Feeding and Swallowing Disorders in Infancy: Assessment and Management

Therapists and other clinicians who deal with feeding-impaired infants will be helped by this unique book, which presents a comprehensive, multidimensional approach to feeding problems. Authors Lynn S. Wolf , M.O.T., OTR, and Robin P. Glass, M.S., OTR, assist the feeding specialist in acquiring the knowledge and skills to take an active and effective part in the assessment and management of infant feeding. They delineate the insights and skills that are being demonstrated by a growing number of occupational, physical, and speech therapists and nurses during the evaluation and care of dysphagic infants.

This manual takes a look at infant feeding and therapy in a medical context. The pertinent pediatric entities (prematurity and bronchopulmonary dysplasia, clefts and other malformations, various neurologic impairments) and evaluation methods (videofluoroscopy, endoscopy, and esophageal pH recording and manometry) are well reviewed. The distinction of the book is in its detailed descriptions of feeding impairments and their therapy-examples of individual infants and well-detailed, problem-driven models and treatment strategies. The information is reinforced by illustrations, lists, and classifications.

Ms. Wolf and Ms. Glass, who developed this professional resource out of their years of research and clinical experience treating infants with feeding and swallowing disorders, present insightful examples of mothers' concerns and problems. As well, they highlight the subtle interactions within the clinical team, as its members gain insight into the causes and mechanisms of feeding impairments.

The book, which is timely as the field of infant dysphagia is rapidly evolving, discusses techniques that enhance feeding and nutrition. These include prefeeding oral area stimulation, adaptations of nutrient density and volume, adaptation of head positioning, and choice of nipples. Even breast-feeding can be adapted. The feeding specialists described in this 475-page manual are essential in the arena of infant care.