Neonatal dietetics Pharmacy Screening Speech and Language Therapy

It may seem strange that your tiny baby is being referred to a Speech and Language Therapist (SLT). However part of an SLT's role is to look at feeding and swallowing as well as communication.

 

The SLT role on the neonatal unit is primarily in assessing and supporting babies in safely and efficiently establishing oral feeding (that is breast or bottle feeds by mouth). This specialised input is given to babies who have been identified as needing some extra help in preparing for or starting to feed by mouth, for example babies who have chronic lung disease. For older babies on the unit the SLT may also provide some input regarding early pre verbal communication development. Not all babies on the unit will need input from the SLT.

 

The Speech and Language Therapist may start working with you and your baby well before your baby is ready to have any feeds by mouth. Early input is important in helping your baby develop necessary pre feeding skills such as: tolerance of touch around and inside his or her mouth, having opportunities to suck and being calm and comfortable in feeding positions.

 

 

The SLT for the neonatal unit is Emily. She works on the unit two and a half days a week covering the NICU or SCBU. The SLT works closely with the whole staff team on the neonatal unit

 

If you would like to talk to Emily or feel your baby would benefit from SLT input please talk to your baby's doctors or nurses who will arrange contact.