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Infant feeding isn’t just about nutrition—it’s about bonding, safety, development, and trust. In our most recent episode of Coral Currents, I had the absolute pleasure of speaking with Emma Justice, an SLP and certified lactation counselor who founded Justice for Infants to serve medically complex infants and their families.
Emma’s story is deeply personal. Born premature and adopted out of the NICU, her early experiences with therapy shaped her calling to support other infants facing feeding challenges. What stood out to me most was Emma’s unwavering commitment to individualized, relationship-centered care.
She shared how she starts many sessions not with direct therapy, but with massage—beginning at the feet and slowly working upward to build trust and regulation. “I don’t just go straight for a baby’s face,” she explained. “Especially for kids who’ve had NG tubes, CPAP, or painful procedures, we need to reintroduce touch in a safe, soothing way.”
Emma also emphasized the power of training. From the Beckman oral motor approach to neonatal massage to her lactation counseling certification, she’s built a toolkit that helps her treat the whole child—functionally, emotionally, and developmentally. Her private practice in Boston fills a critical care gap for families navigating long waitlists or limited options for feeding therapy.
One of the most moving parts of our conversation was Emma’s insight into working with foster families and diverse family structures. Whether she’s helping non-birthing mothers in same-sex couples with feeding plans or empowering foster parents with limited medical history, Emma’s focus is clear: make care accessible, respectful, and personalized.
We also tackled the confusing world of tongue ties and social media myths. Emma encouraged families to seek assessments from qualified feeding specialists—be that an SLP, OT, or IBCLC—and to embrace team-based care. “It’s not about who’s right,” she said. “It’s about what the baby needs.”
At Coral Care, we believe in amplifying voices like Emma’s because they remind us what’s possible when we put families first. Emma’s approach is a beautiful example of the thoughtful, connected, and evidence-informed care we strive to make more accessible through our platform.
If you’re a provider feeling inspired or a parent seeking support, I encourage you to listen to the full episode—and join us as we ripple change, one small story at a time.
🎧 Listen to the full episode of Coral Currents: “Infant Feeding with Emma Justice” on Spotify
