Therapy for Latching Trouble in Menlo Park and San Jose, CA
Personalized Treatment for Latching Trouble
Latching troubles can affect your child’s nutrition, comfort during feedings, and important early bonding moments. It can also impact speech development and swallowing skills as your child grows. Many parents are surprised to learn that speech therapists treat latching and feeding difficulties in children of all ages, including newborns.
At Peninsula Associates Speech Therapy Services, we create personalized therapy plans to strengthen your child’s latching skills and make feeding more comfortable and enjoyable for you both.
What Is Latching Trouble?
Latching trouble happens when a child has difficulty attaching securely to the breast or bottle for feeding. While it’s most common in newborns, latching difficulties can also appear in older children with neurological or developmental conditions that affect feeding. A good latch allows for efficient milk transfer and comfortable feeding, while a poor latch can make feeding tiring, stressful, and may not give your child all the nutrition they need.
Common Signs Your Child Is Having Trouble Latching
Latching problems can show up in many ways. Some of the most common signs include:
- Losing suction during feeding
- Making clicking or smacking sounds while feeding
- Becoming fussy, arching the back, or tiring quickly during feeding
- Gaining weight more slowly than expected
- Pulling away from the breast or bottle often
- Coughing, gagging, or drooling excessively while feeding
How Speech Therapy Helps Improve Latching
The same muscles used for feeding form the foundation for speech production, chewing, and safe swallowing. A speech therapist will work on your child’s muscle strength and coordination so they can latch securely and feed successfully.
Treatment may include:
- Checking your child’s lips, tongue, and palate to rule out physical causes for latching troubles
- Using gentle, play-based exercises to strengthen your child’s lips, tongue, cheeks, and jaw
- Showing you feeding positions that can help your child get better suction and a more secure latch
- Teaching pacing techniques to help your child coordinate sucking, swallowing, and breathing
- Teaching you ways to keep your child comfortable during feeding if they’re sensitive to certain tastes, textures, or temperatures
- Working closely with your child’s lactation consultants, pediatricians and other specialists for a comprehensive approach
We will tailor a therapy plan to your child’s needs, focusing on improving muscle strength, feeding skills, and coordination so they can feed more effectively and comfortably.
Why Choose Peninsula Associates to Treat Latching Trouble
Since 1978, Peninsula Associates Speech Therapy Services has been helping individuals of all ages overcome feeding and communication challenges. We understand the emotional and practical concerns that come with latching difficulties and combine clinical expertise with compassionate, hands-on guidance to turn stressful mealtimes into positive, nurturing experiences.
Reach Out Today to Get Started
Early intervention can make a big difference in resolving latching challenges and supporting healthy growth. Contact Peninsula Associates Speech Therapy Services to schedule an evaluation at our Menlo Park or San Jose location. We’ll create a personalized plan to promote feeding success, strengthen oral skills, and help your child thrive at mealtimes.