Feeding Disorders

Eating correctly and enough is crucial to overall development.

Good eating starts at birth.
Picky eating is not normal.
Incorrect swallowing can be harmful.


Infant Feeding and Lactation

If you are concerned with your baby’s milk intake whether by breast or bottle we can help. This can be harmful in growth and later development of feeding skills.

When a baby is not feeding well it can cause many problems at any stage. Some of our therapists have additional training in lactation and can help mom and babies with early feeding problems when breast feeding isn’t going as expected.

Our entire team has specialized training in all feeding whether and all stages of development. Some babies have more difficulty with transitions to solids. Our staff understands how stressful this can be for both parents and their young ones.

As SLP’s also trained in lactation we have additional knowledge to assess not only latch and intake but through the entire swallow. Feeding is complex and we are here to help determine the origin of your baby’s feeding problem and develop a therapy plan for both mom and baby.

Some of the areas that an SLP trained in feeding can help with include:

1. Breastfeeding difficulties: For infants, breastfeeding issues such as difficulty latching, inadequate milk supply, or painful breastfeeding can arise. Seek assistance immediately when you have a concern.

2. Formula feeding challenges: Some infants may have trouble tolerating certain types of formula, leading to issues like gas, reflux, or spitting up. Switching to a different formula or discussing options with a pediatrician may help.

3. Allergies and intolerances: Children can develop allergies or intolerances to certain foods, including common allergens like cow's milk, eggs, peanuts, and soy. Pay attention to any signs of allergic reactions, such as hives, vomiting, or difficulty breathing. These can sometimes lead to what looks like picky eating.

4. Feeding aversions: Children may develop aversions to certain foods or textures, making mealtime challenging. A full evaluation can begin to help determine if there are underlying reasons for the aversion and help develop an appropriate plan to introduce new foods.

5. Picky eating: We all have certain foods we don’t like and typically it is because we don’t like the taste. Many children go through phases of picky eating, preferring only certain foods and refusing others. Some children avoid large categories of food. It is not good for a child to only eat the same food all the time. Our goal is to help your child develop a well balanced meal. Chronic picky eating can disrupt that development.

We can help your child through picky eating implementing our programs in therapy and meal plans for home that will make it easier at mealtime.

All four food groups are important for good nutrition and picky eating is not a phase that should be overlooked.

6. Slow weight gain or failure to thrive: If a child is not gaining weight as expected or is falling off their growth curve, it could indicate underlying health issues or feeding problems. A trained speech pathologist in feeding can help identify underlying issues that may be effecting your child’s ability to eat enough.

7. Oral phase feeding problems: Children with developmental delays, muscle weakness or oral motor dysfunction may have specific feeding concerns related to the oral motor skills needed for eating, drinking and chewing as well as swallowing difficulties, or sensory issues. Working with a pediatric feeding therapist or specialist can help address these challenges.

Red Flags to consider for immediate assessment by a therapist with specialized training in feeding include:

Poor latch,
Difficulty with oral motor skills
Extreme food selectivity or avoidance
Difficulty transitioning to solid foods
Fear or anxiety around mealtimes
Oral aversions or sensory sensitivity
Weight loss or Failure To Thrive
Recurring vomiting
Avoiding social eating situations
Prolonged feeding difficulties