Did You Know a Speech-Language Pathologist Can Help Your Baby With Feeding?

When feeding your baby feels harder than expected, a Speech-Language Pathologist might not be the first professional you think to call. But perhaps they should be!

When most people hear the term Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP), they think of someone who helps children learn to talk, pronounce words, or develop communication skills.

But did you know that some Speech-Language Pathologists have additional training and experience in helping babies and young children with feeding and swallowing difficulties?

At Rooted Family Wellness Centre in Kanata, our Pediatric Speech-Language Pathology services focus specifically on feeding, swallowing, and oral-motor development for children from birth to four years old.

And for families struggling with feeding challenges, this individualized support tailored to their child can make a meaningful difference.

What Does Speech-Language Pathology Have to Do With Feeding?

Quite a lot, actually!

The muscles and structures we use for speaking are also involved in eating, drinking, and swallowing. Our lips, tongue, jaw, and throat all need to work together in coordinated ways.

Speech-Language Pathologists with specific training in pediatric feeding understand how these systems develop and function, and how to identify when something isn't working as expected.

For babies, this might mean difficulties coordinating sucking, swallowing, and breathing during breastfeeding or bottle feeding. For toddlers, it might involve challenges transitioning to solids, chewing different textures, or managing food safely.

It's not just about what your child eats. It's about how they eat.

Signs Your Baby or Toddler Might Benefit From Feeding Support

Feeding challenges don't always look the same. Some are obvious, while others can be easy to overlook.

You might consider a feeding assessment if your baby or toddler:

• Has difficulty latching during breastfeeding or bottle feeding
• Takes a very long time to finish feeds or tires easily
• Coughs, chokes, or frequently gags while feeding
• Has difficulty coordinating sucking, swallowing, and breathing
• Struggles with transitioning to solids or different food textures
• Has difficulty chewing or moving food around their mouth
• Shows signs of feeding refusal or distress at mealtimes
• Has a suspected tongue tie or challenges with tongue movement
• Has experienced feeding difficulties following a NICU stay or hospitalization

Sometimes, the concern is simply that feeding feels stressful, exhausting, or much harder than you expected.

You don't need to have all the answers before seeking support.

If your child has frequent choking, coughing with feeds, or concerns about swallowing safety, seek prompt medical assessment rather than waiting for a routine feeding appointment.

What About Tongue Ties?

Tongue ties are a common concern among parents experiencing feeding difficulties.

While a tongue tie can sometimes affect how a baby feeds, not every tongue tie causes a problem, and not every feeding difficulty is caused by a tongue tie.

A Speech-Language Pathologist with a clinical focus on pediatric feeding can assess how your baby's tongue, lips, jaw, and oral muscles are functioning during feeding.

The goal isn't simply to identify whether a tongue tie is present. It's to understand whether oral function is contributing to feeding challenges and what support, treatment, or referral may be appropriate.

Meet Courtney, Our Pediatric Feeding and Swallowing Clinician

At Rooted Family Wellness Centre, we're fortunate to have Courtney Rich, MA, CCC-SLP, offering pediatric feeding and swallowing services, informed by her extensive clinical experience and additional training in this area.

Courtney brings more than 12 years of clinical experience, including eight years working in pediatric hospital settings such as the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU), maternity care, and outpatient services.

She has extensive experience supporting infants and young children with feeding and swallowing difficulties, including children with complex medical needs.

Courtney has also completed advanced training in pediatric feeding and swallowing, including the SOS Approach to Feeding.

As a parent herself, Courtney understands that feeding challenges can be emotional and overwhelming. Her approach combines clinical expertise with compassionate, individualized support for families.

What Happens During a Feeding Assessment?

A feeding assessment is about understanding your child, their feeding skills, and your family's concerns.

Courtney will take time to learn about your child's medical and developmental history, current feeding experiences, and any challenges you've noticed.

Depending on your child's needs, an assessment may include:

• Observing breastfeeding, bottle feeding, or eating
• Assessing oral-motor skills and coordination
• Evaluating sucking, chewing, and swallowing skills
• Exploring feeding positions, routines, and equipment
• Identifying potential feeding safety concerns
• Providing practical recommendations and next steps

The goal is to help you better understand what's happening and develop a plan that supports your child's feeding development.

Initial assessments are available at Rooted Family Wellness Centre or in your home, with virtual follow-up appointments available in some circumstances.

How Is This Different From Seeing a Lactation Consultant?

This is a great question, especially for families experiencing breastfeeding challenges.

International Board Certified Lactation Consultants (IBCLCs) specialize in breastfeeding and lactation support, including milk supply, positioning, latch, and the breastfeeding relationship.

Speech-Language Pathologists with a background in pediatric feeding bring an additional perspective, focusing on the oral-motor skills, coordination, and swallowing function involved in feeding.

There can be significant overlap between these roles, and families may benefit from support from both professionals.

At Rooted, we value this collaborative approach because feeding challenges don't always have one simple cause.

Feeding Is a Journey. You Don't Have to Navigate It Alone.

Feeding is one of the earliest ways we connect with our babies, but it doesn't always come easily.

Whether you're navigating breastfeeding difficulties, wondering about your baby's swallowing skills, or feeling concerned about your toddler's ability to manage food textures, support from a Speech-Language Pathologist with experience in pediatric feeding may help.

At Rooted Family Wellness Centre, our goal is to help families feel informed, supported, and confident as their children develop new feeding skills.

Curious whether a feeding assessment could help your child?

Learn more about our Pediatric Speech-Language Pathology services or book an appointment with Courtney Rich at Rooted Family Wellness Centre in Kanata, Ottawa.

No referral is required to book. Speech-Language Pathology services may be covered by extended health insurance, depending on your plan.