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Lactation & Infant Feeding Support

Occupational Therapy and infant feeding - Let's talk about it!

Feeding = Co-Occupation

Just like dressing, playing, driving, and sleeping, eating is a fundamental daily activity or occupation. For infants, feeding is a crucial co-occupation, a shared activity between caregiver and infant. 

When can we help?

  • Poor weight gain

  • Failure to thrive

  • Difficulty maintaining latch on breast or bottle

  • Bottle refusal

  • Frequent gagging during feeds

  • Coughing during or after feeds

  • Clicking sounds while feeding

  • Prolonged feedings

  • Arches back while feeding

  • Frequent or excessive spit-up

  • Suspected tongue, lip, or cheek ties

  • Aftercare post tie release

  • Milk leaking from the corners of the mouth

  • Maternal nipple pain

  • Breast pump assistance

  • Choosing/Changing formula

What can we do?

  • Assess the infant's oral motor skills, gross and fine motor skills, musculoskeletal system, sensory processing, reflexes, the feeding environment, and more. 

  • Develop and implement tailored strategies and therapeutic activities to enhance feeding skills, efficiency, and comfort. 

  • Provide guidance on ideal latch, posture, and feeding methods, including recommendations for and training on adaptive equipment. 

  • Modify the feeding setting to be calm, positive, and supportive for both the infant and caregiver.

  • Educate and support caregivers with the knowledge and skills needed to confidently navigate infant feeding challenges. 

  • Maternal Breastfeeding support: Offer assessment and education on body mechanics and ergonomics, address physical discomfort, provide emotional support and relaxation techniques, educate on breastfeeding management, and assist with return-to-work strategies. 

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