22: What exactly is a feeding therapist?

**What Is a Feeding Therapist?** There's no official degree or license called "feeding therapist" — so who actually is one? In this episode, Sarina breaks down the overlapping (and sometimes confusing) roles of speech-language pathologists, occupational therapists, lactation consultants, and registered dietitians in a child's feeding journey. **Key Concepts** - "Feeding therapist" is a specialization, not a licensed credential — it's built on top of an SLP, OT, or (less commonly) RD license - SLPs: oral motor and swallowing safety - OTs: sensory regulation and the motor mechanics of getting food to the mouth - Lactation consultants: milk transfer/production and getting baby fed, not oral motor specifics - RDs: nutrition, volume, and growth - Which discipline covers infant feeding in a hospital (SLP or OT) depends on that system, not a fixed rule **Reflection Questions for Parents** - When someone is introduced as your child's "feeding therapist," do you know which license they're practicing under? - Has your child's team included more than one of these providers? How did their focuses differ in practice? - If you've worked with a lactation consultant, were you ever referred to (or from) a feeding therapist?