Episode 1: Dysphagia in the NICU and You

Understanding Dysphagia

Guest: Casey Lewis, MS CCC-SLP, CNT, NTMTC - June is Dysphagia Awareness month, and to honor this time, we have decided to do a ten-part mini-series with the Dysphagia Outreach Project. They have brought together some incredible leaders to share their knowledge in hopes of raising awareness about dysphagia across the life continuum. Casey Lewis, MS, CCC-SLP, CNT, CLC, NTMTC, works in the NICU, in the world of swallowing and swallowing breakdown, which is right where it all starts. In today’s episode, Casey sheds light on the development process of suck, swallow, and breathe, and the work that she does. Importantly, Casey understands that her role is to educate and empower parents, staff, and families so that they can all help the babies in the best way possible. We talk about the steps Casey takes in her interventions, some of the tools she uses, like bottles and pacifiers, and the outcomes she hopes to see. Another vital part of working in a NICU is collaborating with other practitioners, and Casey talks about the hard work she has put in to ensure that her voice is heard and respected. Sometimes, we get caught up in our own bubbles, and we forget that we all simply want the best for our patients. Casey reminds us of just how important it is to reconnect with our why.