Certified Lacation Consulting | Kids In Motion Pediatric Therapy & Wellness

CertifieD LacTation ConSULTing

Infant Feeding & Lactation Support

Kids in Motion offers specialized treatment and support for breast/bottle feeding, infant feeding, and lactation. Treatment and support are provided by an occupational therapist certified in lactation counseling. With additional experience and training in feeding, global development, oral motor functional, and sensory processing, our certified occupational therapist brings a unique and all-encompassing perspective when addressing difficulties with breastfeeding and bottle-feeding. Evaluation and treatment would include a whole-body approach through observation of the infant during feeding via breast and/or bottle and assessment of the infant’s development. The evaluation and treatment considers the dynamic relationship of both the mother and infant during breast/bottle feeding. The therapist looks at multiple factors that can be impacting one’s breast/bottle feeding journey. Additionally, this program can offer assessment and treatment to infants who are having difficulty with transitioning from breastfeeding or bottle feeding to eating table foods, to ensure your infant has safe transitions throughout their feeding development.

Difficulty with latching or difficulties with staying latched at breast or bottle
Slow weight gain or weight loss
Decreased or less than expected wet and soiled diaper output
Leaking milk during breast or bottle feedings
Preference of bottle over breast
Frequently falls asleep during feedings at breast or bottle
Choking, gagging, coughing, or hiccupping during breast or bottle feedings
Excessive spit up
Crying, back arching, or refusing breast or bottle during feedings
Discomfort or seems unsatisfied after feedings
Chronic open mouth breathing, clicking while breast or bottle feeding, or lip blisters
Preference of one side with breast or bottle feeding
Difficulty with transitioning to table foods

Pain during breastfeeding
Frequent plugged ducts and mastitis
Bleeding, blistered or infected nipples
Breasts still feeling full following breastfeeding
Flattened, blanched, or creased nipples

The Occupational Therapy
& CLC Advantage

Occupational therapists (OTs) play a critical role in helping babies with feeding difficulties. Feeding is a complex process that requires the coordination of many different systems, including the sensory, motor, and digestive systems. When babies experience feeding difficulties, it can impact their growth, development, and overall health.

Overall, occupational therapists play a vital role in helping babies with feeding difficulties to improve their oral motor skills, develop healthy eating habits, and achieve optimal growth and development.

Ways Occupational Therapy
can help with feeding

1. Conduct Assessments

OTs perform assessments to determine the root cause of the feeding difficulties. They evaluate the baby's muscle strength, coordination, sensory processing, and oral motor skills. They also assess the baby's feeding environment, such as the positioning and feeding utensils used.

4. Recommend adaptive equipment

Sometimes, babies require adaptive equipment to support their feeding needs. Occupational therapists can recommend specialized bottles, nipples, or spoons to help babies with different types of feeding challenges.

2. Develop Feeding Plans

Based on the assessment, OTs develop customized feeding plans for each baby. These plans may include recommendations for specific feeding positions, utensils, and strategies to improve oral motor skills.

5. Collaborate with other healthcare professionals

OTs work collaboratively with other healthcare professionals, such as pediatricians, speech therapists, and dietitians, to ensure that the baby receives comprehensive and coordinated care.

3.Provide Education & Training

OTs provide parents and caregivers with education and training on feeding techniques, such as proper positioning and cues to help babies swallow effectively.