About this episode

This episode discusses the importance of early communication and oral development in children with pediatric speech pathologist Rita Shamoun.

Early communication and oral development play a critical role in a child’s ability to learn, connect, and thrive. When challenges are identified early, families can better support speech, feeding, and overall development in ways that reduce stress and improve long-term outcomes. In this episode, I am talking to pediatric speech pathologist Rita Shamoun about how children develop communication skills, what early red flags parents should look for, and how feeding and oral habits impact speech, sleep, and behaviour. We also discuss early intervention, attachment, and how everyday parenting choices shape long-term development.   Rita and I chat about: How speech and language development actually differ and why both matter for communication • The role of early intervention and why supporting development before age three is critical • How feeding practices like baby-led weaning and cup drinking support oral strength and speech development • Why pouches, soft foods, and convenience feeding tools may impact jaw and swallowing development • The connection between oral development, sleep quality, attention, and behavioural regulation • How tongue ties, jaw development, and airway…

People in this episode

Host: Dr. Hilary Claire

Guest: Rita Shamoun

Topics covered

• speech pathology
• early intervention
• oral development
• communication skills
• feeding practices
• attachment
• parenting choices

Keywords

• speech development
• early red flags
• baby-led weaning
• oral habits
• tongue ties
• play-based learning
• attachment
• feeding practices

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: pediatric speech pathologist

More episodes of Wild and Well | Motherhood, Postpartum Wellness and Children’s Health

• The Root Causes of Picky Eating with Integrative Paediatric Speech Language Pathologist and Holistic Feeding Specialist Lena Livinsky | Episode 111 · July 19, 2026 · 54 min
• The Holistic Dental Health, Hormones and Gut Connection with Biological Dental Hygienist Amber White | Episode 110 · July 12, 2026 · 49 min
• Scoliosis, Spinal Health and Early Detection in Children with Chiropractic Neurologist Dr Mark Morningstar | Episode 109 · July 5, 2026 · 51 min
• What's really in your drinking water? Tap water, PFAS, microplastics, and the best water filters for your families with Cydian Kaufman | Episode 108 · June 28, 2026 · 50 min
• How to Raise Emotionally Resilient Kids with Pediatrician Dr Kristen Cook | Episode 107 · June 25, 2026 · 46 min
• Why Chewing and Proper Breathing Matter for Toddlers with Oral Health Therapist and Orofacial Myofunctional Therapist Mel Van Schelven | Episode 106 · June 22, 2026 · 56 min

Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the Wild and Well | Motherhood, Postpartum Wellness and Children’s Health podcast page.