Feeding therapy is a service provided by the Speech and Language Department at Saint Peter’s Health and Wellness Center. Our speech language pathologists are trained to help patients improve the oral motor skills necessary for feeding, improve their ability to tolerate and accept foods of new and different consistencies and textures, and teach families how to navigate through the behaviors that often occur with sensory feeding difficulties. Our goal is to help our patients and families enjoy mealtimes while promoting safe and age-appropriate feeding practices.
Some reasons for seeking out a feeding evaluation could include:
- Difficulty coordinating the suck-swallow-breathe pattern that is necessary for safe and efficient bottle feeding
- Poor weight gain or weight loss
- Persistent choking, gagging, vomiting, or coughing while eating or drinking
- Crying and/or arching away at most meals
- Difficulty with transitioning from breast/bottle to cup
- Difficulty with transitioning to purees and early solids
- Avoiding foods of a specific texture or food group
- Eating less than 15 foods when approaching the second birthday
- Stressful mealtimes for both the caregiver and child
- Prolonged mealtimes that last upwards of 30 minutes or more
- The carryover of techniques and strategies taught during therapy into the home environment is key to making long term gains. These strategies and techniques can include but are not limited to:
- Engaging in responsive feeding practices such as being aware of and acknowledging your child’s feeding cues of hunger, being full, and sensitivity to being exposed to and/or trying new foods
- Structuring mealtimes to promote a more stress-free environment for both caregivers and child
For more information about Pediatric Speech and Language Services at Saint Peter’s Health and Wellness Center or to make an appointment, call 732.745.8570.
Contact Us
Pediatric Feeding Therapy
562 Easton Avenue
Somerset, NJ 08873