The first several months with a new baby can be daunting for any parent, especially when faced with feeding challenges. When you’re dealing with sleep deprivation and lots of changes, things get confusing. There are so many baby schedules, plans, and “facts” online. It can be so difficult to find the right support at the right time! But amidst the uncertainty, one thing remains clear: every family deserves the opportunity to enjoy this special season.
I’m Jacqueline Murphy, M.Ed., CCC-SLP, CLC—a pediatric Speech Language Pathologist, Feeding Therapist, and Certified Lactation Counselor dedicated to supporting families through their feeding journey. Based in Buckhead, I offer assessment and treatment in my home office, virtual, and in home. Bringing a gentle, whole-child approach, I strive to provide parents with much-needed peace of mind.
After working as a feeding therapist for almost a decade before having my son, I can safely say that nothing prepares you for having your own baby with feeding challenges! My son was born with jaundice and was a very sleepy feeder for the first few weeks. It was extremely stressful to make sure he was getting enough in those early days. I wanted so badly to have the beautiful breastfeeding journey that I had helped other women achieve. Knowing that the first weeks are so crucial for long term success, and that not everyone meets their goals, probably created added pressure. Sometimes it’s good not to know too much!
While my goals included long term breastfeeding (and we did get there!), I often support moms who want to formula feed, exclusively pump, combo feed, or breastfeed for a specific, shorter, time period. Whatever your goals, I can provide the knowledge and skill to help you achieve them even in the face of challenges.
What I’ve heard sets me apart is my passion for providing families with a knowledgeable, realistic, and completely non-judgmental resource for feeding difficulties. You may have heard the phrase “fed is best” in regards to infant feeding methods. My philosophy takes it a step further, advocating for “supported is best.” Providing individualized support means honoring each family’s unique journey and helping them reach their feeding goals, whatever they may be.
If feeding, sleeping, and life with baby is going great, then absolutely follow whatever baby schedule or plan that aligns with your family. If things feel difficult, it is important to know that seeking individual support could help. Babies are not one size fits all, and much of the information online is not based on evidence around normal infant physiology let alone if baby has reflux, allergies, or other common challenges. Working with an expert to figure out what works best for your specific infant can save you stress, uncertainty, and hours googling.
So, if you’re navigating the complexities of feeding challenges with your little one, know that help is available. Infant feeding therapists like myself can provide the support, expertise, and compassion you need to help your child thrive.
Learn more about Jacqueline’s services by clicking here and go follow along with her on Instagram.