Why Feeding Therapy Fails Without This 1 Skill
In this monologue Hallie Bulkin emphasizes that breathing coordination is the foundational skill underpinning successful feeding therapy. She frames breathing as the body’s primary biological goal—without it, survival is impossible—while feeding is the secondary goal that depends on a well‑managed airway. Hallie explains that the synchronization of breathing, swallowing, and chewing is often overlooked, yet it is critical for safe and efficient feeding. She highlights the Mayo Clinic’s focus on nasal breathing and the importance of coordinating breaths with swallows. The discussion extends into myofunctional therapy, noting that poor breathing patterns can increase aspiration risk and undermine swallow safety, making breathing coordination the hidden factor that can cause feeding therapy to fail.
