One fact that many parents are not aware of (until the issue arises) is that some infants and toddlers will have difficulties with eating when it comes time to start. This challenge has necessitated the need for multidisciplinary care professionals to address the issue. Doctors, scientists, and therapists have worked diligently to uncover the root causes of feeding difficulties and enact evidence-based treatment methods to help improve eating habits in these children.
Babies and children should feed from all food groups (once done with breast and formula feeding). This is not only to receive much-needed nutrients, but also to develop their oral-pharyngeal muscles. In turn, this can help to improve overall development of oral skills. Each child is unique, and any issues with feeding should be addressed individually. This article will help to explain some of the methods utilized to increase food intake in children. Many people will be surprised to learn that feeding therapy is often carried out by a speech language pathologist (or SLP). You will also hear SLPs referred to as speech therapists. Let’s dig right into the basics of this therapy, methods utilized, and how it can benefit you and your child.
A child’s refusal to eat might emanate from medical conditions such as constipation, gastro esophageal reflux, dysphagia, respiratory problems, eosinophilic esophagitis, as well as poor appetite. These challenges can be addressed by working hand in hand with a developmental pediatrician, primary care physician, or a gastroenterologist who will help come up with medically accepted management strategies. Often times, you’ll get a referral to an SLP who is licensed and qualified to practice feeding therapy techniques in your state.
It is highly recommended to engage a variety of feeding specialists in order to assess and treat your child’s specific eating challenges. The combined input of medical professionals and licensed therapists is ideal when attempting to diagnose any condition that can lead to feeding difficulties. These same professionals will also likely play a role in carrying out treatment.
Children who have a history of poor appetite may have been through various forms of advanced care like tube feeding. This can hinder their ability to recognize hunger and satiety (feeling full and satisfied). These children may be prescribed an appetite stimulant to help encourage hunger as well as increase the frequency and size of meals they consume.
Several health care professionals use the bolus feeding method to encourage normal eating. However, this method will not likely work for children with abnormal motility (metabolic energy levels). There are several ways that feeding tubes can be manipulated in these cases. Many professionals also recommend changing the type of formula used to a predigested form. This is believed to improve gastric emptying and encourage the desire for food intake.
Children who are used to supplement intake may develop a particular preference for the sweet taste of the formula and refuse to eat normal food. Altering the frequency as well as the timing of supplement intake can greatly improve the child’s appetite for normal foods.
It is surprising to hear that some therapists are unaware of the existence of feeding therapy programs. Fortunately, there are numerous intensive programs across the country designed for children who are experiencing these barriers in eating. The programs can run from 4-8 weeks (or longer) and the results can be quite amazing. Please note that feeding programs will vary on length of intervention, treatment, and follow up. These variations are designed and enacted to suit the individual needs of each client.
There are numerous therapeutic techniques and approaches to help improve your child’s appetite and feeding habits. Some of these techniques are formal while others are considered informal. The feeding approach can be oral-sensory or behavioral based. Switching from one therapeutic technique to another can also help to improve oral feeding habits.
It is interesting to note that every professional involved in feeding has something unique to offer. Reaching out to a feeding therapist in another discipline or profession can be a source of valuable ideas. Many people choose to take their child to an SLP who is well practiced in this type of therapy.
Often times the parent or child might require a break, especially if they have complicated medical needs. Children suffering with various conditions should be excused from feeding therapy if needed. Your child’s team of medical professionals should help you to ensure your child is getting proper nutrition until they are fit to return to oral feeding.
Include caregivers in therapy and make sure they actively participate in the proposed feeding techniques. Make sure that they practice these therapy strategies daily with your child. This is very important, as your child can suffer if new feeding techniques are not carried out on a consistent schedule.
Many clients in feeding therapy will exhibit oral motor delay. Your child’s food texture should be consistent with their oral skill level. When an infant or toddler is given foods that are considered above their oral skill level, the results can often include longer meal times, poor intake, food holding and/or pocketing, and expelling. Matching diet texture to your child’s oral skills will enhance their food intake greatly.
Coaching a child to engage in cup drinking can be a very successful way of moving a child off of a feeding tube. Once your child is drinking more, they can stand to increase their vitamin, nutrient, and calorie intake. Many professionals, however, are encouraging the use of straw cups for children with various developmental issues. Using a straw cup can improve oral skills necessary for improved eating and even speaking.
While eating struggles can be very stressful for both you and the child, feeding therapy is a method put in place to help you get through this difficult transition. With the help of a feeding therapist, your child can be on the fast track to a regular, healthy diet. If you are experiencing these types of challenges with your baby or child, then please speak with a doctor as soon as possible, as addressing these issues early on can greatly improve the chances of positive outcomes. Most of all, remember to stay patient with your child and their progress in treatment. Some children may require more time than others, and that is okay. Your therapist will be with you every step of the way, guiding you and helping you to stay on track.
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