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Pediatric Feeding Therapy

pediatric feeding therapy for picky eating

Pediatric Feeding Therapy

In the intricate world of pediatric feeding therapy, we recognize that each child’s unique journey demands a tailored approach. Our feeding therapy services are crafted with precision, compassion, and a commitment to transforming mealtimes into moments of nourishment, connection, and joy.

At our center, feeding therapy is not just a service; it’s a commitment to your child’s well-being and your family’s peace of mind. We invite you to entrust us with this vital aspect of your child’s development, where every meal becomes an opportunity for growth, connection, and the sheer delight of nurturing.

Transforming Picky Palates

We create an environment of safety for our picky eaters ensuring success and adding foods that members of the family eat. Eating meals together as a family and creating a no-pressure environment at home can help your child work through picky eating.

Infant Pediatric Feeding Therapy

Conditions We Address  |  Pediatric Feeding Therapy

During feeding therapy, we perform exercises to enhance jaw strength for effective biting and chewing of a variety of foods. As pediatric specialists, we believe that children can gain skills even when they may seem behind and it’s our honor to guide them on their journey to gain those skills.
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Picky Eating

Picky eating, often mystifying and challenging, is approached with patience and precision. We debunk the myth that hunger alone can resolve feeding issues. Our therapists meticulously assess your child’s oral sensitivities, distinguishing between areas of high and low sensitivity. Armed with this knowledge, we craft a personalized plan, normalizing sensitivities and facilitating successful integration of a diverse range of foods, including essential vegetables and proteins. How do I identify if my child is a picky or resistive eater?

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Breastfeeding Support

We delve deep into the nuances of your child’s oral function. From the delicate coordination of the jaw, lips, and tongue to assessing the seal and milk intake, our expertise ensures a thorough understanding of what impacts your breastfeeding experience. Our goal is to make this journey effortless for both you and your child, fostering a bond of contentment and connection that accompanies each feed. What are the signs my baby may be having difficulty breastfeeding?

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Bottle Feeding Therapy

Bottle feeding, a vital component in a child’s feeding progression, receives expert attention from our therapists. We address not just the mechanics of bottle use but also the sensory nuances involved, ensuring a comfortable and satisfying feeding experience for your little one.

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Transition to Solids

As your child embarks on the exciting journey of solid foods, we stand as guides, offering expertise in both traditional spoonfeeding and the exploratory realm of baby-led weaning (BLW). We understand that this transition is more than a culinary adventure; it’s a sensory exploration. With care and expertise, we facilitate this transition, making it an enriching experience for your child.

How do you identify if your child is a picky or resistive eater?

As a parent or caregiver, watch your child for the following signs:

  • Demonstrates negative reactions to the smell or sight of food.
  • Struggles to associate hunger with eating.
  • Exhibits anxiety or behavioral issues related to foods.
  • Gags when presented with new foods.
  • Has a limited range of preferred foods (typically less than 20).
  • Refuses entire categories of food groups or specific textures.
  • Experiences choking, gagging, or resistance during meal times.
  • Engages in mealtime negotiations, often setting conditions before eating.
  • Eats slowly, examining food carefully before taking a bite.
  • Plays with food rather than consuming it.
  • Avoids foods with specific textures, such as mushy or crunchy.
  • Shows sensitivity to food temperature preferences (hot or cold).
  • Is hesitant or unwilling to try new foods.
  • Demonstrates sensory sensitivities, leading to food avoidance.
  • Prefers mealtime routine and consistency in food preparation.

What are some signs that your baby may be having difficulty breastfeeding?

  • Baby experiences breathlessness or exhaustion during or after feeding.
  • Difficulty latching onto the breast or frequent falls off during feeds.
  • Baby appears frustrated, pulling away, or crying during feeds.
  • Feeding sessions consistently shorter than usual, lacking signs of contentment.
  • Insufficient weight gain or lack of steady weight gain over weeks.
  • Rare or absent swallowing sounds during feeds.
  • Prolonged feeding sessions lasting well beyond the typical duration.
  • Persistent nipple pain, cracking, or bruising due to improper latch.
  • Baby seems lethargic, excessively sleepy, or uninterested in feeding, challenging to wake for feeds.
  • Shallow sucking sounds indicate ineffective milk drawing from the breast.
  • Fewer wet diapers than expected, suggesting inadequate milk intake.
  • Baby’s jaw slides off during feeding, struggling to maintain a proper latch.
  • Clicking sounds during feeds imply insufficient latch or seal.
  • Engorged breasts indicate inefficient milk removal during feeds.

Your First Appointment

We’ll go through multiple assessments with you and your child and create a goal-based treatment plan and home programming regimen in order to put your child on a positive path forward.

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Pediatric Feeding Therapy Sensory Integration

Schedule an Appointment Today

(248) 939-4030

We strive to answer your questions, address the issues you are facing, and enhance the quality of your life. Everyone’s treatment varies because we are all different. Your individualized treatment will always be structured to meet 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 needs and enhance 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 wellness.

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