Course Description
The Prefeeding Pathways framework is the first comprehensive, developmentally grounded model designed to support clinical reasoning in neonatal prefeeding habilitation. This framework introduces a structured, goal-directed approach to treatment planning that helps clinicians create meaningful learning opportunities for medically complex infants as they prepare for oral feeding.
Clinicians approach prefeeding therapy through three overarching objectives and select evidence-based interventions that align with each infant’s developmental readiness, clinical presentation, and placement within the continuum of prefeeding habilitation.
The Foundation Pathway promotes positive associations with oral sensory and motor experiences, serving as a critical foundational phase in prefeeding treatment planning and laying the groundwork for curiosity and engagement needed for future feeding behaviors.
The Guided Progression Pathway builds occupational competence by breaking oral feeding into smaller, more manageable steps. Clinicians gradually increase the complexity of the simulated feeding experiences by enhancing the challenge of milk exposures or by advancing the method of milk delivery.
The Performance Pathway targets specific skill deficits—such as strength, rhythmicity, control, and endurance—that impact prefeeding efficiency. Therapists employ targeted strategies to address and remediate these traits, thereby supporting optimal performance.
Prefeeding Pathways equips neonatal therapists to make informed treatment decisions that enhance developmentally meaningful experiences and broaden the lens through which feeding readiness is assessed. It provides a shared language that strengthens the clinical rationale for the therapeutic role in neonatal care and promotes caregiver involvement by reinforcing their role as valued partners in their infant’s development at every stage.
This 1 hour course will introduce the framework and highlight its clinical application through case studies, accompanied by videos that demonstrate how therapists can translate this framework into clinical practice and create moments that enrich the lives of infants and families in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.
Target Audience
OT, SLP, PT, RN, and Neonatal professionals
Level
Intermediate
Course Objectives
Instructional Method
Lecture, videos, and case studies. Learning assessment and course evaluation follow the course.
Course Completion Requirements
The learner must view the entire webinar, complete the course evaluation, and achieve a score of at least 80% on the post-webinar learning assessment to receive education credit. Login and logout times are recorded and documented. Following course completion, learners receive a CE certificate and a zip file containing the necessary information to submit for education credit to their individual state, where required. The zip file will include a course bibliography. Physical therapists are responsible for knowing and adhering to their state’s CE deadlines, rules, and regulations.
Speaker Bios
Aleksandra Popkowska-Gutierrez, MS, CCC-SLP, CNT, IBCLC, NTMTC is a Neonatal and Pediatric Speech-Language Pathologist, Board-Certified Neonatal Therapist, International Board-Certified Lactation Consultant, and Neonatal Touch & Massage Therapist Certified provider. She works in a Level III NICU at New York-Presbyterian Brooklyn Methodist Hospital. Aleks earned her undergraduate degree from Iona University and her graduate degree from New York Medical College. She co-authored “Optimizing Neonatal Pre-feeding Habilitation” with Rachel Selman. As a full-time clinician, she provides comprehensive care for feeding and swallowing disorders, lactation support for breastfeeding families, and implements neuroprotective care strategies to foster bonding and optimal development for premature and medically fragile infants in the NICU
Rachel Selman, MS, OTR/L, CNT, NTMTC is a Board-Certified Neonatal Therapist with over 20 years in pediatric care. She holds certifications in Neonatal Touch & Massage Therapy, General Movement Assessment and DIR/Floortime. Rachel developed the Prefeeding Pathways Framework and authored “Optimizing Neonatal Pre-feeding Habilitation” in Neonatal Network (2024). She practices at Cohen Children’s Medical Center in Queens, NY, working in a Level IV NICU. Rachel also serves as Co-Chair of the NICU Collaborative Care Council and provides training and mentorship to rehabilitation and nursing staff. She is dedicated to advancing neonatal therapy through innovation, education, and collaboration.
Disclosures
Rachel Selman, MS, OTR/L, CNT, NTMTC
Financial: Receives compensation for Prefeeding Pathways courses taught
Nonfinancial: Co-author of the Prefeeding Pathways framework
Aleksandra Popkowska-Gutierrez, MS, CCC-SLP, CNT, IBCLC, NTMTC
Financial: No relevant disclosures.
Nonfinancial: Co-author of the Prefeeding Pathways framework
Content Disclosure: This course focuses exclusively on the Prefeeding Pathways Framework and will not include other comparable pathways.
Conflict of Interest
There is no conflict of interest for anyone with the ability to control content for this activity.
Agenda
00:00–03:00 min: Introduction to topic, disclosures, and learning objectives
03:00–05:30 min: Reframing feeding readiness
05:30–10:00 min: Why a developmental continuum matters
10:00–14:00 min: Neurodevelopmental foundations
14:00–20:00 min: Foundation Pathway
20:00–34:00 min: Guided Progression Pathway
34:00–37:00 min: Performance Pathway
37:00–38:00 min: Review of Visual Diagram
38:00–49:00 min: Case Study: Baby Cass
49:00–52:00 min: Clinical takeaways and closing remarks
52:00–60:00 min: Recorded questions and answers
60:00 – 65:00 min: Learning assessment
Registration information
Members: To access this course, click the “Login” button at the top of the screen. NANT Membership is required for course access.
Non-members: Join NANT Membership to access this course and over 35 other NICU courses included with Membership.
For ADA accommodations, please contact NANT Customer Support at (866) 999-5524 for more information.
Speech-language pathologists may update their ASHA CE reporting preference at any time by accessing their NANT Hub profile.
Cancellation Policy
Review NANT’s Course Cancellation Policy
Continuing Education Information
AOTA CEUs
National Association of Neonatal Therapists® (NANT) is an AOTA Approved Provider of professional development. Course approval ID# 17095. This Distance Learning-Independent Course is offered at 0.1 CEUs (Intermediate level, Occupational Therapy Service Delivery). AOTA does not endorse specific course content, products, or clinical procedures.
This course is approved for 1.0 contact hour.
ASHA CEUs
Learners must complete the entire course in order to receive ASHA CEUs. No partial credit awarded. ASHA CE Provider approval and use of the Brand Block does not imply endorsement of course content, specific products or clinical procedures.
ASHA CE Registry users: NANT will submit your ASHA CEU credit to ASHA on your behalf. ASHA CEUs may take up to 100 days to appear on your ASHA Transcript.
Non-ASHA CE Registry users: Maintain your course records and please keep your registry status current in your NANT account. Update your NANT account with your ASHA number if your registry status changes. NANT is not responsible for tracking your registry usage.
PT CE Credit
This activity is provided by the Texas Board of Physical Therapy Examiners Accredited Provider 2801058TX and meets continuing competence requirements for physical therapist and physical therapist assistant licensure renewal in Texas. This activity is offered for 1.0 CCUs for PTs and PTAs.
The assignment of Texas PT CCUs does not imply endorsement of specific course content, products, or clinical procedures by TPTA or TBPTE.
NANT is recognized by the New York State Education Department’s State Board for Physical Therapy as an approved provider of physical therapy and physical therapist assistant continuing education.
*NANT 16 attendees who previously viewed this educational content may retake this course and receive CE Credit.
Questions regarding CE credit should be directed to the National Association of Neonatal Therapists at [email protected] or (866) 999-5524.
