When I first launched Milk to Mealtime, it came from a deeply personal place. I’m Laura Bottiglieri—a Speech and Language Therapist, Dysphagia Feeding Specialist, and Mother. Like many parents, I experienced first-hand the complexities of feeding a baby. Those experiences, combined with my professional background, fuelled my passion to create a service that truly understands and supports families navigating similar journeys.
Why I Started Milk to Mealtime
The path to founding Milk to Mealtime began when I noticed a significant gap in support for parents facing feeding difficulties. Whether it was bottle refusal, weaning struggles, or more complex feeding issues tied to sensory, neurodevelopmental, or medical needs, families were often left waiting for too long for services that need a timely response. I knew I could do something about that.
My approach isn’t just about what a child eats—it’s about understanding what they can manage developmentally. I combine evidence-based strategies with a neurodevelopmental focus, which means looking at the whole picture: oral-motor skills, sensory processing, and the individual child’s readiness. This approach helps families build lasting feeding progress rather than relying on quick fixes.
Why a Speech and Language Therapist for Feeding Support?
Many people associate speech and language therapy solely with communication—but our expertise extends far beyond that. Feeding is a highly complex skill that involves precise coordination of muscles in the mouth, face, and throat, all of which are critical for safe and effective eating. As a speech and language therapist specialising in paediatric feeding, I bring a deep understanding of:
Oral-motor development: How the lips, tongue, jaw, and facial muscles work together for feeding.
Swallowing safety: Identifying and managing signs of dysphagia (swallowing difficulties) to prevent issues like choking or aspiration.
Sensory processing: Understanding how a child’s sensory responses to food textures, temperatures, and flavours impact their willingness and ability to eat.
Developmental readiness: Recognising when a child is ready for different types of food and textures, ensuring that feeding milestones are approached at the right time.
Behavioural feeding challenges: Helping families navigate and reduce stress around mealtimes by fostering positive feeding interactions.
This combination of skills allows me to create tailored, holistic plans that address the root causes of feeding difficulties rather than just the visible symptoms.
A Personal Journey
As a parent, I know the frustration, guilt, and overwhelm that can come with feeding challenges. I also know how transformative the right support can be—not just for the child but for the whole family. My experiences shape the empathy and understanding I bring to every family I work with. You’re not just getting a professional; you’re getting someone who truly gets it.
How We Work
At Milk to Mealtime, my goal is to meet families where they are and provide support tailored to their unique situation. Our process begins with a detailed initial assessment where we explore your child’s feeding history, current challenges, and developmental needs. From there, I create a personalised plan with clear, actionable steps designed to help your child make meaningful progress.
Sessions are a blend of hands-on strategies, education, and practical guidance—empowering parents with the tools and confidence they need to support their child’s feeding journey. Depending on your family’s needs, we can work together on a short-term or ongoing basis.
Services and Costings
I believe that specialist feeding support should be accessible and valuable. That’s why Milk to Mealtime offers expert services that deliver lasting results at a price point that represents incredible value for families. Services include:
Initial Assessment (60 minutes): £170 (online) £180 (home visit)
Expect a comprehensive session to identify feeding challenges, assess oral-motor and sensory needs, and develop an initial plan
Follow-Up Sessions (45 minutes): £80 (online) £95 (home visit) www.milktomealtime.com/book-online-pending
Focused sessions to monitor progress, refine strategies, and provide continued support.
Packages: Starting at £230 Step-by-step guidance for parents navigating the feeding challenges, with ongoing advice tailored to your child’s developmental needs. www.milktomealtime.com/plans-pricing
Compared to costly trial-and-error approaches or generic advice that doesn’t stick, investing in specialist feeding support through Milk to Mealtime is a decision that pays off in both time saved and peace of mind.
Getting Started
Taking the first step is easy. Simply visit my website at www.milktomealtime.com or email us direct to book your initial assessment or explore the range of services available. Have questions? Reach out at info.milktomealtime@gmail.com—I’m always happy to help.
The Heart of Milk to Mealtime
What keeps me motivated every day is seeing the transformation in families who once felt stuck and defeated. I believe every child deserves a positive, pressure-free feeding experience—and every parent deserves to feel confident on that journey.
If you’re curious about how Milk to Mealtime can help your family, I’d love to connect. Whether you’re at the beginning of your journey or facing persistent challenges, know that you’re in capable, compassionate hands.
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