Infant Occupational Therapy: a Holistic Approach (2024)

Occupational Therapy for Babies

Occupational therapy has a holistic approach that addresses the whole person. We also see the connection between a person's, mind and body. This means that when working with breastfeeding dyads, we can address the breastfeeding parent as a whole and the baby as a whole. In this post I break down some of the skills that infant OTs address, and how we provide holistic baby care.

Occupational therapy can be helpful for infants who are experiencing difficulties with breastfeeding. Here are some ways in which occupational therapy can help:

+ Musculoskeletal challenges: Infants may experience a range of musculoskeletal conditions, such as torticollis, a head turning or tilting preference, or decreased strength, that can impact their ability to move, reach, grasp, and play.

+ Addressing sensory issues: Some infants may have difficulty with breastfeeding due to sensory issues, such as an overactive gag or dysregulation. An occupational therapist can work with the infant to help with sensory regulation to make breastfeeding more comfortable.

• Addressing developmental concerns: Some infants may have developmental difficulties that can make breastfeeding more challenging.

• Improving the infant's oral motor skills: An occupational therapist can work with the infant to develop the necessary oral motor skills needed for successful breastfeeding.
This can include exercises to strengthen the muscles of the mouth and jaw, and activities to improve the coordination of the tongue and lips.

•  Feeding and Eating: An occupational therapist can work with the mother and infant to find the best position for breastfeeding, and to ensure that the infant is latching onto the breast properly. This can help prevent discomfort for the mother and ensure that the infant is getting enough milk.

Musculoskeletal Challenges

Occupational therapy can be an effective intervention for infants who have musculoskeletal difficulties that impact their development and ability to engage in daily activities. The goal of occupational therapy is to support the infant's overall development by addressing their muscle strength and balance and promoting optimal functioning.

Some of the ways in which occupational therapy can help infants with musculoskeletal issues include:

• Assessment and evaluation: Occupational therapists can assess the infant's current level of functioning and identify any musculoskeletal challenges that may be impacting their development.

• Treatment planning: Based on the assessment results, occupational therapists can develop an individualized treatment plan that targets the specific musculoskeletal challenges and promotes overall development.

• Therapeutic exercises and activities: Occupational therapists can provide age-appropriate exercises and activities that promote the development of gross and fine motor skills, improve strength and flexibility, and help the infant achieve developmental milestones.

• Positioning and handling strategies: Occupational therapists can develop positioning and handling strategies that promote proper alignment, prevent further musculoskeletal issues, and support the infant's development.

• Education and support: Occupational therapists can provide education and support to families, helping them understand their infant's musculoskeletal challenges and how to support their development at home.

Overall, occupational therapy can be an important intervention for infants with muscle imbalance, tone issues, weakness or fascial restrictions, promoting their overall development and improving their ability to engage in daily activities.

Sensory Processing for Breastfeeding Babies

Sensory processing is an important aspect of breastfeeding for infants, as it involves the ability to integrate and respond to sensory input during feeding. For example, sensory processing allows an infant to coordinate their movements and respond to tactile, proprioceptive, and vestibular input during breastfeeding.

Some infants may have difficulty with sensory processing, which can impact their ability to breastfeed effectively. For example, an infant may be oversensitive to oral input, which can make it difficult for them to tolerate the physical sensations of breastfeeding. Alternatively, an infant may be under-sensitive to sensory input, which can impact their ability to coordinate the movements needed for effective feeding.

Occupational therapists can work with both the mother and the infant to identify any underlying sensory issues that may be affecting breastfeeding. Once any sensory issues have been identified, occupational therapists can work with the mother to develop strategies to help the baby be calm and regulated for feeds.

These strategies might include:

• Adjusting the environment to reduce sensory input during feeding, such as using a quiet, dimly lit room.

• Providing gentle touch and pressure to help the baby feel more secure and regulated.

• Using a feeding position that promotes comfort and supports the baby’s body

• Offering sensory stimulation before and after feeding to help the baby process sensory input more effectively.

Addressing sensory processing issues can be an important part of supporting successful breastfeeding and promoting positive outcomes for both the infant and the mother.

Occupational Therapy for Milestones

Occupational therapy can play an important role in supporting infant motor skills and breastfeeding, as motor development is closely linked to successful feeding. Infants who have difficulty with motor skills may struggle to coordinate the movements needed for effective breastfeeding, which can lead to feeding difficulties and potentially impact overall development.

Occupational therapists can work with both the mother and the infant to address motor skills and support successful breastfeeding. Some strategies that may be used include:

• Assessment and evaluation: Occupational therapists can assess the infant's motor skills and identify any areas that may be impacting their ability to breastfeed effectively.

• Therapeutic exercises and activities: Based on the assessment results, occupational therapists can provide age-appropriate exercises and activities that promote motor development, improve strength and coordination, and support successful breastfeeding.

• Positioning and handling strategies: Occupational therapists can develop positioning and handling strategies that promote proper alignment, improve the infant's ability to coordinate movements during feeding, and reduce the risk of feeding difficulties.

• Parent education and support: Occupational therapists can provide education and support to parents, helping them understand their infant's motor development and how to support successful breastfeeding at home.

Occupational therapy can be an important intervention for supporting infant motor development and promoting successful breastfeeding. By addressing motor skills and providing support for feeding difficulties, occupational therapists can help promote positive outcomes for both the infant and the mother.

Occupational Therapy for Infant Oral Motor Skills

Oral motor skills are important for infants to develop, as they play a key role in feeding and communication. Infants who have difficulty with oral motor skills may have difficulty with breastfeeding, drinking from a bottle, or transitioning to solid foods.

Occupational therapy can be an effective intervention for infants who have difficulty with oral motor skills. Some strategies that may be used include:

• Assessment and evaluation: Occupational therapists can assess the infant's oral motor skills and identify any areas of weakness or difficulty.

• Therapeutic exercises and activities: Based on the assessment results, occupational therapists can provide exercises and activities that target specific oral motor skills, such as tongue movement, jaw strength, and lip closure.

• Sensory stimulation: Occupational therapists can use sensory stimulation to help the infant become more aware of their mouth and develop a better understanding of oral movements.

Occupational Therapy for Feeding and Eating

Occupational therapy can be a valuable resource for mothers who are experiencing difficulties with breastfeeding. Occupational therapists can work with both the mother and the infant to identify and address any underlying issues that may be impacting breastfeeding, such as musculoskeletal challenges, sensory processing issues, or oral motor difficulties.

Some strategies that occupational therapists may use to support breastfeeding include:

• Assessment and evaluation: Occupational therapists can assess the mother's breastfeeding technique and identify any areas of difficulty, such as positioning, latch, or milk transfer.

• Therapeutic exercises and activities: Occupational therapists can provide exercises and activities that target specific areas of difficulty, such as strengthening exercises for the mother or oral motor exercises for the infant.

• Positioning and handling strategies: Occupational therapists can develop positioning and handling strategies that promote proper alignment, improve the infant's ability to coordinate movements during feeding, and reduce the risk of feeding difficulties.

• Sensory integration strategies: Occupational therapists can use sensory integration strategies to help the infant tolerate and process sensory input more effectively during breastfeeding.

• Education and support: Occupational therapists can provide education and support to mothers, helping them understand their infant's needs and how to support successful breastfeeding at home.

Occupational therapy can be an effective intervention for supporting successful breastfeeding and promoting positive outcomes for both the mother and the infant. By addressing any underlying issues and providing support for breastfeeding difficulties, occupational therapists can help mothers achieve their breastfeeding goals and promote a positive breastfeeding experience.

If you are looking for feeding or developmental support, I offer virtual visits. Lactation visits are covered in full for most. Book your visit today.

Holistic Baby Care

Occupational therapists providing support and education and support both the mother and the infant helping them navigating the breastfeeding process and troubleshoot any issues that arise.

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