Presentation Information

Jada Wright Nichols

Disorganized Infant Feeding: Beyond Suck, Swallow, Breathe

  • Speaker: Jada Wright Nichols , MS, OTR/L
  • Presentation Type:
  • Duration: 60 Mins
  • Credits: 1 CERP, 1 ACM CPD, 0.1 Midwifery CEU
Abstract:

Suck swallow breathe coordination is one of the earliest and most meaningful motor milestones of a developing infant. That level of coordination varies between breastfeeding and bottle feeding. Too frequently, if there are any challenges while feeding at the breast, bottle feeding is recommended, often without a complete assessment around the challenge itself. Infant feeding may be disorganized for one of a variety of contributing factors. It is important to be able to identify one or more of those factors, and to facilitate a solution, which may include seeking the insight and intervention of another allied health professional. Honing observation skills, incorporating diagnostic tools, and coordinating feeding assessments and protocols with specialists assist in preserving the initial breastfeeding relationship, with equity.