certified Lactation Consulting
About Certified Lactation Consulting (CLC)
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Certified lactation consultants help new mothers overcome challenges and difficulties they may encounter when breastfeeding, such as poor latch, low milk supply, nipple pain, and other breastfeeding-related problems. They also provide guidance on proper breastfeeding techniques and positions, as well as advice on how to manage breastfeeding when returning to work or when the baby is sick.
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Overall, certified lactation consulting plays a crucial role in promoting and supporting successful breastfeeding and improving the health and well-being of both mothers and their babies.
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.
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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.
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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.
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