When the parent or caregiver has a concern. Period.
It’s time we stop dismissing parents and caregivers and take their concerns seriously. I honestly do not see this as much from the therapist community as from referring providers, who tend to tell parents “they will grow out of it.” “It” can be anything from leaking milk from the mouth when at the breast or with a bottle to gagging, coughing, reflux, etc.
My goal today? To educate parents on when signs and symptoms mean a feeding evaluation may be beneficial so that they can be their child’s best advocate!
What are signs that a pediatric feeding evaluation may be needed?
- difficulty latching at the breast or with a bottle
- falling asleep while feeding
- clicking noises while nursing/bottle feeding
- extended time at the bottle or breast
- difficulty with anterior-posterior transit of milk, this may look like milk spilling from the mouth or coughing/gagging while nursing/taking a bottle
- wet/gurgly sounds while nursing/bottle feeding
- arches back/body while feeding
- difficulty gaining weight/failure to thrive
- difficulty transitioning to different textures of food
- difficulty chewing and or swallowing
- pocketing of food
- slow eater
- difficulty drinking from a cup
- limited variety of foods in diet
- gagging and or vomiting at mealtime
If you have concerns and have noticed one or more of these symptoms, please contact a feeding therapist who will be able to assess your child and determine the best course of action to help them thrive!
Meal times should not be full of stress and worry and we want to encourage you to trust your instincts. Here is to wishing you many stress free meal times in the near future!
You can find a pediatric feeding therapist near you by visiting our directory: www.pediatricfeedingtherapist.com
