Eating Therapy!?!?!

grimmeaa

So after having to cancel her 15 month appointment three times we finally had it today and it was interesting.....

Her stats: 20.12lbs and 30.5in long so she is in the 40th% for her age, my little peanut

I told the doctor that she hardly ever chews her food no matter what she is eating. She just takes a bite, chews it maybe 2 times (if it's crunchy) and then swallows it. Well that means that I see whole pieces of green beans, hot dog, grapes, carrots, beans, rice and many other things in her diaper! No matter how small I cut the pieces and only give her one piece on her tray at a time, she still just swallows it. She called a specialist and they said they definitely want to see her and get her started in some therapy! When she told me this I kind of giggled because when I was explaining this to her I just expected her to say well with time it will get better or to just give me other tips. 

So now next week we have a therapist coming to watch her eat haha so weird!

Anyone else LO doing this or do I just have a crazy child!?!?! 

StefB28

My LO doesn't have this, but my nephew did. He had some sensory issues, so they did some eating therapy-- I think it involved some different textured toys for him to chew on, etc.

Doesn't sound like your DD is having any trouble putting on weight, even though she is having some trouble eating "properly"-- 40% is almost right in the middle! My DS weighed 18lbs at his last appointment which is between the 10-25% and he's following his own growth curve, so the pedi isn't worried.

mbgreenwalt

DD2 had reflux, a swallowing dysfunction and some texture/aversion issues. She saw an occupational therapist, speech therapist and a nutritionist for her eating issues.  It took 2 visits and our daily work at home over 2 months and her issues were resolved (she gagged and vomited whenever she tried to eat purees or solid food).  She also had texture issues and what we assumed was some mouth/face aversions from the reflux meds she was given for 6 months.  We used texture sticks and lots of food play (so messy!) for therapy.  Good luck, let me know if you have any other questions.

grimmeaa

Thanks for the info!! I am very interested in the exercises they teach us and.other techniques!
P.s. I love making messes and so does dd :

LittleMommaBlueHen

One of my cousins did eating therapy because she has a sensory integration disorder.  I think my nephew did some as part of his early intervention work.  It is pretty cool that such an option exists.