Anyone seen an OT for feeding therapy?

paige0328

We've been referred to one by our GI... She's 5 months (actual) and now she will only take her bottle if she's being distracted. If we sit down, she immediately refuses the bottle. It's getting to the point where I can't physically carry her around and feed for much longer. Per the suggestion of our GI, we've started cereal but it's a non-starter... she's just not ready.

The GI said it's not uncommon for babies with bad reflux (she also has some other GI issues) to associate the bottle with stress/pain, and develop an aversion. I'm curious as to how they'll asses her, and what they can do to improve the situation, given that she's so young.

Thanks for any advice! 

lwmooney87

We had that problem with my DD. She had reflux and would projectile vomit her feeds. (seriously shot across the room!) After a while, she started to eat less and less and refuse the bottle more and more. There were times she would just scream if you started to put a bib on her and sit down, she knew what was coming. We saw a GI and they suggested feeding therapy but another thing he did was put her on Prevacid and he changed her to Alimentum (hypoallergenic formula). She was on breast milk fortified with neosure. We decided to try the Alimentum for a week and I would just freeze my milk. Literally, the next day she almost doubled the amount she took. It was a life saver! So, maybe you could try that? Luckily, we didn't have to see a feeding therapist. It definitely had it's ups and downs because of the reflux if she had a flare up or if the meds needed to be adjusted but thank God it was never that bad again. The Alimentum saved us. I was really sad to not be able to give her breast milk but in her case, it wasn't what was best for her.

I wish you luck! I know how tough and frustrating it can be. For what it's worth, we still have to distract DD sometimes with TV or something. She still isn't a great eater. It's been the most frustrating part of this past year.

Pips09

We have our first appointment at the end of May. Our issue is not with bottles, it's with solids, though. Sorry I don't have any info for you, but I share the frustration.

kaylaaimee

We don't have the same issue but we started seeing a feeding therapist and an OT for Scarlette's eating issues. I can say that we have seen major progress since they came into the picture- they've been able to give me suggestions and show me tricks that I would not have thought of.

Our OT had us sing to S while trying to feed her as a focused distraction and that worked really well. Sorry I don't have specifics but I would go ahead and try to get an EI eval so that they can start working with you!

adrielegorburu

We did oral motor feeding therapy with a speech therapist for low tone issues with DD's lips - but her problem was spillage - not aversion.  I'm sure that the therapy will help! good luck and keep us posted

kelkel09

Ethan has a speech therapist for his feeding issues since he has a G-tube. I don't have advice on your specific situation, but can say that seeing the therapist is a good idea. They are really helpful and Ethan has been making some progress on his oral feedings. Best of luck to your DD!

bhilyer

First - huge hugs for feeding frustrations!  I know how hard it can be.

One of my guys has been seeing OT for feeding/sensory issues for a several months.  In the past couple of months, we've seen everything going to H's mouth.  He's still not a fan of food, but at least he's putting stuff in his mouth.

Just last week we started with ST.  We're hoping to strengthen his oral muscles for speech and in turn this will give him more control over the food in his mouth.

A couple of things that have helped us:

https://www.amazon.com/Gerber-Nuk-Brush/dp/B001UZ31SC

https://www.amazon.com/The-Sensory-University-TRI-CHEW/dp/B0018BVAD6/ref=sr_1_1?s=hpc&ie=UTF8&qid=1336747860&sr=1-1

https://www.amazon.com/THE-SENSORY-UNIVERSITY-CHEWY-MEDIUM/dp/B00173CDI6/ref=pd_sim_hpc_7

 

Keep trying.  Try every day.  Our OT said to give H anything he will put in his mouth to eat.  Some nights his "dinner" consists of cinnamon cookies, mum mums and a few licks of a sucker.  While this is not ideal, it's a starting point and our OT is pleased.

 

Ktbuss

We see an OT for feeding issues but Cole is almost 3 so it's a mix between feeding and sensory issues.  However when he was a baby we saw  speech for feeding issues.  Not that I am an expert by any means but has your LO had a swallow study done to see if there is another issue that may be going that makes it easier for her to eat when you standing up?  I know with Cole we had to feed him in a almost up right position and we also thickened his feeds which help with his on going swallowing issues.

paige0328

Thanks all. I appreciate the support and feedback. I am optimistic that it'll help! Going in next week for an eval...