Question
My granddaughter was born October 5th, 2006. She was not due until Jan 1st, 2007. She was released from the hospital in January, but still will take almost no bottles. She has a gastric tube, but we are concerned that there is something wrong because she
Answer
Premature infants frequently demonstrate immature sucking patterns, state regulation, and behavior organization. Some premature infants also have other complex medical and developmental issues that further impact oral feeding. Without knowing your granddaughter's medical history, it would be difficult to say if her feeding issues are related to a surgical problem. A swallow study will help determine if aspiration is a contributing factor and define any anatomical or physiological dysfunction with her oral feeding.
Premature and medically complex infants benefit greatly from an individualized and developmentally supportive approach. If your granddaughter is not already receiving therapy services for feeding, perhaps a referral to appropriate services can be obtained from the evaluation. Best wishes to you.
Jeanne L. Saavedra, MHS, CCC-SLP is a speech-language pathologist at St. Louis Children's Hospital. She has worked with medically involved infants and children, and specialized in the area of feeding and swallowing for the past 22 years.
Jeanne Saavedra Mhs, CCC-SLP
Related Courses
1https://www.speechpathology.com/slp-ceus/course/thickened-liquids-in-clinical-practice-10497Thickened Liquids in Clinical Practice: The Plot “Thickens”Clinicians who utilize thickened liquids in their clinical practice are aware of their benefits, but what about the risks and contraindications? Advantages and disadvantages of thickened liquids are reviewed in this course with a focus on clinical outcomes, including impacts on medication administration, lung health, and hydration. Product types are evaluated to facilitate appropriate choices for individual clients.auditory, textual, visual
Clinicians who utilize thickened liquids in their clinical practice are aware of their benefits, but what about the risks and contraindications? Advantages and disadvantages of thickened liquids are reviewed in this course with a focus on clinical outcomes, including impacts on medication administration, lung health, and hydration. Product types are evaluated to facilitate appropriate choices for individual clients.
2https://www.speechpathology.com/slp-ceus/course/dysphagia-in-neurodegenerative-disease-9732Dysphagia in Neurodegenerative DiseaseDysphagia is common in individuals with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and Parkinson’s disease. This course discusses the underlying pathophysiology and appropriate treatment programs for each disease, as well as use of alternate methods of nutrition/hydration.auditory, textual, visual
Dysphagia is common in individuals with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and Parkinson’s disease. This course discusses the underlying pathophysiology and appropriate treatment programs for each disease, as well as use of alternate methods of nutrition/hydration.
3https://www.speechpathology.com/slp-ceus/course/20q-in-thick-it-international-1075620Q: In the Thick of It - The International Dysphagia Diet Standardization Initiative (IDDSI)The importance of using IDSSI to provide standardized language when speaking about texture modification is discussed in this course. Comparisons of IDDSI and the National Dysphagia Diet (NDD), as well as IDDSI standards for pediatric vs. adult patients are presented. Additionally, potential barriers, solutions, and frequently asked questions related to implementation of IDDSI are described.textual, visual
The importance of using IDSSI to provide standardized language when speaking about texture modification is discussed in this course. Comparisons of IDDSI and the National Dysphagia Diet (NDD), as well as IDDSI standards for pediatric vs. adult patients are presented. Additionally, potential barriers, solutions, and frequently asked questions related to implementation of IDDSI are described.
4https://www.speechpathology.com/slp-ceus/course/facilitating-first-verbs-through-shared-9735Facilitating First Verbs through Shared Book ReadingThis course discusses early verb acquisition, choosing first verb targets, and a variety of strategies to facilitate verb learning using children’s picture books as a therapy context.auditory, textual, visual
This course discusses early verb acquisition, choosing first verb targets, and a variety of strategies to facilitate verb learning using children’s picture books as a therapy context.
5https://www.speechpathology.com/slp-ceus/course/back-to-basics-swallow-screening-8969Back to Basics: Swallow Screening: How, when, and whoScreening of swallow function is a well-regarded tool to identify individuals who are potentially at risk of dysphagia and in need of full swallow assessment, but the options are many and varied. This "back to basics" course will teach participants to make informed, evidence-based choices regarding appropriate screening tools specific to their particular patient populations and settings.auditory, textual, visual
Screening of swallow function is a well-regarded tool to identify individuals who are potentially at risk of dysphagia and in need of full swallow assessment, but the options are many and varied. This "back to basics" course will teach participants to make informed, evidence-based choices regarding appropriate screening tools specific to their particular patient populations and settings.
