Breastfeeding | Bottle Feeding | Starting Solids | Feeding Therapy | Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy

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Feeding Therapy

  • As a Speech-Language Pathologist, I look beyond just latch and positioning. My comprehensive infant feeding assessment and treatment plan assesses oral structure and function (including tongue and lip tie evaluations) to understand why feeding is difficult and how to improve it.

    I support families through a wide range of feeding concerns, including:

    • Breastfeeding pain or difficulty latching

    • Poor milk transfer or slow weight gain

    • Bottle refusal or difficulty switching between breast and bottle

    • Long, stressful, or inefficient feeds

    • Suspected tongue or lip ties affecting feeding

    • Oral motor dysfunction in babies

    • Gagging, coughing, or feeding coordination concerns

    Support includes both breastfeeding help and bottle feeding strategies, with a focus on improving function, comfort, and efficiency.

  • I provide feeding therapy for babies with suspected or diagnosed ties, including:

    • Functional feeding assessment

    • Oral motor evaluation

    • Feeding support before and after release procedures

    Services are provided within Dr. Appleton’s office, allowing for collaborative care and coordinated support when further assessment or treatment is needed.

  • I support babies and families as they transition to solid foods, including:

    • When and how to start solids

    • Oral motor readiness for feeding

    • Texture progression and variety

    • Allergen education and introduction

    • Managing gagging or feeding resistance

    Early feeding support can help build positive, confident feeding experiences.

  • Feeding therapy is also available for older children experiencing:

    • Picky eating

    • Limited food variety

    • Mealtime stress or refusal

    • Long mealtimes (> 30 minutes)

    • Sensory-based feeding challenges

    • Difficulty chewing age-appropriate foods

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Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy

  • Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy (OMT) is a specialized therapy focused on improving how the muscles of the face, mouth, and tongue function - both at rest and during movement. These muscles play a key role in breathing, feeding, swallowing, speech, sleep quality, and facial development from infancy through adulthood.

    When these patterns aren’t working as well as they could, OMT helps guide the muscles toward more natural, functional habits over time.

    OMT can help:
    • Optimize tongue posture and movement
    • Make chewing and swallowing feel easier and more coordinated
    • Encourage nasal (nose) breathing
    • Establish proper oral rest posture
    • Support optimal facial and jaw development

  • Babies and Young Children:

    • History of tongue or lip ties

    • Open mouth posture or low tongue resting position

    • Difficulty coordinating sucking, swallowing, and breathing

    • Ongoing feeding challenges despite other support

    • Older children with oral habits (thumb sucking, mouth breathing)

    Older Children:

    • Tongue thrust

    • Mouth breathing

    • Speech sound distortion

    • Snoring or restless sleep

    • Crowded teeth or narrow palate

    • Orthodontic relapse

    If you’re noticing feeding challenges or concerns with oral function, early support can make a meaningful difference.

  • A myofunctional assessment is a gentle, comprehensive evaluation of how your child’s mouth, tongue, and facial muscles are functioning during rest and movement.

    During your appointment, we will review your child’s history and concerns, then assess key areas such as:

    • Tongue movement, strength, and coordination

    • Oral rest posture (how the tongue, lips, and jaw rest)

    • Breathing patterns (nasal vs. mouth breathing)

    • Feeding, swallowing, and oral motor function

    • Relevant orthodontic history or planned procedures

    • Presence of any oral restrictions (such as tongue or lip ties)

    Your child’s feeding will also be observed to understand how these patterns impact real-life function.

    This assessment is calm, interactive, and tailored to your child. You’ll leave with a clear understanding of what’s happening, how it may be affecting feeding or development, and what next steps (if any) are recommended.

  • As a Registered Speech-Language Pathologist, Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy is covered under many extended health benefit plans in Alberta.

    • Receipts are provided for insurance submission

    • Coverage falls under Speech-Language Pathology

    • Health Spending Accounts may apply

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  • "I would happily recommend Kristen and Tiny Ties Feeding Therapy to other parents. Kristen had ample knowledge of infant feeding and the struggles that could come up. Anyone with any struggles with infant feeding would greatly benefit from Kristen’s help."

    -Tria

  • "Thank you so so much for all your help and incredible encouragement! If it wasn’t for you, I know we wouldn’t have kept trying with the breastfeeding and would still be struggling to find help and answers. This most likely would have lead to more issues and frustrations in so many other ways."

    -Chelsea B.