Supporting Sucking Skills in Breastfeeding Infants

Supporting Sucking Skills in Breastfeeding Infants, Fourth Edition is a definitive, evidence-based resource for healthcare professionals who work with new breastfeeding families and infants. The book emphasizes a multidisciplinary approach, integrating the latest research on infant sucking with practical clinical strategies to support successful breastfeeding. It focuses on developing and maintaining normal sucking skills while addressing feeding difficulties that may arise due to anatomical, cardiorespiratory, neurological, or prematurity-related factors.

Key Features

• Multidisciplinary expertise: Contributions from lactation consultants, speech-language pathologists, occupational therapists, and pediatric specialists
• Focus on skills development: Detailed guidance on normal infant sucking and strategies to support skill acquisition
• Expanded coverage of structural challenges: Includes feeding modifications for infants with micrognathia, orofacial clefts, and torticollis
• Neurological support: Practical strategies for infants with neurological conditions affecting feeding
• Updated research insights: Covers mechanics of sucking, anatomy of the floor of the mouth, and the role of tongue tie in feeding difficulties
• Visual guidance: New photos illustrate techniques and modifications for easier clinical application
• Clinical utility: Designed for use in hospitals, outpatient clinics, home visits, and lactation programs to improve infant feeding outcomes