful caregiving, attuned observation, co-regulation, and freedom of movement without placing babies in restrictive devices or putting them in positions they cannot get into on their own.
Her greatest joy is helping parents, caregivers, and other practitioners trust in the child’s innate competence.
Heather is a certified provider of the Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP), using a polyvagal-informed approach to support nervous system regulation, safety, and connection, and is trained in the Gillespie approach to Craniosacral Fascial Therapy.
In addition to her private practice, she is a certified doula and a credentialed K–5 teacher, bringing a comprehensive, compassionate perspective to gentle birthing, early development, and conscious caregiving and schooling.
Heather works with infants as early as their first day of life and with them as they grow and change. She supports parents in-home, in-office, and virtually, through pregnancy and beyond.
This class is non-refundable however, it is transferable. If you transfer to another student, you must contact us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
