Tiny Patients, Big Decisions:
A Parent’s Guide to NICU Feeding
Presented by:
Antonietta (Toni) Mastrota, M.S. CCC-SLP, NTMTC
Originally Broadcast April 21, 2026
Description: Feeding in the NICU can feel overwhelming for parents and caregivers. This webinar will provide an overview of pediatric feeding and swallowing in the NICU and explain the role of the speech-language pathologist (SLP) in supporting safe and successful feeding. Caregivers will learn about common feeding challenges faced by NICU infants, how feeding readiness is assessed, and how SLPs collaborate with families and the medical team to help babies transition toward oral feeding. This session is designed to empower parents with knowledge and confidence as they navigate feeding decisions for their tiny patients.
Length: 1 Hour
Target Audience: Speech-language pathologists, nurses, pediatricians, parents and caregivers of infants with feeding difficulties
ASHA CEUs: No ASHA CEUs are offered for this webinar. A Certificate of Participation will be provided to those who complete a post-webinar survey.
Meet the Presenter
Antonietta (Toni) Mastrota, M.S. CCC-SLP, NTMTC
Antonietta (Toni) Mastrota is a rehabilitation operations supervisor and speech‑language pathologist with specialized clinical expertise in cardiac intensive care, post‑cardiothoracic surgery dysphagia management, complex neonatal intensive care, and pediatric intensive care. She has extensive experience working with medically fragile adults and infants, delivering advanced assessment and treatment of swallowing and communication disorders in high‑acuity hospital settings. Toni’s clinical interests include early identification of dysphagia following cardiac surgery, caregiver education on feeding readiness in the NICU, and strengthening interdisciplinary collaboration to promote safe, evidence‑based patient care. She most recently presented at the Dysphagia Research Society’s annual meeting and holds a specialized certification in Neonatal Touch and Massage. Outside of work, Toni enjoys spending time at home with her husband, Josh, and their dog, Basil. Together they often cook meals at home—a daily ritual that deepens her appreciation for the role eating plays in connection, quality of life, and dysphagia intervention.
Cost: FREE. This webinar has been made free to all registrants thanks to a generous unrestricted educational grant provided by Bracco Diagnostics and the educational sponsors of the NFOSD.
NFOSD Educational Sponsors
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