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Feeding Therapy?

marcuejmarcuej member
in Success after IF

I took Hadley in for her 9 month check-up yesterday and we discussed her issues with food.  She either tightens her mouth really tight so I have to force food in or she'll take some in her mouth and leave it there forever.  When she does swallow food, she often gags and makes herself puke.  It's lots of fun!  Indifferent

Anyway, he said that babies should be getting a good handle of eating by 9 months.  He gave me a referral to take Hadley to get feeding therapy at a Children's therapy center in town.  

I have mixed feelings about this whole thing.  It just seems so weird that my kid has to get help in figuring out how to eat.  It seems like it should just come so naturally.  Obviously I'm willing to do anything to help her out and will gladly take her.  I just wish it didn't have to come to this.  

Has anyone else taken their child to a feeding therapist?  Did you notice positive changes right away?  

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Re: Feeding Therapy?

  • kdussaultkdussault
    Hope you don't mind me replying, I don't usually post here. I am an Occupational Therapist and am just starting to get more involved with our Feeding Team, I think you should bring her in per the MD recommendations. I will say that you most likely will not see immediate results and it could take months, but eating does not in fact come 'naturally.' I would love to help you understand what to expect, please feel free to PM me or friend me on facebook if you are on there. I am at work and on my iPod right now, so I apologize for the short quick response. I have tons of info I can send you though.
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  • marcuejmarcuej member

    imagekdussault:
    Hope you don't mind me replying, I don't usually post here. I am an Occupational Therapist and am just starting to get more involved with our Feeding Team, I think you should bring her in per the MD recommendations. I will say that you most likely will not see immediate results and it could take months, but eating does not in fact come 'naturally.' I would love to help you understand what to expect, please feel free to PM me or friend me on facebook if you are on there. I am at work and on my iPod right now, so I apologize for the short quick response. I have tons of info I can send you though.

    I would love to talk to you more about this.  How do I find you on FB?  You can look me up if that's easier.  Marcu Alexander.

    I am honestly in the dark about this whole thing and would love to talk to someone who is familiar with the whole thing.  Thanks for reaching out!

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  • BRSaugust20BRSaugust20 member

    I give kudos to your pedi for suggesting the feeding center.  When I told our pedi that J gags a lot (never puked yet but has come close twice) he told me to keep trying.

    He has gotten a little better but still no where near finger/table food level that I've seen others post on here for similar aged kids.  Hmm, no I am wondering if I should be pushing the issue harder with our pedi.  I already pushed for PT for his torticolis so I might as well make it a habit.

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  • marcuejmarcuej member
    imageBRSaugust20:

    I give kudos to your pedi for suggesting the feeding center.  When I told our pedi that J gags a lot (never puked yet but has come close twice) he told me to keep trying.

    He has gotten a little better but still no where near finger/table food level that I've seen others post on here for similar aged kids.  Hmm, no I am wondering if I should be pushing the issue harder with our pedi.  I already pushed for PT for his torticolis so I might as well make it a habit.

    Our pedi said now is the best time to address feeding issues because if they are ignored, it could turn into a long lasting issue with food and eating.  If you are concerned, I would push it!

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  • may5706bridemay5706bride
    I wish my ped suggested this. C did not eat solids/table food up to his second birthday. Feeding was becoming a terrible experience, and i had never gotten more than the tip of the spoon in his mouth. He had zero concept of chewing, was pocketing one bite for over 2 hours. I had a feeding specialist/behaviorist come evaluate him to be sure he had no issues with his tongue or mouth... Its the best thing I ever did. She explained techniques, prompts and how to address his behaviors ( always a fight with mouth clenching, screaming) 1.he got scared sh!tles$ from the force feeding. 2. Gave me the confidence that indeed there were no oral motor issues. And now, one month later he has made HUGE progress!!! He has had pasta, steamed veg, cheese etc for the first time ... Id say go for it. Feeding specialists are behaviorists that are better trained to give you the tools you need to make progress... Best of luck! I know just how frustrating this can all be....
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  • beebe929beebe929 member

    We did.  Two appts and now she eats like a champ! So worth it! 

    ETA: In our case it was simple modifications.  The OT was extremely helpful.  I hope in your case it is something simple.  But if it isn't the OT will be the best place for her.

    Good luck!

    Health&Fitness Blog imageBaby Birthday Ticker Ticker Lilypie Fourth Birthday tickers Our IVF miracles!
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  • kdussaultkdussault
    imageBRSaugust20:

    I give kudos to your pedi for suggesting the feeding center.  When I told our pedi that J gags a lot (never puked yet but has come close twice) he told me to keep trying.

    He has gotten a little better but still no where near finger/table food level that I've seen others post on here for similar aged kids.  Hmm, no I am wondering if I should be pushing the issue harder with our pedi.  I already pushed for PT for his torticolis so I might as well make it a habit.

    First of all, I can't believe he is 10 months old already!!!! Second, I would push for at least an evaluation with a feeding team or even a speech or occupational therapist. Sounds like he has a sensitive gag reflex that is totally treatable! If you had to push for his torticollis (shocked at that one!) you will probably have to push for this as well. You can find me on FB as well if you want some info to get started with... My name is in my siggy and my posting name is essentially my last name. Marcu- I couldn't find you but will try again at home on the computer as well.
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  • marcuejmarcuej member
    imagekdussault:
    imageBRSaugust20:

    I give kudos to your pedi for suggesting the feeding center.  When I told our pedi that J gags a lot (never puked yet but has come close twice) he told me to keep trying.

    He has gotten a little better but still no where near finger/table food level that I've seen others post on here for similar aged kids.  Hmm, no I am wondering if I should be pushing the issue harder with our pedi.  I already pushed for PT for his torticolis so I might as well make it a habit.

    First of all, I can't believe he is 10 months old already!!!! Second, I would push for at least an evaluation with a feeding team or even a speech or occupational therapist. Sounds like he has a sensitive gag reflex that is totally treatable! If you had to push for his torticollis (shocked at that one!) you will probably have to push for this as well. You can find me on FB as well if you want some info to get started with... My name is in my siggy and my posting name is essentially my last name. Marcu- I couldn't find you but will try again at home on the computer as well.

    I tried to find you on FB too, but there were around 6 options for your name.  Not sure which one you are. 

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  • kdussaultkdussault
    In my picture I have a white shirt on standing by a rock with cliffs and a lighthouse in the background - does that help?! Sorry this is so difficult! Or try my first name (.) last name @ gmail dot com ???
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  • marcuejmarcuej member
    I found you!  Thanks.  You have a message waiting for you!  Big Smile
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  • BRSaugust20BRSaugust20 member

    imagekdussault:
    In my picture I have a white shirt on standing by a rock with cliffs and a lighthouse in the background - does that help?! Sorry this is so difficult! Or try my first name (.) last name @ gmail dot com ???

    FB friend request sent.  Any info you have would be great!  Thanks so much!

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