Presentation Information

Supporting Early Oral Feeding Experiences in the NICU: Utilizing the Lens of Orofacial Myology

• Speaker: Ramya Kumar , MS.CCC-SLP, BCSS, CNT, IBCLC, NTMTC
• Presentation Type:
• Duration: 60 Mins
• Credits: 1 CERP, 1 Nursing CEU, 1 CME, 0.1 Midwifery CEU, 1 Dietetic CEU

Abstract:

One of the most complex and challenging tasks required of an infant in the neonatal ICU (NICU) is oral feeding. Oral feeding progression is also one of the most critical pieces of the discharge puzzle. Depending on their medical and nutritional needs, these infants often experience procedures like intubation and/or placement of medically necessary interfaces like nasal prongs, CPAP masks, orogastric and nasogastric feeding tubes. Intra-oral presence of tubes paired with the sensory motor implications of tape used to secure these interfaces and the overall challenges of a developing infant in the ex-utero environment places these infants at risk for oral feeding difficulties downstream. This presentation will provide participants with ways to support the developing oral structures and subsequent oral motor and oral sensory components of a neonate in an attempt to support breast and bottle feeding progression in the NICU.