Infant Feeding Program
Infants feed primarily by sucking. This efficient process involves a complex interaction of multiple systems. An infant must coordinate suck, swallow and breathing skills while managing neurobehavioral states.
Feeding difficulties at birth can persist as the infant ages and the child may exhibit difficulties spoon-feeding. If you face difficulty feeding your child, ask us for tips from a qualified professional.
Feeding problems may be present even without a diagnosis. Here are some common diagnoses with a high incidence of feeding difficulty:
- Failure to thrive
- Trauma
- Hypotonicity
- Prematurity
- Cleft palate
- Visually impaired
- Children with sensory or motor impairments
- Bronchopulmonary dysplasia
- Gastroesophageal reflux
- Congenital heart disease
The Process
Feeding difficulties are evaluated and treated with a multidisciplinary approach. When your child’s doctor sends a referral, our team does a thorough evaluation.
You and your child may benefit from a home program with ideas and techniques to help your child’s feeding skills. If a home program is not sufficient, your child may benefit from a therapy program that focuses on oral motor stimulation techniques to help resolve sensory motor dysfunction.
Let Willis Knighton’s infant feeding team help you with any feeding problems you encounter. For more information call:
- Pediatric Rehabilitation
Willis Knighton Canterbury Square
2530 Bert Kouns, Suite 148
Shreveport, LA 71118
318-212-5336
318-212-5204 (Fax)