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When To Do Feeding Therapy
Here are 7 red flags to look out for that might indicate your child could benefit from feeding therapy:
- Difficulty with chewing or swallowing food
- Frequent coughing when eating or drinking
- Refusal to eat certain textures or types of food
- Picky eating habits that limit the variety of foods consumed (a good rule of thumb is if your child eats less than 20 foods)
- Gagging regularly or choking during meals – whether eating or being shown/touching foods
- Poor weight gain or impaired growth
- Regularly cries during or refuses mealtimes
As an example – I did an interview with a Pediatric Feeding Specialist, Abbie Gacke of Childworks Therapy, and she said that with babies starting solids, if gagging persists after 9 months, you may want to consult a specialist, as there might be something more going on.
It can be hard to distinguish between common baby and toddler behaviors that will change and pass, and more serious situations that could use some added support from a professional.
Because of this, I want to give you this encouragement – if you are unsure about whether you should be worrying about your child’s eating or not – reach out to a professional or two (your pediatrician is an great starting point), so they can ask some questions about your unique situation and inform you about what might be going on and what support options you have.
We, as mothers, are the advocates for our children and their health. Yet, we don’t have all the answers, so never feel silly, shy, or insecure about asking your healthcare provider questions whenever you have them. Your healthcare provider is part of your ‘village’.
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Want your toddler to try new foods? This book will teach you how!
What Is The Purpose Of Feeding Therapy?
The purpose of feeding therapy is to help individuals who have difficulty eating or swallowing food to develop better feeding skills and improve their overall nutrition and health.
Feeding therapy can be a wonderful support, with great results, for young families who are stressed and unsure about how to handle mealtime struggles with their child.
Feeding therapists typically work with infants, toddlers, and children up to 18 years of age who have feeding difficulties. However, some feeding therapists may also work with adults who have feeding disorders.
As the mother of twin toddlers, and the owner of a Montessori-inspired Playschool, I have fed dozens and dozens of babies and toddlers in almost a decade of working with babies, toddlers and preschoolers, ages 3 months to 5 years old.
In that time, I have seen and learned a ton about feeding and eating habits of the young, including some feeding therapy techniques, which have worked wonders for the picky eaters I have worked with.
What Is Another Name For Feeding Therapy?
Another name for feeding therapy could be “feeding intervention.”
Feeding therapy is typically done by speech-language pathologists (SLP), occupational therapists (OT), and/or registered dietitians who specialize in pediatric feeding and swallowing disorders.
For most families, you will need a referral from your child’s primary doctor to see a specialist for feeding therapy.
Remember, your doctor is not in your home experiencing what you are experiencing, so don’t be shy about asking him or her for a referral (as opposed to waiting for them to suggest it.)
Listen to those natural motherly instincts and ask for what you believe is best for your child and family.
In feeding therapy, there are several different approaches a feeding therapist might use or specialize in, so when you are deciding on who you will work with, be sure to ask what their approach is and what it entails.
Here are 5 common feeding therapy approaches a feeding therapist might use, depending on the child’s need and their specialty:
- Oral motor therapy
- Sensory integration feeding therapy
- Behavioral feeding therapy
- Sequential Oral Sensory (SOS) approach
- Food chaining approach
Stop picky eating with food chaining! This book teaches you how:
What To Expect During Feeding Therapy?
As I mentioned above, depending on the type of feeding therapist you see and your child’s needs, your experience with feeding therapy can vary.
With that said, here is an example of what parents can expect during feeding therapy:
- Initial evaluation to assess the child’s feeding difficulties
- Development of individualized feeding goals for the child
- Introduction of new foods and textures in a controlled setting
- Use of positive reinforcement to encourage progress
- Strategies to improve oral motor skills and coordination
- Education on nutrition and mealtime routines
- Involvement of other healthcare professionals as needed, such as speech therapists or occupational therapists
- Collaboration with parents to create a home feeding plan
- Regular progress monitoring and adjustments to the therapy plan
- Improved feeding skills and increased food acceptance in the child
- Do you have pediatric feeding experience?
- What are some of the approaches you use?
- What is your success rate?
- What does working with you look like?
- Will we be working directly with you through the whole process or do you have a team we will be working with as well?
Check out this interactive activity book that helps picky eaters become more adventurous!
How Effective Is Feeding Therapy?
Feeding therapy has been shown to be effective in improving feeding skills and reducing feeding difficulties in children.
Studies have reported success rates ranging from 70-90%.
However, the effectiveness of feeding therapy may depend on various factors such as the child’s age, medical condition, severity of feeding difficulties, and the type of therapy used.
Overall, feeding therapy can be a beneficial intervention for children with feeding difficulties.
Mealtimes can be a very big pain point for many young and first-time families. Having a professional who is supportive, that provides helpful guidance, can make your home life, especially at mealtimes, easier and more enjoyable.
Not to mention, you will be stressing less, and able to sit back, relax, and enjoy eating with your child more. SUCH a beautiful thing in parenthood, wouldn’t you say?!
Yes. That alone, is a really beautiful thing. Because, after all, your vibe, energy, and relationship with food will have a big impact on your child’s relationship with food – and you – as they grow. And the less stress you have overall, the more enjoyable your life as a parent can be.
Having a feeding therapist as part of your ‘village’ can be a really wonderful thing!
Final Thoughts On Feeding Therapy
Feeding therapy can be a good choice for individuals who are experiencing difficulties with eating, such as picky eaters, individuals with sensory processing issues, or those with medical conditions affecting their ability to eat.
Working with a feeding therapist can help improve oral motor skills, increase food acceptance and variety, and improve overall nutrition and health.
If you are unsure if feeding therapy is right for your child – consult a specialist.
To recap getting started with feeding therapy, here is a breakdown of the process you can take:
First, look for indicators that your child might need therapy, like:
- Difficulty with chewing or swallowing food
- Refusal to eat certain textures or types of food
- Picky eating habits that limit the variety of foods consumed
- Gagging or choking during meals
- Poor weight gain or growth
Reach out to your pediatrician with your questions and concerns, and ask for a referral.
Don’t hesitate to ‘shop’ around until you find a feeding therapist that you feel good about and comfortable with.
Go to your initial feeding therapy appointment with questions in hand, so you are prepared.
Best of luck! I hope that you get the support you and your child need, to make eating and mealtimes easier and more enjoyable for all!
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