About Breastfeeding and Bottle Feeding
Infants gain all their nutrition through breast or bottle feeding during their first year of life. The ability to suck from breast or bottle requires the infant to coordinate a three-step suck-swallow-breathe sequence. Many things can interfere with a baby's ability to feed or swallow properly which can put your baby at risk for dehydration, poor nutrition, aspiration, or even pneumonia. That's where Childworks Therapy Clinic can help. Our certified lactation counselors provide lactation counseling and bottle feeding support to families experiencing early feeding difficulties with their infant. We strive to support mothers and caregivers find early feeding success by designing individualized treatment plans that increase feeding safety and improve acceptance of the breast/bottle.
How do I know if I need to see a lactation consultant?
Lactation consultants are a great resource for mothers looking to gain confidence in their breastfeeding journey and for babies to gain skills needed to suck efficiently from the breast and bottle.
We also provide pre- and post-operative care for infants and children undergoing tethered oral tissue (TOTs) releases including tongue tie, lip tie, and/or buccal tie releases. Therapy before and after is critical to aid in active wound management and improve overall feeding function.
Get a free phone screening with one of our experienced Sioux City Certified Lactation Counselors today:
During your initial visit, one of our highly trained Certified Lactation Counselors will evaluate your baby's vital and fundamental ability to nurse or bottle-feed through formal and informal assessment. Assessments are customized to each infant and caregiver dyad and may include a combination of observations, oral motor examination, behavior and feeding history. At the conclusion of the assessment, we will discuss the feeding goals and make recommendations for you and your baby to improve feeding success. The length of time your baby may need support varies.
What to Expect from an Infant Feeding Evaluation
We work with you and any other medical professionals (Dentists, Orthodontists, ENTs, Gastroenterologists, Allergists, Primary Care Physicians, etc.) to determine the best plan for success.
Common Issues that Benefit from Lactation Consulting and Bottle Feeding Support
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Arching/Fussiness During Feeding
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Audible Gulping of Air while Swallowing
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Coughing / Choking during Feedings
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Gags, Spits up, or Throws Up Often
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Milk Spilling from Mouth while Feeding
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Nipple Pain/Discomfort with Latching
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Nurses for a Long Period of Time
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Poor Latch
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Poor Oral Intake/Low Weight Gain
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Prematurity and/or Other Developmental Diagnoses Impacting Feeding
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Sleepy or Poor Alertness during Feedings
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Tongue Tie / Lip Tie / Buccal (cheek) Ties
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Transitioning from NG Tube
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Weak Suck
Prenatal Breastfeeding
SUPPORT SESSION
Whether you are a first time mom or experienced mother, Childworks Therapy Clinic offers prenatal breastfeeding support* to help mothers and caregivers feel supported and educated about breastfeeding prior to giving birth.
PACKAGE INCLUDES:
VISIT
One introductory 30 minute visit either in-person or over-the-phone.
UNLOCK SUCCESS
Unveiling of early breastfeeding success strategies.
Q&A
Open discussion and Q&A.
ADDITIONAL
RESOURCES
Printable educational resources.
Contact our office today to set up a prenatal breastfeeding support session with one of our Certified Lactation Counselors and infant feeding specialists.
*Disclaimer: While we are licensed speech-language pathologists specially qualified to assist you and your baby with breastfeeding, it is imperative that you understand that prenatal breastfeeding support is an educational service, meant to empower and educate you, and help guide you through early breastfeeding experiences and very minor challenges with breastfeeding. These consults are NOT a speech or feeding service, even though we are speech language pathologists. Once baby arrives, if you have concerns about your child’s breastfeeding skills or lactation concerns, we recommend you seek out an in-person evaluation and treatment by one of our highly qualified speech language pathologists or lactation counselors. If you book prenatal breastfeeding consult, it is implied that you understand and agree with this information.
Lactation Consulting
Free Screenings & Appointments
The first step to finding the answers you need starts here: