A
book review:
"
Feeding and Swallowing Disorders in Infancy: Assessment and Management" 1992 by Lynn S. Wolf, Mot, OTR, and Robin P. Glass, MS, OTR Foreword by James Bosma, M.D. Published by Therapy Skill Builders
This
book is no easy read but well worth the
study time. The
authors are both Pediatric Occupational Therapists who have specialized in
infant feeding
disorders.
Material covered includes: (by chapter title)
1) Functional anatomy and physiology of the suck/swallow/breathe triad
2) Diagnostic Tests and Procedures
3) Clinical Feeding Evaluation
4) Problem-Driven Models for Comprehensive Multidisciplinary Assessment of Infant Feeding
5) Therapeutic Treatment strategies for Infant Feeding Dysfunction
6) Special Diagnostic Categories
7) Tools of the Trade: Nipples, Pacifiers, and
Bottles
8)
Breastfeeding
Strengths and
Weaknesses:
This book has become indispensable to me in understanding the feeding issues of babies with
problems like
prematurity,
reflux,
heart disease,
fistulas, and
oral-facial abnormalities. The authors have in recent years added
Lactation Consultant to their credentials. In their current
workshops their knowledge of
normal breastfeeding shines through but the
textbook is still mired in the
false assumption that breastfeeding can be dealt with as an add on chapter at the end. A
new edition reflecting breastfeeding throughout the book is needed. Until then one must be able to digest the material and
extrapolate the breastfeeding aspects for oneself.
This book is appropriate for all
lactation consultants, and
physicians,
nurses,
occupational therapists,
physical therapists, and
speech therapists who work with
children. Those without a strong
anatomy and physiology background would probably want to invest some time in that subject matter before attempting this book.