Marietta Feeding Therapy
At Talk About Therapy, we specialize in pediatric feeding therapy and swallowing interventions to support children and families in the Marietta area. Learn more below about feeding and swallowing difficulties, their potential impact on your child, and how our tailored therapy can help.
What is feeding therapy? How can Talk About Therapy help?
Pediatric feeding therapy addresses a range of challenges, including breastfeeding issues, nipple pain during breastfeeding, food aversions, oral motor muscle strengthening, increasing oral intake, and transitioning from tube feeding to oral intake. Therapy typically occurs during mealtime, working directly with parents to ensure they learn and implement the therapeutic techniques alongside their child.
At Talk About Therapy, we involve families in creating customized goals to support their child’s success. We collaborate with parents to understand their desired outcomes and provide strategies and techniques that promote lasting progress and life-long skills.
How do I know if my child is presenting with feeding difficulty?
Here are some signs that your infant (birth to 1 year) may be experiencing feeding difficulties and could benefit from pediatric feeding therapy:
- Slow or Decreased Weight Gain: Difficulty maintaining or gaining weight at an appropriate rate.
- Signs of Distress During Mealtime: Frustration, increased breathing effort, or other signs of discomfort while feeding.
- Coughing: Frequent coughing during feeds, which may indicate difficulty swallowing.
- Tethered Oral Tissue: Conditions like tongue or lip ties (Ankyloglossia) that restrict oral movement and impact feeding.
Feeding Challenges and Therapy Options
If breastfeeding is painful or you experience difficulties with breastfeeding or bottle feeding, consider the following:
- For Tongue or Lip Tie Issues: Refer to our Tongue and Lip Tie Therapy Services.
- Decreased Bowel Movements: May indicate feeding difficulties.
- Wet, Gurgly Cries and Breaths: Suggest potential feeding or swallowing concerns.
Signs of Feeding Difficulties in Children or Toddlers (1+ Years)
Your child may benefit from pediatric feeding therapy if they exhibit:
- Frequent gagging
- Arching of the back before or during meals
- Frustration during mealtime
- Food refusal or aversion
- Difficulty accepting new textures
- Prolonged feeding times (meals should last ~30 minutes)
- Reflux or colic-like symptoms
- Anxiety around mealtime
- Stuffing or pocketing food
- Frequent vomiting or gagging with food
- Trouble eating age-appropriate foods
What to Do Next
If your child shows two or more of these symptoms, contact us to discuss your concerns and schedule an evaluation.
Our skilled therapists are trained to perform comprehensive evaluations to identify and address the underlying causes of feeding challenges. We specialize in:
- Beckman Oral Motor Therapy: Certified to address oral-motor challenges.
- Sensory-Related Feeding Therapy: Tailored for children with sensory challenges, including Autism.
- Specialized Pediatric Feeding Therapy: Customized plans to meet each child’s needs.
- Intensive Feeding Programs: Designed for more complex feeding challenges.
We’re here to support your child’s growth and development through expert therapy and personalized care.
