Top 10 Facts Feeding Therapist Wish You Knew

Top 10 Facts Feeding Therapist Wish You Knew

As a parent of a child with a feeding delay or disorder, do you sometimes feel overwhelmed, lost, or out of place? 

You hear new words your therapist brings up, things you may not have thought about and wonder how your child’s feeding skills will all come together?

Remember, as a feeding therapist, we are here to support you in the journey as well as your child!

Just like therapists need a feeding mentor when we start out, parents and caregivers do, too. While this is under the guise of “parent coaching” much of the time, mentorship takes it a step further. 

A mentor is someone with experience who is also licensed and can both advise and coach you through you and your child’s feeding journey. 

While it is important to coach you on the goals that you are trying to achieve for you and your child, you need a deeper understanding of the why behind what we are doing & recommending. It is a critical piece of helping you, the parent or caregiver to carry out the feeding therapy plan between sessions and truly knowing that the work you are doing is making a difference. This is what you get in a parent/caregiver mentor.

Over 2000+ Feed The Peds® graduates have had the honor of serving thousands of families and providing feeding therapy over the years since the courses launch in March 2020. In honor of all of the families we have collectively been able to serve, we present you with the top 10 things we wish and hope you know during your child’s feeding therapy journey. 

  1. Completing and/or meeting all feeding therapy goals does not happen overnight
  2. Feeding therapy is a journey, so enjoy the ride, and celebrate all the milestones along the way.
  3. Progress in feeding therapy does not occur in a vacuum, there are MANY components to success along the way.
  4. One session will not change your child’s life, but the combination of therapy sessions and working at home on the goals established in therapy will.
  5. Progress sometimes feels like a dance, one step forward, two steps back, four steps forward, 2 steps back, etc. This is part of the process. But the outcome is that feeding skills HAVE improved.
  6. We are here to support the families in the feeding therapy journey as well as the child/infant. 
  7. What you’re doing at home in between sessions matters (a whole lot)! It impacts progress in such a big way, we want to encourage you to keep it up!
  8. Everyone has hard days. Just because one day may not go as planned, you may not get to work on the feeding therapy home plan as much as you had hoped/planned, it’s okay. Don’t beat yourself up! Tomorrow is a new day. (We’re all human, afterall!)
  9. The skills your child will gain in feeding therapy will benefit them for a lifetime! It’s a timeless investment for your child.
  10. Your voice, your opinion, and your insight as the child’s parent/caregiver MATTERS! We want to hear from you, how it’s going, what you may see as the biggest needs are and certainly what goals you have for yourself and your child!

We know you’re the glue holding it all together and we want you to know we see you! Your child is lucky to have such a strong advocate in their corner, helping them each step of the way. You’re truly amazing. 

Thank YOU for allowing us into a small portion of your family’s life as your child’s feeding therapist. We are grateful for you and for your determination and grit to give your child the best future possible. Thank you from our heart to yours for choosing us to be your child’s feeding therapist. 

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Hallie Bulkin

halliebulkin

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This month`s CE Training in The Myo Membership® was absolutely awesome! We were thrilled to welcome renowned speech-language pathologist, author, seminar presenter, and president and co-founder of Speech Dynamics, Inc, Char Boshart, M.A., CCC-SLP. 🎖️

Her presentation, MYO Components & Comparisons: Swallowing, Speech Production, and the Essentials of /s/ and /r/ Therapy, delivered a wealth of knowledge you won`t want to miss. 🧠

Our takeaway? Char`s insightful quote: "Wherever the lips, tongue and jaw rest is where they work." This simple concept unlocks a deeper understanding of speech and swallowing function.

Interested in joining August`s CE Training but not a member yet? Send me a DM!

#speechlanguagepathology #speechlanguagepathologist #speechlanguagetherapist #registereddentalhygienist #dentist #dentists #pediatricdentistry #physicaltherapist #occupationaltherapist #occupationaltherapy #myofunctionaltherapist #continuingeducation #physicaltherapy #slpsofinstagram #myomembership #speechtherapy #speechtherapists #membershipprogram

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This month's CE Training in The Myo Membership® was absolutely awesome! We were thrilled to welcome renowned speech-language pathologist, author, seminar presenter, and president and co-founder of Speech Dynamics, Inc, Char Boshart, M.A., CCC-SLP. 🎖️ Her presentation, MYO Components & Comparisons: Swallowing, Speech Production, and the Essentials of /s/ and /r/ Therapy, delivered a wealth of knowledge you won't want to miss. 🧠 Our takeaway? Char's insightful quote: "Wherever the lips, tongue and jaw rest is where they work." This simple concept unlocks a deeper understanding of speech and swallowing function. Interested in joining August's CE Training but not a member yet? Send me a DM! #speechlanguagepathology #speechlanguagepathologist #speechlanguagetherapist #registereddentalhygienist #dentist #dentists #pediatricdentistry #physicaltherapist #occupationaltherapist #occupationaltherapy #myofunctionaltherapist #continuingeducation #physicaltherapy #slpsofinstagram #myomembership #speechtherapy #speechtherapists #membershipprogram

Do tongue and lip ties cause any issues beyond struggles with infant feeding?

Are there really any other lasting complications that spill over into other areas of health?

Find out in our latest blog post: https://halliebulkin.com/tongue-lip-ties-health/ or comment `BLOG` below to get the link in your DM.

#tongueties #lipties #infantfeeding #pediatricfeeding #halliebulkinblog

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Do tongue and lip ties cause any issues beyond struggles with infant feeding? Are there really any other lasting complications that spill over into other areas of health? Find out in our latest blog post: https://halliebulkin.com/tongue-lip-ties-health/ or comment 'BLOG' below to get the link in your DM. #tongueties #lipties #infantfeeding #pediatricfeeding #halliebulkinblog

Don`t forget to listen to this week`s podcast. Episode 277 is all about TOTs and Feeding in Clinical Practice & Public Health Initiatives

This week, I discuss the gaps in our understanding of the relationship between tethered oral tissues and food aversions.

I talk about the need for more research on how these tissues affect sensory processing during eating, the importance of early identification and interventions, and the effectiveness of tongue tie release procedures.

I also explore the neurological aspects and long-term impacts on dietary preferences, emphasizing the role of awareness in clinical practice and public health.

You can catch the full episode here https://untetheredpodcast.com/ or comment `PODCAST` below to get the link.

If this episode has resonated with you in some way, take a screenshot of you listening, post it to your Instagram Stories, and tag Hallie @halliebulkin

#tetheredoraltissues #theuntetheredpodcast #foodaversions #pediatricfeeding #certifiedpediatricfeedingtherapist #feedingtherapist

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Don't forget to listen to this week's podcast. Episode 277 is all about TOTs and Feeding in Clinical Practice & Public Health Initiatives This week, I discuss the gaps in our understanding of the relationship between tethered oral tissues and food aversions. I talk about the need for more research on how these tissues affect sensory processing during eating, the importance of early identification and interventions, and the effectiveness of tongue tie release procedures. I also explore the neurological aspects and long-term impacts on dietary preferences, emphasizing the role of awareness in clinical practice and public health. You can catch the full episode here https://untetheredpodcast.com/ or comment 'PODCAST' below to get the link. If this episode has resonated with you in some way, take a screenshot of you listening, post it to your Instagram Stories, and tag Hallie @halliebulkin #tetheredoraltissues #theuntetheredpodcast #foodaversions #pediatricfeeding #certifiedpediatricfeedingtherapist #feedingtherapist

Does your tongue have wavy edges?

This wavy pattern, sometimes called a "scalloped tongue," can appear along the sides of the tongue and resemble the ridges of a scallop shell. While not necessarily a cause for alarm on its own, a scalloped tongue can be a sign of an underlying condition called an orofacial myofunctional disorder (OMD).

Other symptoms to look for may Include:

👅 Tongue resting low/forward/against/between the teeth
👅 Tethered Oral Tissues (e.g., tongue tie)
👅 Sleep Disordered Breathing (e.g., UARS, Sleep Apnea, OSA)
👅 Malocclusion
👅 TMJ

Other causes are said to include:

👅Dehydration
👅Smoking
👅Nutritional Deficiency or Disorder

As myofunctional therapists, our job is to work with the client and their interdisciplinary healthcare team to assess and determine if the root cause of a scalloped tongue (and other symptoms present) is an OMD.

When an OMD is present with a scalloped tongue, we can formulate an individualized care plan to help treat the client and address proper oral rest posture. If the palate is large enough to accommodate the tongue and the tongue is not restricted, orofacial myofunctional therapy may be a sufficient approach. If structural concerns exist (e.g., narrow palate, restricted tongue, etc.) other providers will need likely need to be consulted early in the treatment plan.

P.S. If you`re an SLP, OT, PT, RDH, or DDS and you want to learn more about different OMDs and how to properly assess them, check out www.themyomethod.com or comment `MYO` below and I will send more info your way!

#speechlanguagepathology #speechlanguagepathologist #speechlanguagetherapist #registereddentalhygienist #dentist #dentists #pediatricdentistry #physicaltherapist #occupationaltherapist #occupationaltherapy #myofunctionaltherapist #continuingeducation #physicaltherapy #slpsofinstagram #myomembership #speechtherapy #speechtherapists #membershipprogram #themyomethod #myomethod

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Does your tongue have wavy edges? This wavy pattern, sometimes called a "scalloped tongue," can appear along the sides of the tongue and resemble the ridges of a scallop shell. While not necessarily a cause for alarm on its own, a scalloped tongue can be a sign of an underlying condition called an orofacial myofunctional disorder (OMD). Other symptoms to look for may Include: 👅 Tongue resting low/forward/against/between the teeth 👅 Tethered Oral Tissues (e.g., tongue tie) 👅 Sleep Disordered Breathing (e.g., UARS, Sleep Apnea, OSA) 👅 Malocclusion 👅 TMJ Other causes are said to include: 👅Dehydration 👅Smoking 👅Nutritional Deficiency or Disorder As myofunctional therapists, our job is to work with the client and their interdisciplinary healthcare team to assess and determine if the root cause of a scalloped tongue (and other symptoms present) is an OMD. When an OMD is present with a scalloped tongue, we can formulate an individualized care plan to help treat the client and address proper oral rest posture. If the palate is large enough to accommodate the tongue and the tongue is not restricted, orofacial myofunctional therapy may be a sufficient approach. If structural concerns exist (e.g., narrow palate, restricted tongue, etc.) other providers will need likely need to be consulted early in the treatment plan. P.S. If you're an SLP, OT, PT, RDH, or DDS and you want to learn more about different OMDs and how to properly assess them, check out www.themyomethod.com or comment 'MYO' below and I will send more info your way! #speechlanguagepathology #speechlanguagepathologist #speechlanguagetherapist #registereddentalhygienist #dentist #dentists #pediatricdentistry #physicaltherapist #occupationaltherapist #occupationaltherapy #myofunctionaltherapist #continuingeducation #physicaltherapy #slpsofinstagram #myomembership #speechtherapy #speechtherapists #membershipprogram #themyomethod #myomethod

Sensory oral motor feeding difficulties aren’t just a temporary phase that children outgrow. 🍼🍎

These can be complex and often require professional evaluation and treatment to address effectively.
These challenges don’t simply resolve on their own and it takes a dedicated team of specialists to systematically assess and treat the underlying causes.

Unfortunately, most professionals treat sensory and motor as if they exist in silos. We cannot separate the sensory from the motor. Holistic feeding therapists understand this and approach feeding therapy through a sensory oral motor lens.

These professionals can develop a targeted plan to support and help children overcome their feeding difficulties, ensuring they receive the proper nutrition and care they need to thrive. 🤝

While we cover sensory and motor throughout the course, Ramya and Caitlin talk in depth about sensory-based feeding difficulties in Module 6 of the Feed The Peds® course. 📚✨

Tag an SLP or OT who might be interested in learning more about sensory-based feeding difficulties! ⬇️

#speechlanguagepathology #speechlanguagepathologist #slpsofinstagram
#pediatricoccupationaltherapy #pediatricoccupationaltherapist
#feedingtherapy #speechlanguagetherapist #pediatricot
#pediatricfeedingdisorders #pediatricfeedingdisorder #pediatricfeedingtherapy
#pediatricfeedingtherapist #pediatricfeeding #feedthepeds #onlinecourse #onlinelearning

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Sensory oral motor feeding difficulties aren’t just a temporary phase that children outgrow. 🍼🍎 These can be complex and often require professional evaluation and treatment to address effectively. These challenges don’t simply resolve on their own and it takes a dedicated team of specialists to systematically assess and treat the underlying causes. Unfortunately, most professionals treat sensory and motor as if they exist in silos. We cannot separate the sensory from the motor. Holistic feeding therapists understand this and approach feeding therapy through a sensory oral motor lens. These professionals can develop a targeted plan to support and help children overcome their feeding difficulties, ensuring they receive the proper nutrition and care they need to thrive. 🤝 While we cover sensory and motor throughout the course, Ramya and Caitlin talk in depth about sensory-based feeding difficulties in Module 6 of the Feed The Peds® course. 📚✨ Tag an SLP or OT who might be interested in learning more about sensory-based feeding difficulties! ⬇️ #speechlanguagepathology #speechlanguagepathologist #slpsofinstagram #pediatricoccupationaltherapy #pediatricoccupationaltherapist #feedingtherapy #speechlanguagetherapist #pediatricot #pediatricfeedingdisorders #pediatricfeedingdisorder #pediatricfeedingtherapy #pediatricfeedingtherapist #pediatricfeeding #feedthepeds #onlinecourse #onlinelearning
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