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Motherhood

Infant Feeding Therapy

Infant feeding therapy is a specialized aspect of speech-language therapy that focuses on helping babies and young children develop proper feeding skills, including swallowing, sucking, and coordination during eating. It’s often provided by speech-language pathologists (SLPs) or occupational therapists trained in this area. Infants with feeding difficulties might have issues with sucking, swallowing, or coordination, which can affect their nutrition and overall development.

Newborn's Care

Why infant feeding therapy is needed

Infant feeding therapy is necessary when an infant has trouble eating, which can be due to several factors:
 

  • Prematurity: Preterm infants may not have developed the full ability to suck, swallow, and breathe properly.

  • Medical conditions: Conditions like cleft lip or palate, tethered oral tissues (tongue tie, lip tie etc.), neurological disorders, or muscle weakness can affect feeding.

  • Oral motor difficulties: Some babies may not develop proper oral motor skills for efficient sucking, chewing, or swallowing.

  • Reflux or aspiration: Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or aspiration (food or liquid entering the airway) can cause feeding challenges.

  • Developmental delays: Babies with developmental delays might have difficulty transitioning from breast or bottle feeding to solid foods.

Nursing Newborn

Signs that infant feeding therapy may be needed

Parents or caregivers might notice certain signs that indicate a child needs feeding therapy:
 

  • Trouble latching or sucking during breastfeeding or bottle-feeding

  • Sliding off bottle or breast

  • Refusal to take bottle and/or breast

  • Clicking with latch

  • Dripping from corners of the mouth

  • Colic or GI upset/gas

  • Falling asleep during feeding sessions

  • Pain for mom when nursing

  • Poor weight gain or difficulty finishing bottles

  • Difficulty transitioning to solid foods

  • Choking, coughing, or gagging during feedings

  • Difficulty swallowing or excessive drooling

  • Frequent vomiting or reflux

  • Resistance to eating or refusal of certain textures

Woman Using Phone

When to seek therapy

Infant feeding therapy can be sought if feeding problems persist after the newborn stage, especially if there is an indication of difficulty with gaining weight or if the baby experiences consistent choking, gagging, or regurgitation. The earlier therapy begins, the better the chances of improving feeding skills.

Image by Tara Raye

Multi-disciplinary support

The best outcomes for infant feeding are achieved when the family has access to a team of professionals. SLPs, lactation consultants, pediatricians, occupational therapists, chirppractors, and other specialists can all work together to ensure the infant receives optimal care. The collaboration between these professionals ensures that all aspects of the infant’s feeding— from the mechanics of sucking and swallowing to emotional bonding during breastfeeding—are supported.

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