Feeding Therapy

Signs of Oral Motor Dysfunction:

• Fussy feeding​ at breast or bottle

• Prolonged feeding (greater than 30 minutes)

• Bottle refusal

• Difficulty latching

• Inefficient milk transfer

• Tension during feeding

• Gassiness and/or reflux

• Failure to thrive

• Prolonged hospital stay

Interventions that make a difference:​

• Oral motor exercises​

• Oral tension relief

• Bodywork and myofascial release

• Positioning for bottle or breast-feeding

• Bottle system selection

• Pacifier selection

• Toys for oral motor development

• Primitive Reflex Integration

Signs of Oral Motor Dysfunction:

• Pickiness​ or food aversions

• Sensory and texture issues

• Irritability during feeding

• Gagging with solids

• Persistent reflux or vomiting

• Poor weight gain

• Prolonged mealtime

• Holding food in mouth

• Difficulty chewing

• Delayed self-feeding using hands

Interventions that make a difference:​

• Sequential Oral Sensory Approach to Feeding​

• Food selection to promote oral motor development and sensory integration skills

• Positioning and high chair recommendations

• Transitioning from bottle to drinking cup

• Primitive Reflex Integration

• Dynamic postural control and strengthening