Emily Zimmerman, a pediatric feeding, speech, and language expert, discusses the relationship between feeding and play, the impact of pacifiers on sucking and feeding, and long-term outcomes for preterm infants' speech and language. She explores the importance of early education and intervention for preterm infants and using feeding as a platform for cognitive linguistic stimulation. Zimmerman also shares insights on balancing motherhood and a career in science and highlights ongoing research on infant feeding, vocal development, and environmental factors influencing child brain health.