Struggling with mealtime battles? Feeding therapy might be your solution.
Feeding therapy goals are to bring joy, balance, and healthy nourishment back to family meals. “I never anticipated that getting my child to eat would be so difficult.” If that resonates with you, you’re not alone. Many families unexpectedly face feeding challenges they didn’t see coming. As speech-language pathologists specializing in feeding, we’re here to guide you through the sometimes overwhelming journey of helping your child enjoy a variety of foods. Whether your child was premature, has medical complexities, a trach, special needs like Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Down Syndrome, or Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD), or is simply a "picky eater," we’re here to help. Now, let’s explore the top 10 things every parent should know before starting feeding therapy.
Consult with Your Pediatrician First
Before starting feeding therapy, discuss your child’s eating issues with your pediatrician. Request a feeding/swallow evaluation. If needed, seek second or third opinions to get the support you need.
How to Prepare for an Evaluation
To prepare for a feeding evaluation, parents should keep a feeding diary to track their child’s eating habits, food preferences, and any difficulties like refusals, choking, or gagging. Bringing the child’s favorite foods and drinks to the evaluation can help the evaluator understand their eating patterns. Parents should also be open about any concerns they have regarding their child's feeding behaviors or sensory issues. This information will help the evaluator develop a more personalized approach to support the child.
Evaluation by a Feeding Specialist
Feeding therapy should begin with a detailed evaluation by a specialist in feeding, swallowing, or pediatric dysphagia—someone with expertise in these areas is key. While there are only a few providers in Wisconsin who specialize in this, Marigold Speech is proud to offer this service and is the only provider in Rock County. Our evaluations may also involve input from other specialists, such as GI doctors, psychologists, ENT specialists, and occupational therapists, to ensure we address any underlying concerns affecting your child’s feeding.
Seek the Right Support
Early intervention services for children under 3 often provide free evaluations and helpful resources. For older kiddos, feeding evaluations are available through children’s hospitals or private therapists (yes, that’s us at Marigold Speech!). If you think your little one could benefit, we’re here to help!
Address the Whole Child
Feeding issues often have multiple causes, such as medical conditions or learned behaviors. Therapy will take a holistic approach, addressing these factors to improve your child’s eating habits.
Feeding Therapy Is Emotional
Mealtime is about more than just eating; it’s a time for bonding and connection. Eating is a social experience and an important part of family life. Feeding therapy benefits the entire family by reducing stress and creating a more positive and enjoyable mealtime experience for everyone involved.
Progress Takes Time
Feeding therapy is a process, and progress can be slow. It’s important to remember that each child progresses at their own pace. Therapy breaks the process down into manageable steps, and it takes time to work through obstacles, especially when dealing with medical complexities or sensory issues.
Be Patient- Building Confidence is Happening
Building patience is key as your child gains confidence with each small achievement. Over time, they’ll begin to feel more comfortable with a wider variety of foods and mealtime experiences. Celebrate every step forward, knowing that with consistent support and encouragement, your child will continue to grow and thrive.
You’re an Essential Partner
As a parent, you play a crucial role in feeding therapy. Your involvement, insights, and collaboration with the therapist are key to creating strategies that work for your child. By sharing your observations and understanding of your child’s feeding habits, preferences, and challenges, you provide valuable context that helps the therapist tailor their approach. Additionally, your active participation in implementing recommendations and exercises at home will support your child’s progress and help reinforce the skills learned in therapy, ultimately leading to better feeding success.
Celebrate Small Wins
Progress in feeding therapy may be gradual, but every small achievement counts—whether it’s trying a new food, eating more, or enjoying mealtime without stress.
Feeding therapy isn’t an overnight fix—it’s a journey. But with the right support, patience, and understanding, your child can overcome their eating challenges. The goal is clear: to transform mealtimes into moments of nourishment, connection, and joy for the whole family. Remember, you’re not in this alone! Together with your therapist, you can guide your child toward a healthier, happier relationship with food.
留言