Bailey L. Porter MSOT, OTR/L
Please allow me to introduce myself and provide you with a summary of some of the unique services that I provide!
My name is Bailey and I am a Pediatric Occupational Therapist who happens to specialize in Pediatric Pelvic Health at EIRMC! I work with local pediatricians as well as pediatric Urology and GI providers from across the region (from SLC to Boise!). I have been providing these specialized services since 2019, which lends to a lot of experience that I’m excited to share about.
In this specialized area of practice, I work with kiddos, most commonly ages 3-17, with diagnoses including daytime and nighttime wetting/leakage, constipation, stool withholding, delayed toilet training, recurrent UTIs, and numerous other bowel and bladder conditions. Many on my caseload also have additional diagnoses including developmental delay, spina bifida, tethered cord, cerebral palsy, autism spectrum disorder, ADHD/executive functioning deficits, anxiety, pediatric feeding disorder, and miscellaneous genetic abnormalities. NICU babies and NICU graduates with feeding issues, constipation, and surgical histories are also clients I have served, so no case is too small!
As an OT in Pediatric Pelvic Health, I can provide a unique perspective in the care of these clients. Not only am I able to address the physical components (muscle imbalances, pelvic floor dyscoordination, core weakness, etc.) contributing to their issues with bowel and bladder management, but also the behavioral, cognitive, sensory, and environmental factors. I am able to assess the current habits, roles, and routines that impact their success and help children and their families make changes to those that are inhibiting progress. With my additional certification in functional nutrition, I can also provide feedback and recommendations in order to assist with improved gut, bowel, and bladder health.
One mom had this to say, after obtaining care for her son: “After years of struggling with bedwetting we decided to take our son into EIRMC at the recommendation of his pediatrician. He was hesitant to go because he was nervous about anyone outside of our family being aware of his struggle. Bailey was very professional and eased our son’s nerves instantly. She talked to him as if it was totally normal and no big deal. Throughout his initial evaluation she talked him through each step of what she was doing and why she needed that information. Anytime she needed to have her hands on him she would first ask for permission and then would talk to him throughout the process. Bailey is very warm and fun. We all fell in love with her. Also, her extensive knowledge in her area of expertise is evident every time talking to her. We are continuing to work with our son and his nighttime accidents, but the tools and knowledge that Bailey has given to us have been invaluable.”
If you notice that your child:
- is struggling with potty training past the age of 4
- struggles with nighttime wetting past the age of 6
- experiences new daytime or nighttime wetting at any age
- has complaints of pelvic or abdominal pain
- has issues with constipation or stool withholding
…or you just have general concerns about your child’s bowel or bladder health, be sure to let their pediatrician know and request that they have their office send a referral to EIRMC Pediatric Therapies for Pediatric Pelvic Health OT; Fax: (208) 529-7010.
Once I receive the referral, I personally make a phone call to the family to gather a history and prepare them for what an evaluation will look like. We then schedule a time for the initial evaluation; typically, within 2 weeks of initially receiving the referral.
Stay tuned for my next article, highlighting what to expect during a Pediatric Pelvic Health evaluation.
