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Building Blocks Pediatric Occupational Therapy Services

Fairfield Connecticut Occupational Therapist

203-341-0178
bbpedot@yahoo.com
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Let’s Talk Feeding!

January 30, 2023 By admin

Feeding & Infants

When it comes to feeding and infants there are many different routes to take depending on the individual needs of the infant and what works best in the family’s schedule. Occupational therapists will usually do a feeding assessment if feeding is a concern, in order to observe motor, sensory, and oral motor control. The normal feeding routine will also be addressed in order to determine the family’s typical mealtimes, where the infant eats, and who typically feeds them.

If feeding is a concern… Signs you may see when feeding…

  • Coughing 
  • Gauging 
  • Increased need to breathe  
  • Struggling to maintain grasp on bottle or breast

Suck swallow breathe (SSB)

Suck swallow breathe is a pattern learned in utero to allow the infant to breathe and eat simultaneously, preventing choking. If an infant has a strong suck, but difficulty with feeding the issue is likely related to the SSB coordination. If this is the case suggestions to assist in feeding can include:

  • Side lying position while holding the bottle horizontally
  • Sitting on the couch with your knees up having the infant on your thighs for feeding 
  • Pacing
    • Stopping flow of milk (tilt bottle down)
    • Using a slower flow bottle nipple

Weak oral motor muscles

When it comes to an infant having weak oral motor muscles, this can be seen through feeding by an infant having a weak suck. If this is the case suggestions to help with feeding can include:

  • During feeding have the infant supported in slight flexion (like in the top picture)
  • Use faster flow bottle nipples

Breastfeeding

If not bottle feeding, mothers can also breastfeed their infants. With breastfeeding, infants will still need the ability to have the suck, swallow, breathe pattern and to use their oral motor muscles to latch onto the nipple and obtain the milk. There are 3 steps to help the infant get a strong grasp on the nipple.

Latch 1,2,3 

    1. Bring baby to breast
    2. Tummy to tummy
      1. Have the baby’s tummy against your own 
    3. Nose at nipple
      1. Baby will smell milk and begin to open mouth 

Breastfeeding Benefits For Baby:

  • Provides baby with nutrients
  • Lower risk for SIDS, obesity, asthma
  • Builds stronger bond with mom and baby
  • Stronger protection from illness

Breastfeeding Benefits For Mom:

  • Reduces the risk of breast cancer and postpartum depression
  • Builds stronger bond with mom and baby
  • Decreases stress levels

Role of OT and Breastfeeding 

Occupational therapists can help to educate parents and caregivers about breastfeeding, the benefits, and how to develop a routine with breastfeeding. OTs can also assess the surrounding environments to determine any obstacles and which interventions would work best for the baby and the mother. 

Positioning

When it comes time for a child to participate in self feeding, positioning can be extremely important to make sure the child is secure and comfortable to support their focus and coordination. What to look for: 

  • Make sure their hips and back are supported 
  • Making sure they are well aligned and seated upright 


you might also like

  • SOS Approach to FeedingSOS Approach to Feeding
  • Let’s Discuss Equine- Assisted Therapy vs. HippotherapyLet’s Discuss Equine- Assisted Therapy vs. Hippotherapy
  • M.O.R.E. Program and Oral Motor WhistlesM.O.R.E. Program and Oral Motor Whistles
  • Developmental Stages of PlayDevelopmental Stages of Play

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🌟 Just a very important day in the life of an O 🌟 Just a very important day in the life of an OT 🌟

Today was full of those magical moments that remind me why I love what I do. 💛

💪 The squeeze machine and steamroller worked their magic — helping kids build body awareness, deep pressure regulation, and that calming input their nervous systems crave.

🎪 The acrobat swing and climbing layers took courage and focus — strengthening core muscles, balance, motor planning, and confidence one brave swing at a time.

And the best part? Seeing the excitement in their eyes when they get it. ✨

📚 My book, What Is OT?, is opening doors for so many conversations with kids, parents, and teachers — helping everyone understand how amazing and powerful Occupational Therapy really is. The stories are spreading, and it’s truly a success.

Thank you to everyone who’s supported this journey — this is only the beginning! 💕

#BuildingBlocksPediatricOT #OccupationalTherapy #WhatIsOT #SensoryIntegration #PediatricOT #OTFun #CoreStrength #MotorPlanning #SensoryProcessing #AcrobatSwing #Steamroller #SqueezeMachine #WestportMoms #FairfieldCountyOT #JellybeanOT #ChildDevelopment #OTBookSeries
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Hi friends, it’s Justine 💕 Most of you know Hi friends, it’s Justine 💕

Most of you know me as a pediatric occupational therapist here in Westport, CT at Building Blocks Pediatric Occupational Therapy Services. For years, families have asked me the same big question: “What is OT, and what will my child do there?”

So, I poured my heart into creating something that would explain it in a way kids could truly connect with.

📚 The What Is OT? Series is a seven-book collection that breaks down the many skills we work on in OT — from fine motor and sensory, to life skills and social-emotional growth. Each story is colorful, fun, and written to help kids see themselves in the characters.

And here’s the part that makes it extra special for me — the main characters are inspired by my own children, nieces, nephews, and even some OT friends who’ve been part of my journey. This series is my little love letter to the kids I work with every day, and to a profession that means the world to me.

✨ My hope is that these books give parents, teachers, and therapists tools to share what OT really is, and how it helps kids learn, grow, and thrive.

Thank you for cheering me on as I put this dream into the world — I’m so excited to share it with you 💜

Follow along @justinebedocs, @buildingblockspediatricot, and @buildingblocksbookseries for updates as the series comes to life!

#WhatIsOT #PediatricOT #BuildingBlocksOT #OTBookSeries #OTLove #ChildrensBooks #OccupationalTherapy
Vibration plates= nervous system regulation🧘‍ Vibration plates= nervous system regulation🧘‍♂️ At Building Blocks, we incorporate vibration plates thoughtfully into sessions to meet each child’s unique sensory and functional needs; supporting not just movement, but attention, coordination, and emotional regulation. 
#pediatricot #sensoryregulation #fun #occupationaltherapy #westportmoms 

Learn more about this with the link in bio!👏
✨ Did you know we actually have EIGHT senses (no ✨ Did you know we actually have EIGHT senses (not just five)?
These systems are constantly at work—helping kids regulate their bodies, manage emotions, and shine every day. 🌈

As OTs, we harness these senses through play, movement, and fun strategies so kids can thrive at school, home, and in the community. 💪💖

#PediatricOccupationalTherapy #WestportOT #SensoryIntegration #Vision #Hearing #Touch #Taste #Smell #Proprioception #Vestibular #Interoception #ChildDevelopment #OTForKids #FineMotorSkills #GrossMotorSkills #RegulationSkills #BuildingBlocksPediatricOT #KidsOT #SensoryProcessing
Learn more about what occupational therapy is and Learn more about what occupational therapy is and how it can help your child thrive in life✨ Link in bio!
📚 The What Is OT? Series is part of a seven-boo 📚 The What Is OT? Series is part of a seven-book collection designed to explain Occupational Therapy to children in a fun, simple, and relatable way. Through colorful stories and engaging characters, each book shows how OT supports kids in learning, growing, and thriving every day.

This series also advocates for the OT profession — helping parents, teachers, and therapists share the many important skills that Occupational Therapy builds. Perfect for classrooms, therapy sessions, or at home, these books are a meaningful resource for anyone wanting children to understand the power of OT.

✨ The Seven Books in the Series:
	1.	📗 What Is OT? What Will I Do There?
	2.	📘 Fine Motor Superpowers in OT
	3.	📘 Brain & Body Teamwork in OT
	4.	📗 Together We Can: Eyes & Hands in OT
	5.	📙 Confidence & Independence: Life Skills in OT
	6.	📘 Sensory Processing & Integration in OT
	7.	🌈 Social-Emotional & Regulation Skills in OT
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