Infant Occupational Therapy and Lactation in Charleston, WV
Making the connection between the body and feeding
Occupational Therapy • Feeding Therapy • Lactation
Is feeding your baby more difficult than you ever imagined? Let’s figure out WHY feedings aren’t going as planned and HOW you and your baby can reach your feeding goals.
You want the best for your baby and no matter how you chose to feed your baby, I am here to support you.
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Feeding therapy
Bottle feeding, reflux, food intolerance/allergies, tongue and lip tie. Get help determining the root cause of feeding difficulties from an infant feeding specialist.
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Occupational Therapy
Torticollis, head molding, body tension, developmental concerns, Tummy Time! Method, and infant massage. Get hands on help with a licensed therapist.
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Lactation
Breastfeeding evaluations including a weighted feed, help with latch and positioning, a detailed feeding plan all with an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant.
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Prenatal Breastfeeding Course
In person breastfeeding education. Evidence based education and practical tools to set you up for breastfeeding success!
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Transition to Solids Class
New education class to prepare you and baby for starting solids.
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Community Support Groups
Baby Brunch is an Infant feeding Support Group with monthly meetings for weight checks, general education and support.
Also ask about postpartum support walking group.
Feeding is a complex interaction between baby and parent, and many things can impact successful feeding whether breastfeeding or bottle feeding.
If you need more support with feeding your baby, get expert help.
Cara Daubenspeck, OTR/L, IBCLC, CIMI-2
Hi, I am Cara. I am a mother of three who all had some feeding difficulties as infants. It was hard to find the right help, so I have made it my mission to help families get the care they deserve here in Charleston, West Virginia. I have been a pediatric occupational therapist for 14 years and have worked solely with infants, toddlers and their families since 2014. I started as a certified lactation counselor in 2015 and became an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant IBCLC in 2021. I am the only OT/IBCLC in West Virginia. I have many other certifications and trainings including being a TummyTime! Method Professional, Certified Infant Massage Instructor, and Tethered Oral Tissue Specialty Trained (TOTs). I am always learning and have also completed hundreds of hours of infant and toddler specific continuing education related to feeding, sensory integration, and overall development.
Utilizing a whole body approach to feeding
FAQs
What is occupational therapy and how can it benefit my baby?
OT is a holistic and evidence based profession. OT helps people function in their daily activities (occupations) to the best of their abilities. For a baby this includes feeding, play/movement, connecting with caregivers, exploring his/her environment, sleeping and more. Breastfeeding is a co-occupation between parent and baby requiring a thorough evaluation when there are problems with feeding.
An OT working in infant feeding and development has specialized training and in depth knowledge of the infant’s body, motor skills, oral motor skills, positioning, task analysis, sensory integration, feeding and lactation.
When to make an appointment?
Stressful feedings
Breastfeeding support
Difficulty taking a bottle
Tongue & Lip ties
Reflux, fussy, cries all the time
Torticollis or head shape concerns
Difficulty transitioning to solid foods
What can I expect during a feeding evaluation?
A thorough intake of medical and birth history
Review of concerns and symptoms
Evaluation of a feeding
Oral exam and assessment of function
Assessment of baby’s body
Care plan individualized for you & your baby
How long is an initial evaluation? How long are follow up appointments?
Typically 75-90 minutes. Please try to be on time and have intake paperwork completed.
Follow-up therapy appointments are generally 45 minutes.
If you are seeking lactation support, appointments may be longer. Please let us know when scheduling.
What should I bring to my appointment?
Hungry baby
Any equipment you use for feedings or have questions about (ex: pumping equipment, nipple shields, pacifier)
A thin blanket for therapy mat
Completed paperwork and insurance card
Can someone come with me to my appointment?
Two adults can attend the appointment. Please try to find alternative childcare for children so attention can be given to you and your new baby.
Do you accept insurance?
Yes, we are in network with most insurances and accept medicaid. If you have a commercial insurance but your baby is not yet active, you may be asked to pay a fee for the evaluation at the time of service. This money will be refunded to you pending insurance coverage. In order to bill insurance, a pediatrician referral must be on file. Pediatricians can fax an order for occupational therapy services to 304-345-7386.
We are now partnering with The Lactation Network. If you are breastfeeding and have BCBS PPO, Anthem PPO,, UHC/UMR please go to https://go.lactationnetwork.com/ConnectionsOccupationalTherapy/CaraDaubenspeck to see if your visits may be fully covered by your insurance.
Cara is a resource all Mama’s should have, especially first time mothers. I learned so much. She helped with tongue tie issues, tummy time activities, breast feeding. The way information is presented is professional but personal. I seriously could not have survived my first month without her. -Ashley
To sum up our experience, Cara is a life saver! As a first time mom I can’t imagine how I would have navigated our first months without her. I almost gave up so many times but we are going on 6 months of breastfeeding thanks to Cara’s help!-Megan
Follow our journey @ connectionsot.
