Pediatric Therapy for Low Birth Weight
in Menlo Park & San Jose, CA
Personalized Feeding Therapy for Babies with Low Birth Weight
Your baby’s growth and development relies so much on getting the right nutrition. Sometimes babies with low birth weight (LBW) need extra help developing the strong early feeding skills needed to grow and thrive. The pediatric feeding therapists at Peninsula Associates Speech Therapy Services can help your baby strengthen their sucking, swallowing, and the mouth and tongue movements needed for safe, effective feeding and healthy growth.
How Low Birth Weight Can Affect Feeding
Whether your baby was born early or full-term, LBW can sometimes present challenges such as:
- Feeding coordination challenges: LBW babies may need more time to get used to how sucking, swallowing, and breathing work together during feeding.
- Trouble with latching and sucking: LBW babies may not have enough strength in their lips, tongue, and cheeks to feed well.
- Low feeding endurance: Some LBW babies get worn out before they’ve had enough to eat.
- Tummy troubles: Digestive issues like reflux can make feeding uncomfortable or cause fussiness.
- Reluctance to feed: Babies who spent time being tube-fed may be more sensitive around their mouth and hesitant to accept a bottle or breast.
- Easily overwhelmed: LBW babies can be more sensitive to light, noise, or activity, which makes it harder for them to stay focused on feeding.
The good news is a pediatric feeding therapist can work with your baby to strengthen their feeding skills so they can continue to grow and thrive.
How Pediatric Therapy Treat Low Birth Weight
A feeding therapist creates a personalized treatment plan for your baby that focuses on developing strong feeding skills. Therapy may include:
- Strengthening your baby’s lips, tongue, and cheeks with gentle exercises to improve sucking and swallowing.
- Helping a baby who was tube-fed transition to the breast or bottle in a safe, gradual way.
- Monitoring your baby’s feeding flow and pace to make sure they aren’t getting milk too quickly and are swallowing comfortably.
- Holding your baby in specific positions to make feeding safer and more comfortable.
- Coaching parents with hands-on techniques so you can use the same strategies at home to make feeding more successful.
Why Choose Peninsula Associates Speech Therapy Services?
Since 1978, the therapists at Peninsula Associates Speech Therapy Services have been helping children and adults overcome feeding, voice and communication challenges.
Our pediatric feeding specialists understand the unique needs of babies born with low birth weight and work closely with pediatricians and other healthcare providers to ensure your child receives coordinated, well-rounded care. We are dedicated to supporting your baby’s growth and helping them thrive.
Reach Out Today to Get Started
If your baby was born with low birth weight and needs extra support with feeding, contact Peninsula Associates Speech Therapy Services at our Menlo Park or San Jose office. Our therapists will evaluate your baby’s needs and create a personalized plan to help them feed more safely, comfortably, and effectively.