LEAP Speech & Lactation

04/23/2026

Excited to share that I recently completed TOTS Training (Tethered Oral Tissues Specialty) through Chrysalis Orofacial!

This specialty training focuses on how oral restrictions (like tongue or lip ties) can impact feeding, early communication, and overall oral function - and how to thoughtfully evaluate and support families through each step of care.

At LEAP Speech & Lactation, I’m especially passionate about supporting infants and their families while looking at the whole picture. Continuing education like this helps me better support concerns such as:
• Breastfeeding and bottle feeding challenges
• Oral function and coordination
• Early communication development

Always learning, always growing - so I can better support you and your baby 🤍

03/26/2026

“They point to everything… but don’t say much yet.”

I hear this from parents all the time.

Pointing and gestures are great early skills — but by age 2, we expect those skills to start turning into short phrases (like “more milk” or “go car”), not just gestures or single words.

If your child is mostly pointing, leading you, or relying on gestures to communicate, it may be worth taking a closer look.

The good news? These are often some of the most responsive kids when we start early.

If you’ve been wondering about your child’s speech, it’s always okay to take a closer look.

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LEAP Speech & Lactation
Quad Cities
www.LEAPSpeechLactation.com

In-home speech therapy for Quad Cities infants, toddlers, and young children. Personalized support from a licensed Speech-Language Pathologist.

03/21/2026

03/18/2026

Hi Quad City moms! I’m Emily, a local speech-language pathologist and the owner of LEAP Speech & Lactation.

These are some of the most common questions and concerns parents share when they start wondering about their child’s speech or language development.

Sometimes everything is right on track, and sometimes a quick evaluation can provide helpful answers and support.

I offer private speech and language evaluations and therapy for children in the Quad Cities, provided in the comfort of your home. Feel free to message me if you ever have questions.

02/25/2026

Speech & Language questions don’t always come with clear answers.

Homeschool families often wonder things like:
• Why does writing feel harder than reading?
• A few sound errors still linger — when does that resolve?
• They have big ideas, but organizing them feels hard — why?
• They read well, but struggle to retell — is that typical?
• When do I monitor vs. seek support?

These are common and very answerable questions.

As a pediatric speech-language pathologist serving the Quad Cities, I support students from preschool through high school with speech clarity, language development, academic language, and literacy skills.

In-home services available.

Message me directly or visit LEAPSpeechLactation.com to learn more.

02/20/2026

Breastfeeding should not hurt.

Not in the hospital.
Not at 2 weeks.
Not at 2 months.

Some tenderness in the early days? Yes.
Toe-curling pain, cracked ni***es, bleeding, or dread before every feed? No.

If you’re experiencing:
• Sharp pain with latch
• Infant having difficulty staying awake during feeds
• Clicking or smacking sounds while nursing
• Baby constantly feeding but still unsatisfied
• Slow weight gain or reflux

Those are signs something needs support, not something you just “push through.”

Pain is not a rite of passage.
It’s information.

Most breastfeeding challenges are very treatable with the right support.

If you're in the Quad Cities and feeling unsure about feeding, support is available.

Learn more:
https://www.leapspeechlactation.com/lactation-support

— Emily O’Kane, M.S., CCC-SLP, CBS
LEAP Speech & Lactation

In-home lactation support for Quad Cities families. Get help with latch, pain, supply, and feeding concerns from a Certified Breastfeeding Specialist.

02/16/2026

Excited to now offer onsite speech-language screenings for daycare and preschool centers throughout the Quad Cities!

These brief, play-based screenings provide families with early insight into their child’s communication development, all conducted during the school day with minimal disruption.

✔ Private pay ($20 per child)
✔ No cost to the center
✔ Written screening summaries for families
✔ Optional hearing screenings available

Directors or preschool owners interested in hosting a screening day are welcome to reach out via email or message for more information.

Serving Davenport, Bettendorf, Moline, Rock Island, Geneseo & surrounding communities.

https://www.leapspeechlactation.com/daycare-screenings-quad-cities

01/30/2026

You don’t have to figure feeding out alone 💜

Whether you’re struggling with:
• Painful latch
• Low milk supply
• Feeding fatigue
• Transitioning back to work
• Feeding a newborn or late-preterm baby

At LEAP Speech & Lactation, we provide evidence-based lactation support for families throughout the Quad Cities, including Davenport, Bettendorf, Moline, Rock Island, and surrounding communities.

You deserve care that’s calm, respectful, and family-centered. No pressure, just support.

📍 Quad Cities lactation support
🌐 www.LEAPSpeechLactation.com

01/29/2026

Is your 2-year-old talking yet? Let’s look at typical language milestones 👶💬

By age 2, many toddlers are beginning to:
✔ Use 50+ words
✔ Combine 2 words together (“more book,” “mommy help”)
✔ Follow simple directions
✔ Point to familiar people or objects when named

Every child develops at their own pace, but if your toddler isn’t using words to communicate or is hard to understand, a speech-language screening can offer reassurance or next steps.

At LEAP Speech & Lactation, we support families across the Quad Cities, including Davenport, Bettendorf, Moline, and Rock Island, with developmentally appropriate speech and language support.

Early support can make a big difference 💜
If you have questions about your child’s communication, you’re not alone, and help is available.

📍 Serving Quad Cities families in-home
🌐 www.LEAPSpeechLactation.com

01/19/2026

Welcome to LEAP Speech & Lactation, a new pediatric private practice providing in-home services throughout the Quad Cities and surrounding areas.

LEAP offers:
- speech and language therapy for children
- lactation/feeding support for parents and infants

We focus on collaboration, education, and individualized care. Whether you’re navigating infant feeding challenges, speech-language delays, or simply looking for guidance, LEAP is here to support your next step forward.

Resources, tips, updates, and more to come soon!

www.LeapSpeechLactation.com

LEAP Speech & Lactation offers in-home and virtual speech-language therapy and lactation support to help families build confidence in feeding and communication. Located in Quad Cities, serving Illinois, Iowa, and Kentucky.