Presentation Information

Feeding to Thrive: Developmental Considerations and Support for Feeding the Premature Infant

• Speaker: Chesney Willis , MHS, CCC-SLP, IBCLC
• Presentation Type:
• Duration: 60 Mins
• Credits: 1 CERP, 1 Nursing CEU, 1 CME, 0.1 Midwifery CEU

Abstract:

In this session, participants will identify newborns’ typical feeding and swallowing development and the impact of prematurity on these early processes. While premature infants and babies with special needs may transition to full oral feeding at a slower rate, early coordination of the swallow may emerge as early as 32 to 34 weeks depending on the degree of prematurity and underlying comorbidities. Despite the early emergence of developmental reflexes, the transition to full oral feeding among infants born prematurely may take longer than term infants without additional health barriers.
Given such variability, evidence-based and systematic clinical decision-making is required to promote improved infant and family-centered long-term outcomes. As successful feeding requires recognizing an infant’s cues, adjusting a feeder’s response, and adapting the experience via supportive modifications for safe and efficient intake, this session will focus on the knowledge, skills, and abilities to support this process.
Participants will learn to identify clinical signs of dysregulation associated with aspiration, negative pulmonary implications, and/or maladaptive feeding patterns as well as how to teach responsive and developmentally supportive feeding strategies. Finally, community resources centered on supporting individuals caring for infants with feeding difficulties will be highlighted in efforts to mitigate complications and enhance follow-up care.