Community Partner: The Many Benefits of Infant Feeding Therapy
I’m soooo excited to feature the lovely Kellie Green, founder of Green Living & Wellness! She is a certified and licensed Speech Pathologist and Lactation Counselor who specializes in infant feeding at her private practice clinic in Columbus, OH. She’s someone I knew about for a while and when we finally met in person we just clicked! We’ve never run out of things to talk about and we feel passionate about so many of the same things. Her thoughts about the benefits of infant feeding therapy - no matter how you choose to feed your baby - are so important. Soak in her goodness below, my friends!
Infant feeding therapy is a specialized form of therapy that focuses on assessing and improving a baby's ability to breastfeed or bottle-feed. The therapy is typically conducted by a licensed and trained therapist (SLP, Speech-Language Pathologist or OT, Occupational Therapist), who works closely with the baby and their caregivers to address any feeding difficulties or challenges that may be affecting the baby's health and development.
Infant feeding therapy may be recommended for a variety of reasons, including:
Poor weight gain or growth: Infants who are not feeding properly may struggle to gain weight or grow at the expected rate. This can lead to a range of health problems, including malnutrition, developmental delays, and weakened immune systems.
Reflux or other digestive issues: Some babies may experience reflux, or the back-flow of stomach contents into the esophagus, which can cause discomfort and difficulty feeding. Other digestive issues, such as constipation or diarrhea, can also impact a baby's ability to feed. A thorough history can help determine a potential cause for the reflux or other digestive issues.
Difficulty latching or sucking: Breastfeeding requires a specific set of skills, including proper latch and effective sucking. Infants who have difficulty with these skills may struggle to feed efficiently, leading to frustration and inadequate milk intake.
Oral-motor issues: Some infants may have difficulty coordinating the movements required for effective feeding, such as tongue and lip movements, jaw strength, and coordination.
Infant feeding therapy is a valuable resource for families who are struggling with feeding challenges or who want to ensure that their baby is receiving the best possible nutrition and support. By working with a qualified infant feeding therapist, parents can develop the skills and knowledge necessary to support their baby's feeding development and ensure their long-term health and wellbeing.
To read Kellie’s full piece in the importance of infant feeding therapy, head to her blog.
