We were struggling with the transition to solid foods. Monique's guidance and practical strategies transformed mealtimes from stressful to enjoyable.
Supporting Little Voicesand grown-up ones too.
Paediatric and adult speech therapy and lactation support in Pretoria. Specialising in early communication intervention, feeding therapy, adult speech rehabilitation, and breastfeeding support - in Afrikaans and English.

What I help with
Early support makes a lifelong difference.
How I can help you and your family thrive
Focused, evidence-based support across three areas. Read an overview of each below, or open its dedicated page for the full detail.
children 0-12 yearsPaediatric Speech Therapy
Every child develops communication at their own pace. When speech, language or feeding does not follow the expected path, early, evidence-based support makes a lifelong difference. I work with children from birth through the school years, always alongside the family.
- Early Communication Intervention (0-3 years)
- Speech-Language Therapy for Children
- Paediatric Feeding Therapy
adults & older adultsAdult Speech Therapy
Communication and swallowing difficulties can arise at any stage of adult life, whether after a stroke, a neurological condition, injury or illness, or as a long-standing challenge. Therapy is practical and dignified, focused on the goals that matter most to you and your family.
- Aphasia and Language Rehabilitation
- Speech Clarity (Dysarthria and Apraxia)
- Voice and Fluency
- Swallowing Therapy (Dysphagia)
mothers & babiesBreastfeeding & Lactation Consulting
Breastfeeding is natural, but it is not always easy. Whether you are navigating early latching difficulties, pain, worries about supply, or the move towards solids, you deserve knowledgeable, unhurried support.
- Latching and Positioning
- Pain and Milk Supply
- Bottle Feeding and Combination Feeding
- Transition to Solids

Monique van der Merwe
Speech-Language Therapist & Lactation Consultant
Hi, I'm Monique. I'm a speech-language therapist at Our Village in Garsfontein, Pretoria, with a special passion for supporting babies, toddlers, and their families through the earliest stages of development, as well as adults working towards communication and swallowing goals.
I have a special interest in breastfeeding and paediatric feeding difficulties, and I'm currently completing my SACLC certification. Whether you're navigating latching difficulties, pain during breastfeeding, low milk supply, bottle-feeding challenges, or transitioning to solid foods, I'm here to help. These services are available at my practice rooms, at hospitals, or through convenient home visits.
My services also include communication screenings, assessments and treatment, with a focus on early communication intervention for children aged 0-3 years. I work closely with allied health professionals and teachers to ensure a collaborative, holistic approach for each person I see.
I strongly believe in empowering families with practical, functional strategies that fit naturally into daily routines. Through coaching and therapy sessions, I aim to make communication, feeding and swallowing support accessible, functional and family-centred.
- 0-3
- years - specialised early intervention focus
- 100%
- family-centred, evidence-based approach
- 3+
- settings: practice, hospital or home visits
Simple, convenient, effective
From your first message to celebrating each milestone, here is how we work together.
- 1
Initial Contact
Reach out via phone, WhatsApp or email to discuss your concerns. We will schedule a consultation to understand your needs and determine whether my services are the right fit for you and your family.
- 2
Personalised Plan
I will conduct a thorough assessment of the communication, feeding or swallowing needs. Based on my findings, I will create a customised therapy plan tailored to the developmental stage and your goals.
- 3
Therapy Sessions
Through one-on-one sessions, we will work together using practical, evidence-based strategies. I will coach you on techniques you can use daily to support progress, and we will celebrate each milestone along the way.
Real stories, real impact
The early communication intervention sessions gave us the tools to help our son reach his milestones. Monique's play-based approach made therapy feel natural and fun.
Monique's support with breastfeeding was life-changing. She helped us overcome latching issues with such patience and expertise. Our little one is thriving now!

Your family's journey to thriving starts here
Supporting families with compassionate, evidence-based care. Whether it is feeding challenges, early communication milestones, or adult rehabilitation, I am here to help.
Let's start the conversation
Reach out by phone, WhatsApp or email, or send a message using the form. I will get back to you personally.
Spique Speech Therapy
Monique van der Merwe - Speech-Language Therapist & Lactation Consultant
- Our Village, Garsfontein, Pretoria
- 072 596 8692
- monique@spique.co.za
Available for