Speech & Feeding Support New

A pediatric SLP is a credentialed expert (CCC-SLP) in communication and the structures and functions of the mouth, throat, and swallowing system. That means they support far more than “talking.” Pediatric SLPs evaluate and treat infant feeding and swallowing, oral motor skills, tongue and lip tie function, early language development, articulation, stuttering, social communication, and more, from the newborn period through the school years.

An IBCLC specializes in the breastfeeding/chestfeeding relationship, milk supply, latch, positioning, and feeding plans. A pediatric SLP focuses on the mechanics and skills of feeding and swallowing in the baby. Many families benefit from working with both at the same time, and several of our affiliates hold dual credentials (CCC-SLP + IBCLC). Our SLPs are happy to collaborate closely with your lactation provider.

In most cases, no, you can self-refer for an evaluation. Some insurance plans, however, require a pediatrician referral for coverage. We recommend reaching out to the provider you’re interested in directly to confirm what your plan requires.

It’s never too early. In fact, the earlier we can address feeding challenges, the better. Early support helps protect milk supply, weight gain, oral motor development, and the emotional well-being of the whole family. If something feels “off” with feeding, you do not have to wait for it to get worse.

Signs can include a shallow or painful latch, clicking during feeds, milk leaking from the corners of the mouth, slow weight gain, reflux, gassiness, fussiness at the breast/bottle, or a baby who falls asleep before finishing a feed. A qualified pediatric SLP or feeding specialist can perform a comprehensive functional assessment, looking at both anatomy and function, to help you decide whether a release procedure is appropriate, and to support pre- and post-release therapy if you choose to proceed.

Every child develops at their own pace, but general milestones can help guide you. By 12 months, most babies are using gestures and a few sounds or words. By 18 months, around 10–20 words. By age 2, two-word combinations like “more milk.” If your child is significantly behind these milestones, isn’t responding to their name, isn’t pointing or imitating, or you simply have a gut feeling that something is “off”, an SLP evaluation is a great next step. Early intervention makes a meaningful difference, and you don’t need to “wait and see.”

Sessions are individualized, play-based, and family-centered. For infants, this may include observing a feed, hands-on upport with positioning and latch, oral motor exercises, and parent coaching. For older babies and toddlers, sessions often look more like a guided mealtime, with structured exposure to new foods, sensory and motor work, and lots of caregiver education. Parents are an essential part of the process, and you’ll leave with practical strategies to use at home.

Many of our affiliates collaborate alongside the New York State Early Intervention (EI) program (for children birth to 3) and the Committee on Preschool Special Education (CPSE) for older children. Private therapy can complement these services, often with greater frequency, family training, or specialty expertise (such as feeding or oral ties) than EI alone can provide. Your affiliate can help you understand how the pieces fit together.

Each Kindred Connection affiliate manages their own practice independently, including insurance panels, payment options, and rates. We recommend reaching out directly to the provider you’re interested in, or visiting their website, to get accurate, up-to-date information about what they accept. Many providers also offer telehealth options, sliding scale fees, or out-of-network superbills, so don’t hesitate to ask.

Many of our pediatric SLP and feeding specialists offer flexible service locations, including in-home visits, sessions at daycare, and telehealth, to make care more accessible for families with infants, multiple children, or transportation barriers. Check each provider’s profile or website for details.