The OT Advantage: How Occupational Therapy Elevates Lactation Care with Jeanne Pichoff

In this episode of Behind the Latch, Margaret Salty interviews Jeanne Pichoff, MS, OTR/L, IBCLC, owner of Flourish Pediatric Therapy and Lactation in Lafayette, Louisiana. Together, they explore the unique and often misunderstood role of occupational therapists in lactation care—how OT skills complement IBCLC expertise, when a referral to OT can make all the difference for a feeding dyad, and how collaborative care improves outcomes for families. Jeanne shares how her personal experience with a tongue-tied baby fueled her passion to bridge the gap between therapy and lactation, and why understanding infant development, muscle tone, and sensory integration is essential for comprehensive feeding support.They discuss the overlap between OT, PT, and SLP roles in infant feeding, how to identify when an OT referral is warranted, and the nuances of managing tongue tie cases both before and after frenotomy. Jeanne also explains why “suck training” can fall outside the IBCLC scope if practiced without an additional license, and how to work within scope while still supporting progress.Jeanne’s Journey into Lactation and OT SpecializationJeanne shares how:Her early work in general pediatrics and early intervention revealed a major gap in lactation knowledge among OTs.A challenging personal breastfeeding experience with her second child, who had an obvious tongue tie, became the catalyst for pursuing IBCLC training.Combining her OT skill set with lactation expertise allowed her to provide more comprehensive, dyad-centered care.The OT Role in Infant FeedingThey discuss:How OT scope of practice includes feeding, sensory processing, and motor skill development.The unique lens OTs bring to infant feeding, from muscle tone assessment to sensory integration.Overlap with PT and SLP roles, and why individual continuing education shapes a therapist’s feeding expertise.When to Refer to OTJeanne explains:Key red flags—such as abnormal muscle tone, dysphagia signs, sensory processing challenges, torticollis, or developmental delays—that warrant OT involvement.How therapy addresses both feeding mechanics and developmental milestones.Why early intervention leads to better long-term outcomes.Managing Tongue Tie CasesThey explore:Why not all tongue-tied babies need therapy before release—and when conservative management is best.How OT can support post-frenotomy recovery, from suck training to addressing body tension.The risks of prophylactic releases “just in case” and why function should always guide decision-making.Scope, Collaboration, and AdvocacyJeanne shares:Why IBCLCs without another license should avoid direct “suck training” and instead refer to an appropriately licensed provider.How billing under OT benefits families by increasing insurance coverage for feeding-related visits.The importance of building trust across disciplines to ensure safe, effective care for families.Advice for IBCLCs and Perinatal ProfessionalsJeanne encourages providers to:Learn the strengths of the OTs, PTs, and SLPs in their community.Focus on collaborative, dyad-centered care rather than trying to “do it all.”Recognize and respect scope of practice boundaries to improve outcomes and maintain professional safety.**DISCOUNT CODE BEHINDTHELATCH for 20% off either one Jeanne's courses:https://www.lactationot.com/totshttps://www.lactationot.com/weightgainGuest Info:Jeanne Pichoff, MS, OTR/L, IBCLC, is...

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