Infant Feeding Physiotherapy
Infant Feeding Physiotherapy
Physiotherapy for infant feeding is an evidence-based approach offering hands-on care, infant stimulation techniques (including oral, sensory, and motor stimulation), feeding support and parent education to help newborns with feeding challenges and early developmental concerns-supporting confident parents and giving babies the best possible start in life.
Our physiotherapist, Chat, has training and experience working closely with newborns and mothers to identify several challenges affecting feeding. These include but are not limited to temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMJ), reduced tongue and palate stimulation, cleft palate and feeding difficulties in premature infants who required nasogastric tube feeding.
Physiotherapy interventions focus on gentle TMJ mobilization, tongue and palate sensory stimulation and comprehensive parent education. In addition, Chat can provide hands-on support for mothers, including optimal positioning and handling techniques to facilitate effective breastfeeding. Her goal is to provide gentle, baby-led treatment and family-centred care.
How is seeing a physiotherapist different from seeing a lactation consultant?
A physiotherapist will complete a whole-body assessment including muscle and jaw coordination issues, jaw function, oral-motor control and torticollis. A lactation consultant focuses on breastfeeding techniques, latch and milk supply. Both practitioners can work together to provide feeding support.
What does infant feeding and early intervention physiotherapy treat?
Early intervention physiotherapy can treat:
- Poor latch or sucking issues
- Feeding fatigue or inefficiency
- Tongue-tie (ankyloglossia) and oral restrictions
- Difficulty coordinating suck-swallow-breathe
- Torticollis or flat head
- Developmental delays
- Sensory or regulation issues
Jaw and Tongue Function in Infants
Proper jaw and tongue movement is essential for effective feeding. We assess and treat:
- Limited tongue mobility
- Poor tongue elevation and coordination
- Jaw tension or restriction affecting latch
- Asymmetrical jaw movement
- Clicking, slipping latch, or milk leakage
Treatment includes gentle manual therapy, oral-motor stimulation, and feeding strategies.
Initial Assessment
The initial assessment starts with a detailed history of the feeding challenges. The physiotherapist will observe the infant while feeding and then perform a physical and oral assessment. Once she has explained her treatment plan, she will provide strategies and a home exercise plan.
Please reach out to us if you have any questions or would like to book an assessment.
