Infant Therapy
At Lori Kilpatrick Pediatric Therapy, we understand how stressful feeding challenges can be for families with infants. From breastfeeding difficulties to bottle feeding concerns, early feeding experiences can impact not only nutrition and growth but also comfort, bonding, and long-term development. Our team of highly trained feeding therapists and physical therapists work together to provide comprehensive, individualized care to help infants thrive.
Feeding Therapy
Our feeding therapists specialize in supporting infants with a wide range of feeding challenges. Therapy focuses on both the mechanics of feeding and the sensory experience to help babies achieve safe, comfortable, and efficient feeding.
AREAS OF SUPPORT​
• Breastfeeding difficulties: Assistance with shallow latch, maternal pain, tongue/lip ties, fatigue during feeding, and improving infant suck-swallow-breathe coordination.
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• Bottle feeding difficulties: Guidance in selecting and using appropriate bottles and nipples, pacing strategies, and positioning to reduce air intake, reflux, or gagging.
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• Oral motor dysfunction: Gentle oral motor exercises and massage techniques to strengthen the lips, tongue, cheeks, and jaw, improving coordination and stamina during feeds.
• Transitions to solids: Support for safe and positive early feeding experiences, including strategies to manage gagging, food refusal, or difficulty accepting textures.
Physical Therapy
Physical therapists play an essential role in addressing underlying postural and muscular factors that affect feeding efficiency and comfort. Even subtle asymmetries or tension can make latching, swallowing, and self-regulation more difficult.
AREAS OF SUPPORT​
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• Postural asymmetries: Helping infants with head turning preferences, torticollis, or plagiocephaly (flat head) to achieve better alignment and mobility.
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• Muscle tightness and increased muscular tension: Gentle stretching, soft tissue release, and positioning techniques to reduce tightness in the neck, cheeks, trunk, and jaw that interfere with feeding comfort.
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• Positioning for feeding: Education on optimal body positioning for breastfeeding and bottle feeding to improve latch quality, reduce reflux, and support efficient feeding.
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• Developmental foundations: Encouraging symmetrical motor skills and early postural control that support feeding, breathing, and overall development.
A Collaborative Approach
Feeding is a complex skill that requires the coordination of oral motor abilities, muscular control, posture, and sensory regulation. That’s why our feeding therapists and physical therapists work closely together, often co-treating or sharing strategies, to ensure infants receive the most comprehensive care.
Addressing feeding challenges early can:
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• A feeding therapist may identify oral motor weakness affecting latch, while a physical therapist addresses underlying neck tightness preventing comfortable positioning.
• Together, they create a personalized treatment plan that addresses the whole baby, not just isolated symptoms.
• Families receive clear, caregiver-friendly education and a home program to support progress between sessions.
Our Goal
Our mission is to help infants feel comfortable, parents feel confident, and families experience success at every stage of feeding—whether that’s breastfeeding, bottle feeding, or transitioning to solids. With a collaborative, nurturing approach, our team empowers families to build positive feeding experiences that support growth, development, and long-term well-being.
Contact Us
Do you have questions or want to set up an appointment? Reach out to us using the contact form or give us a call at 228-334-5035, and one of our staff will be happy to help!