Speech Therapy for Infant Feeding and Swallowing at Stewart Memorial

Did you know speech therapy can help babies with feeding and swallowing challenges?

At Stewart Memorial, our speech-language pathologists work with infants who have difficulty breastfeeding, bottle feeding, coordinating sucking and swallowing, or transitioning to new feeding stages. Feeding is one of the earliest and most important developmental skills, and when challenges arise, early support can make a meaningful difference.

Feeding concerns can impact a baby’s growth, nutrition, and overall development. Difficulties may show up as fatigue during feeds, coughing or choking, difficulty latching, poor weight gain, or frustration during feeding times. Through specialized pediatric feeding and swallowing therapy, our team helps identify underlying challenges and provides personalized support to help babies feed safely and confidently.

Our approach is family-centered and collaborative. In some cases, speech therapy works closely with lactation services to support breastfeeding goals and overall feeding success. This teamwork allows us to address both the functional and medical aspects of feeding so families receive well-rounded care tailored to their baby’s needs.

Early evaluation and intervention are key. When feeding concerns are addressed early, babies often experience improved comfort during feeding, better nutritional intake, and stronger developmental progress over time.

If you have concerns about your baby’s feeding skills, swallowing, or oral motor development, Stewart Memorial is here to help.

Pumping and Returning to Work

Every successful breastfeeding journey begins with knowledge, patience, and support. At Stewart Memorial, we are dedicated to helping you feel confident and empowered at every step, whether you’re nursing, pumping, or returning to work.

Returning to work while breastfeeding or pumping can feel challenging, but planning ahead can make the transition smoother. Start by talking with your employer about break times and a private, comfortable space to pump. Try to pump at your baby’s usual feeding times to maintain your milk supply and prevent discomfort.

Make sure you have all your supplies ready, including a reliable pump, properly fitting flanges, storage bottles or bags, and a cooler with ice packs for safe milk storage during the day. Label your milk and follow recommended storage guidelines. Practicing your routine at home can help you feel more confident.

Supporting your body is just as important as supporting your routine. Stay hydrated, eat balanced meals, and manage stress to help maintain your milk supply. Some parents find looking at photos or videos of their baby while pumping encourages let-down.

Remember, every journey is unique, and adjusting to a new routine takes time. Our lactation consultants are here to provide guidance, answer your questions, and help you create a plan that works for you and your baby.

Meet the Team: Katie Pudenz

Meet the Team: Katie Pudenz, RN, Lactation Counselor at The Nest
We are excited to introduce Katie Pudenz, one of our dedicated and compassionate lactation counselors at The Nest. With 12 years of OB nursing experience and 10 years at Stewart Memorial, Katie brings knowledge, support, and encouragement to every family she works with. Get to know more about her journey and passion for helping new moms below.
Q: What inspired you to pursue a career in lactation support and education for new families?
A: I originally wanted to learn about lactation because I didn’t know much about breastfeeding when I was a newer OB nurse. At the time, I didn’t have any children of my own, so I wanted to gain knowledge and skills to help lactating women. Over the years, it has become such a joy to help moms learn to breastfeed their infants. Every journey is so unique and special, and watching moms grow in their breastfeeding journey is the best part of my job.
Q: How long have you been part of Stewart Memorial / The Nest team?
A: I have been at Stewart for 10 years.
Q: What do you enjoy most about supporting moms and babies during their breastfeeding journey?
A: The most enjoyable part is celebrating moms and their wins. I’m usually contacted when things aren’t going perfectly or a mom isn’t confident, so I support her to achieve her feeding goals. I believe it’s important to support every mom on her feeding journey, no matter what it looks like, and to celebrate every win along the way.
Q: How long have you been working as an OB nurse, and what brought you to this field?
A: I have been an OB nurse for 12 years. I chose this field after moving back to my hometown and going back to school. I love that having a baby is such a wonderful, exciting, and intimate time in someone’s life. It’s a privilege to be part of this monumental moment, and I want every mom’s experience to be the best it can be.
Q: What drew you to Stewart Memorial and The Nest team?
A: Stewart has the best work environment. My coworkers have become like a second family. Everyone truly cares for each other, celebrates the good times, and comforts each other during the hard times. I couldn’t ask for a better work environment.
Q: What’s one piece of advice you often share with new or expectant parents?
A: I often tell parents that the “secret sauce” to parenting is that none of us know what we’re doing—we’re all just flying by the seat of our pants. Children are a blessing and bring so much joy, but they’ll ask some of the craziest questions! Just remember, you were picked to be this baby’s parent, and you are perfect and exactly what they need.
Q: What do you love most about working in this community?
A: Working and living in the same community is special. You take care of people you know—neighbors, teachers, friends’ parents. It adds a deeper level of accountability and motivates me to provide high-quality care because I know how much it matters to the family and our community.
Q: What is something you enjoy doing in your free time?
A: I enjoy spending time with my husband and children, going on “adventures,” attending concerts, and being with friends.
We are grateful to have Katie as part of The Nest team. Her expertise, compassion, and dedication help create positive and supportive experiences for every mom and baby she serves!

Meet the Team: Ashley Mork

Meet the Team: Ashley Mork, RN, Certified Lactation Specialist at The Nest
We’re excited to introduce Ashley Mork, RN, our Certified Lactation Specialist and prenatal class instructor who has been part of the Stewart Memorial family for nearly 11 years. Get to know more about her passion for supporting new families and empowering moms through their breastfeeding journeys:
Q: What inspired you to pursue a career in lactation support and education for new families?
A: When I was working as a Labor & Delivery nurse, I realized how much I loved educating new mothers in the postpartum period. Personally, I struggled through my own breastfeeding journey with my firstborn and remember feeling defeated and alone. Becoming a Certified Lactation Specialist (CLS) has allowed me to support families through those tough moments and help them feel more confident and empowered.
Q: What do you enjoy most about supporting moms and babies during their breastfeeding journey?
A: Breastfeeding is deeply personal and can be such an incredible bonding experience but is also very difficult for some. I’m honored to help patients meet their breastfeeding goals, whether it’s 3 days or 3 years.
Q: You also teach our prenatal classes. What can expectant parents look forward to when attending your classes?
A: My goal is to give parents real, practical insights into pregnancy, labor, delivery, and the postpartum period. We do hands-on newborn care practice, have open conversations about life with a new baby, and include a tour of the OB department so families feel comfortable and prepared.
Q: What is one piece of advice you often share with new or expectant parents?
A: The first few weeks with a newborn are pure survival mode, but it doesn’t last forever. Try to soak it all in and enjoy each stage, even the hard ones.
Q: What do you love most about working in this community?
A: I love the small-town feel, where everyone knows everyone and kindness is part of everyday life. It’s special to be able to give back to a community that gives so much to each other.
Q: What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
A: Most of my time outside of work is spent cheering on my kids in their activities. I also love caring for our chickens and farm cats and hiking in the mountains with my husband and kids each year.
We’re so thankful for Ashley’s compassion, experience, and dedication to supporting families through every stage of their journey.