The speech therapist helps newborns with alterations in the sucking and swallowing functions, that means babies with feeding difficulties, whether by bottle or breastfeeding.
The consultation is guided by a speech therapist with neonatal specialization and training in breastfeeding support, so that babies with feeding difficulties from breastfeeding and/or until the introduction of food can have more options, with early intervention.
Which babies can benefit from an assessment?
- who were born prematurely and needed a feeding tube or bottle;
- with orofacial immaturity, little or excessive sucking force or who choke frequently;
- with changes in the function or structure of the tongue (tongue-tie, lingual frenulum cut, palate alterations, among others);
- with signs of fatigue during feeding;
- with lack of coordination of suction, breathing and swallowing functions;
- with exacerbated bite reflex (a newborn who bites during breastfeeding on the nipple or teat);
- with difficulties in the latch during breastfeeding;
- with difficulty bottle-feeding (swallowing a lot of air, milk running out of the mouth or prolonged feeding time);
- who have food rejection or an aversion to certain foods and/or textures;
- with apnea and/or a drop in saturation during feeding;
- with gastroesophageal reflux;
- with recurrent coughing during or immediately after swallowing;
- who need to use a gastric tube to feed.
If your child has any feeding difficulties or selective eating signs, seek an assessment from a speech therapist. Eating from birth on should be a pleasurable process and a fun learning experience for everyone!
The consultations take place at UTERUS facilities.
Contact us here for more information.