萝莉社

We continue celebrating by highlighting speech pathology鈥檚 role in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, or NICU.

How can a speech-language pathologist help patients in the NICU?

The therapist鈥檚 focus is on supporting the infant鈥檚 development, maximizing developmental outcomes, and providing counseling and family-focused education and training. A neonatal SLP requires additional immersive training and mentorship as well as NICU-specific competencies.

Neonatal SLPs assess and treat swallowing and feeding problems via bedside clinical exams, diagnostic and bedside flexible exams. An assessment involves looking at the infant鈥檚 ability to latch and to transfer fluid through the oral cavity and the ability to manage fluid in the throat for safe swallowing. As part of treatment, the SLP will implement strategies and techniques to improve the latch, suction and fluid flow rate. SLPs also work closely with to ensure a holistic approach to evaluations and treatments. This approach allows therapists to support the infant and their family in the best way possible.

Meet a neonatal speech-language pathologist

Stephanie Davis, CCC-SLP, has been a speech therapist for 17 years and has worked at 萝莉社 for nearly 10 years supporting both adult and pediatric patients. She is the clinical specialist on the speech team and board-certified in swallowing and swallowing disorders. She is also a certified neonatal therapist and a published author. Stephanie also sits on national committees for her discipline.

Her interest in speech pathology began after she was diagnosed with dyslexia. She learned the value of a dedicated and passionate therapist from her many therapy sessions and realized the difference one person can make in the lives of others.

鈥淲hat an honor it is to be a part of these little ones鈥� journeys,鈥� said Stephanie. 鈥淚 am so very fortunate be a part of this practice in my field.鈥�

Visit 萝莉社HealthJax.org/rehabilitation-services to learn more about speech therapy and other services offered at 萝莉社.