Question 1

How are FFST therapists different from other providers?

Accepted Answer

Our clinicians are dual certified as speech pathologists and lactation consultants (CLC & IBCLC) with additional advanced training in infant swallowing disorders. This specialized background allows our clinicians to look beyond common concerns such as latch, positioning, and milk supply. They are trained to identify the true source of feeding challenges by evaluating the infant's swallow, oral motor coordination, and the presence of tethered oral tissues.

Question 2

Why does my baby need feeding therapy?

Accepted Answer

Babies may benefit from feeding therapy when they have difficulty coordinating suck swallow breathe patterns, maintaining endurance, managing flow rate, or safely handling liquids. Medically complex infants often need additional support to ensure feeding is safe, efficient, and comfortable for both baby and caregiver.

Question 3

What happens during the feeding evaluation for infants?

Accepted Answer

During a feeding evaluation for medically complex infants, a detailed medical history is reviewed and a feeding is observed. Oral motor skills, breathing patterns, positioning, and stress cues are assessed throughout the session. Findings are then discussed, and a personalized plan is created to support safe and efficient feeding.

Question 4

Is feeding therapy safe for medically fragile infants?

Accepted Answer

Feeding therapy is safe for medically fragile infants. Therapists are trained to recognize signs of aspiration risk, respiratory fatigue, and stress cues. Safety and medical stability are always the top priorities during every session.

Question 5

Will therapy interfere with my baby's medical care?

Accepted Answer

Feeding therapy is designed to work alongside your baby's medical team, including specialists such as GI, ENT, pulmonology, and cardiology. Collaboration helps ensure care is coordinated, supportive, and aligned with your baby's medical needs.

Question 6

How does feeding therapy support my baby if they are partially or fully tube fed?

Accepted Answer

Feeding therapy supports oral motor development, positive taste experiences, and feeding readiness skills. For infants who are fully tube fed, sessions often focus on comfort, oral experiences, and building developmental feeding foundations in a safe and supportive way.

Question 7

What does a typical infant feeding therapy session look like?

Accepted Answer

A typical infant feeding therapy session focuses on helping your baby stay regulated and calm while supporting safe, comfortable feeding. Sessions may include gentle oral motor warm ups, guided bottle feeding to address pacing and flow management, and positioning that supports breathing and swallowing.

Question 8

What signs should I watch for that may indicate my baby is struggling during feeding?

Accepted Answer

Signs that a baby may be struggling during feeding include changes in breathing, coughing, gulping, color changes, fatigue, loss of latch, or distress cues. Families are taught how to recognize these signs early so adjustments can be made to keep feeding safe and comfortable.

Question 9

Will my baby be forced to eat or take more volume during feeding therapy?

Accepted Answer

Feeding therapy uses a cue based, responsive approach. Volume is never forced, and stress cues are not overridden, especially for medically fragile infants. Your baby's safety and comfort always guide the session.

Question 10

How long will it take to see progress?

Accepted Answer

The timeline for progress varies widely. Some babies make gains quickly, while others benefit from ongoing support as their medical needs and developmental skills evolve.

Question 11

Can my feeding therapist tell if my baby has a tongue tie?

Accepted Answer

During feeding therapy, the speech language pathologist evaluates tongue function, including range of motion and how effectively the tongue moves to remove milk from the breast or bottle. A tongue tie is not diagnosed based on appearance alone. If limited tongue movement is observed, a referral may be made to a dentist or ENT experienced in tethered oral tissues.

Question 12

What does a lactation evaluation include?

Accepted Answer

A lactation evaluation includes a thorough breastfeeding assessment, pump and flange assessment, a weighted feed when appropriate, and an infant oral motor evaluation. These components help identify feeding challenges and guide individualized recommendations for both parent and baby.

Question 13

How should I prepare my baby for a feeding evaluation or therapy session?

Accepted Answer

Your baby does not need to arrive overly hungry. A mild level of hunger can be helpful, but a baby who is very hungry, tired, or stressed may struggle more and not show a typical feeding pattern. Ideally, your baby should arrive calm and alert and should not have just finished a full feeding so the session reflects feeding as it usually looks at home.

Question 14

How do you coordinate care when my baby has multiple providers?

Accepted Answer

With your permission, coordination can occur directly with your baby's care team, including pediatrics, GI, ENT, OT, PT, lactation, and other specialists. Sharing updates with each provider about who is involved and changes noticed at home is also helpful. When everyone stays informed, care remains seamless, consistent, and most effective for your baby.

Question 15

Is a swallow study required before starting feeding therapy?

Accepted Answer

Not always. Many babies can safely begin feeding therapy without a swallow study. During the evaluation, medical history, feeding behaviors, breathing, posture, coordination, and early oral motor skills are carefully assessed. A swallow study may be recommended if there are signs that milk or food may be entering the airway.

Question 16

What if my baby refuses the bottle or becomes stressed during feeds?

Accepted Answer

We take a gentle, low-pressure approach, adjusting the environment and pace to build trust and positive feeding experiences.

Question 17

What areas does feeding therapy address beyond oral feeding?

Accepted Answer

Feeding therapy supports the whole feeding development process. Sessions may include non nutritive sucking, oral desensitization, developmental skill building, and caregiver education, depending on your baby's needs and readiness.

Question 18

How is my baby's progress monitored during feeding therapy?

Accepted Answer

Progress is tracked by closely monitoring oral motor skills, feeding endurance, respiratory stability, stress cues, tolerance of flow rates, and overall readiness to advance oral feeding.

Question 19

What should I bring to feeding sessions?

Accepted Answer

Bring your baby's bottle system and nipples, milk or formula, and any tube feeding supplies if applicable. Comfort items are also encouraged to help create a familiar and supportive environment during the session.

Lactation Consulting

Award-Winning Care Since 2019

How Can a Lactation Consultant Help Me?

Difficulty with Latch

Milk Supply & Storage

Painful Nursing & Mastitis

Tongue-tie & Lip-tie

Infant Weight Gain Concerns

Pumping Guidance and Support

Return to Work Planning

Introducing Bottles

Weaning Guidance

Nipple Confusion or Preference

Oversupply Management

Difficulty with Latch

Milk Supply & Storage

Painful Nursing & Mastitis

Tongue-tie & Lip-tie

Infant Weight Gain Concerns

Pumping Guidance and Support

Return to Work Planning

Introducing Bottles

Weaning Guidance

Nipple Confusion or Preference

Oversupply Management

Support Throughout Your Journey

Prenatal Support

Postpartum Support

Ongoing Support

Our Services

In Person Sessions

Virtual Consultations

Group Classes

Frequently Asked Questions

Ready to Get the Support You Deserve?

Lactation Consulting

Award-Winning Care Since 2019

How Can a Lactation Consultant Help Me?

Difficulty with Latch

Milk Supply & Storage

Painful Nursing & Mastitis

Tongue-tie & Lip-tie

Infant Weight Gain Concerns

Pumping Guidance and Support

Return to Work Planning

Introducing Bottles

Weaning Guidance

Nipple Confusion or Preference

Oversupply Management

Difficulty with Latch

Milk Supply & Storage

Painful Nursing & Mastitis

Tongue-tie & Lip-tie

Infant Weight Gain Concerns

Pumping Guidance and Support

Return to Work Planning

Introducing Bottles

Weaning Guidance

Nipple Confusion or Preference

Oversupply Management

Support Throughout Your Journey

Prenatal Support

Postpartum Support

Ongoing Support

Our Services

In Person Sessions

Virtual Consultations

Group Classes

Frequently Asked Questions

How are FFST therapists different from other providers?

Why does my baby need feeding therapy?

What happens during the feeding evaluation for infants?

Is feeding therapy safe for medically fragile infants?

Will therapy interfere with my baby's medical care?

How does feeding therapy support my baby if they are partially or fully tube fed?

What does a typical infant feeding therapy session look like?

What signs should I watch for that may indicate my baby is struggling during feeding?

Will my baby be forced to eat or take more volume during feeding therapy?

How does feeding therapy help manage reflux or other medical feeding concerns?

How long will it take to see progress?

What role do caregivers play during feeding therapy sessions?

Can my feeding therapist tell if my baby has a tongue tie?

What does a lactation evaluation include?

How should I prepare my baby for a feeding evaluation or therapy session?

How do you coordinate care when my baby has multiple providers?

Is a swallow study required before starting feeding therapy?

What if my baby refuses the bottle or becomes stressed during feeds?

What areas does feeding therapy address beyond oral feeding?

How is my baby's progress monitored during feeding therapy?

What should I bring to feeding sessions?

Ready to Get the Support You Deserve?