Feeding therapy can be a game changer for babies or children who struggle with feeding or eating, but have you ever wondered what a day in the life of a feeding specialist looks like? From assessing a baby with feeding aversion to coaching parents through mealtime struggles, each day is filled with problem-solving, support, and small wins that make a big difference.
Let’s take you behind the scenes of a typical day in feeding therapy and explore why early intervention is so important, who we can help, and what parents can expect.
Starting the Day: Preparing for Success
The day starts before the first family even walks in. Feeding therapy requires careful planning to ensure each session is tailored to the child’s specific needs. As a feeding specialist, I review the child’s history, including any medical background, previous feeding assessments, and parent concerns. This helps me prepare for the day ahead and ensure each session is focused on the right goals, whether it’s working on oral motor skills or addressing food aversions.
By the time the first family arrives, I’ve already developed a clear plan for how we’ll tackle the session, but flexibility is key—no two children are the same, and every session is different.
First Session: Assessing a Baby with Bottle Aversion
My first session of the day is with a 9-month-old baby who has developed a bottle aversion. The parents are worried because their baby refuses the bottle during feedings, turning away and becoming distressed when they try to offer it. This has led to frustration and concern about the baby’s growth.
During the session, I begin with a detailed assessment, which includes observing the baby during feeding, watching their responses to the bottle, and discussing the history with the parents. One of the first things I do is rule out any underlying medical conditions such as reflux, allergies, or gastrointestinal issues, which can cause discomfort during feeding. If medical concerns are suspected, I coordinate with the family’s paediatrician to ensure the baby is medically cleared.
Bottle aversion can also have psychological underpinnings, such as negative associations formed from past feeding experiences. My goal is to uncover the root cause and ensure the baby isn’t experiencing distress from an undiagnosed condition.
Once I have a clearer picture, I work with the parents to create a plan that includes gentle exposure, strategies to reduce pressure during feeding, and making the bottle-feeding experience as positive as possible. We start by offering the bottle in a low-stress, playful environment, giving the baby control over when and how much they want to feed. This is a collaborative process, and I guide the parents every step of the way.
Midday: Preparing for a Toddler with Picky Eating
Next, I prepare for a session with a toddler who has become extremely selective with their food, only eating a handful of items. Picky eating is common, but in some cases, it becomes so extreme that children miss out on essential nutrients and their growth can be affected.
Before starting, I always rule out any medical conditions that could contribute to picky eating, such as oral-motor delays, sensory processing disorders, or even gastrointestinal discomfort that could cause a child to refuse certain foods. If I suspect underlying medical issues, I collaborate with other healthcare professionals, such as paediatricians, speech therapists, or occupational therapists, to ensure we have a comprehensive understanding of the child’s health.
In some cases, picky eating may also be influenced by psychological factors, such as anxiety around mealtime or previous negative experiences with food. Identifying these potential causes allows us to approach the issue holistically.
Once I’ve gathered the necessary information, I prepare sensory play tools and a variety of textures and foods to gently introduce to the child. Feeding therapy with picky eaters often involves creating positive associations with new foods by removing pressure and engaging them in playful, non-eating interactions. We might start by simply exploring new foods with touch, smell, and even playing games where they interact with food in ways that don’t involve tasting it yet.
During the session, I work closely with the toddler and their parents, demonstrating techniques to encourage curiosity around food without forcing them to eat it. We celebrate small victories—like holding a new food or smelling it—because these moments lead to greater comfort and willingness over time.
Afternoon: Coaching Parents Through Sensory Feeding Issues
One of my later sessions is with a child who has sensory feeding issues. This child avoids certain textures and has a strong aversion to specific foods because of how they feel in their mouth. Sensory processing challenges like this can make mealtimes incredibly stressful for both the child and the parents.
Before the session, I review the child’s medical history and ensure that there are no underlying medical issues, such as oral-motor impairments or gastrointestinal problems, contributing to their sensory aversions. I may refer the child to a paediatrician or other specialists for further evaluation if needed. Additionally, sensory feeding issues can sometimes overlap with conditions such as autism or anxiety, so I remain mindful of these potential contributing factors.
During the session, I focus on introducing foods in a way that respects the child’s sensory preferences. We start by playing with different textures in a non-threatening way, encouraging the child to touch or even squish foods like mashed potatoes or bananas without the pressure to eat them. This desensitisation process helps reduce their discomfort over time, making them more willing to eventually taste the foods they once rejected.
As I work with the child, I’m also providing the parents with strategies they can use at home. Sensory feeding issues take time to overcome, and parent involvement is critical for progress.
Why a Feeding Specialist Should Be Your First Point of Contact
Throughout my day, I’m reminded of how diverse and complex feeding issues can be. What might seem like a simple issue—like picky eating or bottle refusal—can often have underlying causes that need professional evaluation. That’s why I encourage parents to seek the help of a feeding specialist first when they encounter feeding challenges.
Here’s why:
1. Expertise in Differential Diagnosis: Feeding difficulties can arise from a variety of causes, such as medical conditions, sensory issues, or oral-motor delays. A feeding specialist is trained to assess and identify the true root cause of the problem, ensuring that the right treatment is provided from the start.
2. Comprehensive Approach: Feeding specialists evaluate feeding challenges holistically. We consider the child’s medical history, sensory processing, and emotional responses to food, creating a personalised therapy plan tailored to their specific needs.
3. Specialised Interventions: With hands-on techniques and evidence-based strategies, we help children develop the skills they need for successful feeding. Whether it’s improving oral motor skills or addressing sensory aversions, a feeding specialist offers targeted, expert support.
4. Collaboration with Other Professionals: Feeding therapy often involves working closely with paediatricians, dietitians, and other healthcare providers to ensure comprehensive care. As a feeding specialist, I coordinate with other professionals to ensure all aspects of the child’s health are considered.
Feeding Therapy Is Not Easy – But It’s Worth It
It’s important to acknowledge that feeding therapy isn’t always a smooth or easy journey. Feeding difficulties can be deeply rooted, and progress may be slow at times. For parents, it can be hard to remain patient when progress seems incremental, but these small wins are significant in the long run.
Feeding therapy is a process that requires persistence, repetition, and consistency. There will be setbacks, and some sessions may feel more challenging than others. However, it’s crucial to remember that each step forward, no matter how small, is progress. Research supports the importance of this gradual, consistent approach. According to Hewetson & Singh (2009), parents of children with feeding challenges often face emotional and physical exhaustion, but they also emphasise the positive impact that therapy has when they stick with it.
As a feeding specialist, I’m here to support families throughout this journey, offering not just expert guidance but also encouragement and reassurance during the tough times. Together, we celebrate each small victory, knowing that, over time, they add up to big changes.
Ending the Day: Tracking Progress and Looking Ahead
At the end of each session, I take time to document progress and adjust therapy plans as needed. Some children might make small but significant strides, while others may require longer-term intervention. Feeding therapy is a process, and progress can take time, but every small win matters.
Reflecting on the day, I’m reminded of the importance of early intervention. The earlier feeding difficulties are identified and addressed, the easier they are to resolve. Feeding therapy doesn’t just focus on the act of eating—it looks at the whole child, their relationship with food, and the dynamics at mealtime. My goal, at the end of every day, is to help families enjoy stress-free, positive meals, where food is a source of nourishment and joy.
Conclusion
A day in the life of a feeding specialist is all about collaboration, careful observation, and providing support tailored to each child’s unique needs. By addressing feeding challenges early and working with a specialist who can provide a comprehensive diagnosis and intervention plan, you can make mealtimes more enjoyable and help your child develop a healthy relationship with food.
References
1. Arvedson, J.C. (2008). Swallowing and feeding in infants and young children. GI Motility Online. doi:10.1038/gimo17
2. Hewetson, R. & Singh, S. (2009). The lived experience of mothers of children with chronic feeding and/or swallowing difficulties. Journal of Pediatric Nursing, 24(5), 358-367.
3. O'Leary, M., & O'Brien, P. (2013). Feeding problems in infants and children: General principles of diagnosis and treatment. American Family Physician, 88(2
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