Learning Outcomes: 

After completion of course participants will be able to- 

• Analyze preterm infants appropriateness for feeding through the framework of the Synactive Theory of Development.
• Choose appropriate non nutritive support interventions for preterm infants.
• Provide modifications to NICU interventions to facilitate and support the development of feeding and swallowing skills in preterm infants.
• Develop appropriate discharge recommendations for infants leaving the NICU.
• Manage ongoing feeding therapy for preterm infants discharged from the NICU in the outpatient setting.

Meet Our Presenter:

Christina Wetzler, M.S., CCC-SLP, CNT is a speech-language pathologist specializing in neonatal therapy and pediatric feeding and is a Certified Neonatal Therapist. Christina currently works in a Level 1 trauma center with patients across the lifespan, primarily working in the hospital’s Level III NICU and outpatient clinic with pediatric feeding patients. In addition, Christina completes Modified Barium Swallow Studies and Flexible Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallow with patients of all ages, ranging from neonatal and pediatric through adults, both in the inpatient and outpatient settings. Prior to Christina’s current position, she worked at a Pediatric Rehabilitation Hospital with patients ages 0-21. She was part of a team to develop an Infant Feeding Program for infants to transition from the NICU to the rehabilitation setting in order to continue working on feeding. Christina is passionate about all areas of neonatal and pediatric feeding, striving to continue learning and growing as a clinician, as well as sharing her experiences with other professionals.