Addressing Abnormal Sucking Patterns Through Teamwork and Collaboration
- Duration: 60 Mins
- Credits: 1 CERP, 1 L-CERP, 1 Nurse Contact Hours, 0.1 Midwifery CEU, 1 Dietetic CEU
- Handout: Yes
Abstract:
Oral motor coordination and sensory development are two of the most meaningful and critical developmental milestones of the infant. Sucking dysfunction is complicated and may be one of the first signs of abnormal neuro-motor development or other health comorbidities. Too frequently, without a complete assessment, if there are any challenges while feeding at the breast/chest, simple fixes are recommended or bottle feeding is implemented. left untreated these challenges disrupt breastfeeding, leading to weaning. Events during fetal development and birth may be contributing factors to faulty or dysfunctional Infant feeding. It is important to be able to identify one or more of those factors and develop a feeding plan. This may include seeking the insight and intervention of another allied health professional trained in infant feeding.
Andrea Herron RN, MN, CPNP, IBCLC, and Lori Cromer OTR/L, SCFES, have developed a team approach to feeding problems and have worked together for over 15 years. Together they have assessed and treated patients often identifying infants needing ongoing oral motor and developmental interventions. Through power point lecture and case studies they will describe their team approach, emphasizing historical and physical findings that indicate the need for specialized assessment and treatment. Several cases studied will be presented including interviews with the mothers.
Learning Objectives:
1. List historical factors and physical findings that may alert the health professional to assess the infant for potential faulty oral motor patterns.
2. Describe normal versus abnormal oral motor patterns and sensory development.
3. Define how the role of an Pediatric occupational therapist differs from that of an IBCLC.
4. List ways that developing a joint feeding treatment plan between an IBCLC and an occupational therapist improves patient outcomes.
