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Tag: feeding therapy

Holiday Picky Eating

Navigating Picky Eating Around the Holidays

Navigating the Holidays with a Picky Eater

The holidays can be a special time for family, traditions, and some of our favorite foods.  It can be challenging (and stressful!) going to a family member’s house, knowing that your child will not eat any of the foods.  It can be an anxious time for a child that knows they will be asked to try new foods.  We understand that holiday picky eating can take a toll on the whole family and we want to help. We will share some tips to help your picky eater (and you) have a positive and enjoyable holiday meal! 

 

Include your child in the preparation

We want kids to have as many positive exposures to new foods as possible.  The more a child can interact with a food without necessarily eating it, the less scary it becomes.  Have your child wash vegetables, mix, pour, etc. to allow for more exposure to novel foods.

 

 Have preferred foods available

Bring a dish or two to share that your child enjoys.  This allows your child to feel included in the meal while making sure there is something for them to eat.  Your child can pick the amount of each food they want on their plate to encourage autonomy and allow exploration without creating pressure and anxiety around the meal.

 

Keep the environment fun and positive for your child

Keep the pressure extremely low to try new foods.  Encourage your child to put what they want on their plate. It is not uncommon for kids to not eat a large meal on the holidays because of the atmosphere and commotion the holiday brings.  Not sure what to say to your aunt that insists your child try their dish?  We have a blog post for that!

 

Interact with food without eating it

Try touching, smelling, licking, pulling apart new foods to allow for a positive interaction with food without pressure to eat it.  Being silly helps!  

 

Model trying new foods

Discuss foods that are your favorite in neutral terms (e.g., “I like this! It’s sweet! That one is crunchy”) Use descriptive language like hot, cold, salty, spicy, sweet, crunchy, etc. instead of words like good, bad, yummy, yucky, etc.  If a food is not your favorite, model trying a small taste and use language similar to “I am still learning about this food” to encourage your child to continue to try new foods.

 

If you feel like your child has difficulty at mealtimes, please reach out to us to schedule a free 30 minute screening at our Aurora or Orland Park clinic here to seee how we can help. You can learn more about our feeding therapy services here

 

Molly Rademacher, MA, CCC-SLP/L

Lactatation Consultation

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One-on-one virtual or in-person breast and bottle feeding lactation support services from the comfort of your own home or at our clinic.

Meet with our International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) and Certified Breastfeeding Specialists (CBS) at a convenient time and in the location that makes you most comfortable!

Lactation telehealth

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More Mlk

More Milk, Less Worry


Our International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) and Certified Breastfeeding Specialists (CBS) provide non-judgmental and evidence-based support to you and your baby! We are ready to meet you where you are and help you get to where you want to go in your feeding journey!  We want you to know that you are not alone and that, with support, we can help you get more milk and worry less! 

What to Expect at Your Consult

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  • Where do lactation consultations take place?

    We provide both in-person and virtual lactation consultations. In-person sessions take place at our clinic and virtual sessions are held over Zoom. You can choose what works best for you!

  • What we do together in a Lactation Consult

    First visits are typically 45-60 minutes to give us time for a thorough history, observing baby feeding (breast, bottle or both), and a plan of care.  Included is

    • A history and assessment of breastfeeding and/or bottle feeding issues by an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant and infant feeding SLP
    • An assessment of latch, suck and positioning
    • Breast care including mastitis, plugged ducts, blebs, thrush, engorgement, and nipple soreness
    • Soothing a fussy baby
    • Breastfeeding while returning to work
    • Assistance with breast pumps, nipple shields and other lactation devices
    • Breastfeeding education and support
    • Transition from breast to bottle OR bottle to breast
    • A report to send to your care provider(s) if requested
  • What to have at your consultation:

    • YOU and your precious baby
    • Any current nursing gadgets
    • Any pumps and required pump parts if desired
    • Preferred feeding pillows if desired
    • Bottles/pacifiers
  • Here are some helpful tips to maximize your virtual appointment:

    • Both users must have adequate internet connection
    • Both users must have adequate lighting. Please keep a flashlight/light on hand for mouth assessments
    • May need a second set of hands to help with positioning the device for best viewing
    • It is beneficial (not necessary) for the family to have two connected devices.  I.e. a computer/ipad for discussion and a phone for breast and bottle feeding/latch assessment
  • While virtual lactation consults are useful for many reasons, there will be times that our IBCLC must refer mom and/or baby to a local health care provider. These cases may include:

    • Suspected tongue and/or lip tie or other oral malformation
    • Mastitis, thrush and other breastfeeding concerns requiring treatment
    • Inadequate lighting/internet connection to perform a quality online assessment
    • Concerns with weight gain, jaundice and/or general well-being of your baby

Tandem Breastfeeding

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Quality Lactation Support


Our International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) and Certified Breastfeeding Specialists (CBS) are professionals in lactation consulting who have demonstrated the necessary skills, knowledge, and attitudes to provide clinical breastfeeding consulting and management support to families who are thinking about breastfeeding or who have questions or problems during the course of breastfeeding/lactation.  Our IBCLCs are also speech language pathologists who specialize in the overall safety and success of infant feeding.  

BDI’s International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) and Certified Breastfeeding Specialists (CBS) in Supporting:

  • breastfeeding

    Baby

    Baby’s success on the breast/bottle

  • Mom's breastfeeding

    Mom

    Mom’s health and comfort

  • Family Lactation Support

    Family

    Family support for mom & baby

  • Engorgement

    Pumping

    Preparing for and maximizing pumping

  • Tummy Time

    Tummy

    Reflux, Spit-up, Vomiting Support

  • lactation latch

    Position & Latch

    Finding the perfect position and latch

Lactation Professionals Areas of Expertise

    • Latching
    • Milk Supply
    • Breast and Nipple Soreness
    • Weight Concerns
    • Supplementation
    • Pain or Breast Damage
    • Plugged Milk Ducts
    • Engorgement
    • Breast/Bottle Feeding
    • Mastitis
    • Reflux, Spitting-up and/or Vomiting
    • Induced or Relactation
    • Feeding Techniques and Positions
    • Weaning
    • Transition to Bottle-Feeding from Breast
    • Transition to Breast Feeding from Bottle
    • Pumping
    • Back-to-Work Plan
    • Oral Motor Restrictions
    • Tongue/Lip Tie
    • Tandem Breastfeeding

AMY CLEC

Amy Stumpf, MS, CCC-SLP/L, IBCLC

International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) & Speech Language Pathologist

Amy is a speech therapist who specializes in feeding, orofacial development, tethered oral tissues, and lactation consulting. She absolutely loves coming alongside families and supporting them and their babies during their feeding journey’s in infancy. Amy will never be finished learning and is constantly humbled by the lessons she takes away from each family she has the pleasure of consulting!

AMY CLEC

Ms. Kristen, MS, CCC-SLP/L, CBS

Certified Breastfeeding Specialist (CBS) & Speech Language Pathologist

Kristen is a Speech-Language Pathologist at BDI Playhouse who specializes in orofacial myofunctional disorders and is a Certified Breastfeeding Specialist (CBS). Troubleshooting feeding challenges with families so that they can raise happy, healthy eaters is among the most rewarding work she has had the pleasure of doing thus far in her career! Kristen is honored to be a part of your family’s feeding journey.

AMY CLEC

Ms. Alison, MS, CCC-SLP/L, CBS

Certified Breastfeeding Specialists (CBS) & Speech Language Pathologist

Ms. Alison is a Speech-Language Pathologist at BDI Playhouse. She has a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and a Master’s degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders. Ms. Alison specializes in orofacial myofunctional disorders and is a Certified Breastfeeding Specialist (CBS). She is honored to be a part of a family’s team and support them as they overcome feeding challenges in infancy and beyond.

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  • Find and reserve a time that works for you.
  • Meet with your IBCLC or CBS!

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Virtual Feeding Therapy

Virtual Feeding Therapy

Get Started From the Comfort of Your Own Home

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Benefits of Virtual Feeding Therapy

  • Therapy in natural (home) environment
  • Increased opportunity for family participation (siblings, parents, grandparents, caregivers)
  • Sessions can be held during family mealtimes to help with the successful implementation of treatment strategies
  • Access to food at home for preferred and non-preferred food
  • Less travel and time
  • Both direct therapy and parent coaching for carryover
  • Education on seating and environmental modifications to assist with mealtime success
  • Education on preparatory postural control and stability exercises
  • Opportunity to bake and prepare food in home environment

Cooking

breastfeeding

Breast & Bottle Feeding

Infant bottle and breastfeeding

One-on-one virtual breast and bottle feeding lactation support services from the comfort of your own home.

  • Baby’s success on the breast/bottle
  • Mom’s health and comfort
  • Family support for mom & baby
  • Preparing for and maximizing pumping
  • Reflux, spit-up, vomiting support 
  • Maximizing position and latch
  • Finding the right bottle
  • Tummy troubles and gas

baby food

Table Food Transitions

Transition to Table Foods

Transition to table foods can be tricky.  Whether you are starting purees, baby led weaning, or a combination of the two, we are here to support you and your baby.  

  • Transition to table food
  • Learn to drink from straw & open cups
  • Learning to chew & swallow safely
  • Decrease gagging
  • Pacifier elimination
  • Navigate food intolerances, sensitivities & allergies

Feeding Therapy

Kids & Teens

Toddlers to Teens

Together, you and your BDI therapists will create goals functional to your family by incorporating food you have in your home or food your family eats in the community.

  • Teach your child to tolerate, interact with, and eat foods of varying textures and consistences from the comfort of their own home.   
  • Increase oral motor strength and coordination
  • Improve safe swallowing
  • Decrease length of meals
  • Eating food at restaurants
  • Address lunch and snack time challenges at school
  • Meals with friends
  • Utilize feeding therapy techniques such as OMT, Food Chaining, SOS, AEIOU, & Beckman Oral Motor Approach to help your child eat the least restrictive diet!

Who provides treatment for my child?

telehealth

Speech Language Pathologists and Occupational Therapists at BDI Playhouse are licensed and trained to:

  • turn mealtime into positive experiences
  • increase oral motor strength and coordination
  • teach your child to tolerate, interact with, or eat foods of varying textures and consistencies
  • address cup, straw, and bottle drinking
  • intake enough calories a day for growth and nutrition
  • utilize specialized techniques such as Beckman Oral Motor Approach, OMT, Food Chaining & Sequential Oral Sensory (SOS) Approach
  • target effective use of utensils
  • coach and provide resources to families so they can help your child overcome these mealtime obstacles

Why should my child get feeding therapy?

Research has shown that difficulties with eating and poor nutrition can cause:

  • stunted growth correlated with poor academic performance and lowered mental capacity
  • emotional and psychological development issues
  • a decrease in a child’s activity level, social interactions, and curiosity

telehealth

What does an evaluation look like?

baby eating

The evaluating clinician will discuss with you any concerns you may have for your child, pertinent medical history, and the reason why your child was referred for their evaluation. The rest of the evaluation depends greatly on your child’s age and specific needs. The clinician will assess your child’s current feeding skill level and address any areas of difficulty during this evaluation.

If feeding therapy is recommended, individual therapy sessions may occur on a consultative basis or on a weekly basis.  You and the evaluating therapist will decide on goals and location (clinic or virtual) of services.

Find Answers & Get Started

Still not sure? Learn more about what to expect at a screening here.

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Feeding Therapy

Feeding Therapy

Clinic or Virtual Feeding Sessions Available

to learn more about our virtual feeding therapy visit our website here

Find Answers & Get Started

Picky Eaters and Problem Feeders

Your child might be a picky eater or problem feeder if your child:

Picky Eating

  • eats less than thirty foods
  • refuses foods of certain textures, temperatures, or colors
  • excessive crying or tantrums at mealtime
  • declines an entire category of food (i.e. veggies)
  • eats the same food over and over
  • becomes distraught when new foods are on the plate
  • has difficulty nursing or bottle feeding or have a history of early feeding difficulties
  • struggles to maintain a healthy weight
  • fills up on junk food
  • gags, coughs, or vomits during meals

Infant Trouble

Infant Bottle & Breastfeeding

One-on-one virtual breast and bottle feeding lactation support services from the comfort of your own home.

  • Baby’s success on the breast/bottle
  • Mom’s health and comfort
  • Family support for mom & baby
  • Preparing for and maximizing pumping
  • Reflux, spit-up, vomiting support 
  • Maximizing position and latch
  • Finding the right bottle
  • Tummy troubles and gas

baby food

Transition to Table Foods

Transition to table foods can be tricky.  Whether you are starting purees, baby led weaning, or a combination of the two, we are here to support you and your baby.  

  • Transition to table food
  • Learn to drink from straw & open cups
  • Learning to chew & swallow safely
  • Decrease gagging
  • Pacifier elimination
  • Navigate food intolerances, sensitivities & allergies

Feeding Therapy

Toddlers to Teens

Together, you and your BDI therapists will create goals functional to your family by incorporating food you have in your home or food your family eats in the community.

  • Teach your child to tolerate, interact with, and eat foods of varying textures and consistences from the comfort of their own home.   
  • Increase oral motor strength and coordination
  • Improve safe swallowing
  • Decrease length of meals
  • Eating food at restaurants
  • Address lunch and snack time challenges at school
  • Meals with friends
  • Utilize feeding therapy techniques such as OMT, Food Chaining, SOS, AEIOU, & Beckman Oral Motor Approach to help your child eat the least restrictive diet! 

Who provides treatment for my child?

Speech Language Pathologists and Occupational Therapists at BDI Playhouse are licensed and trained to:

  • turn mealtime into positive experiences
  • increase oral motor strength and coordination
  • teach your child to tolerate, interact with, or eat foods of varying textures and consistencies
  • address cup, straw, and bottle drinking
  • intake enough calories a day for growth and nutrition
  • utilize specialized techniques such as Beckman Oral Motor Approach, OMT, Food Chaining & Sequential Oral Sensory (SOS) Approach
  • target effective use of utensils
  • coach and provide resources to families so they can help your child overcome these mealtime obstacles

Table Eating

Why should my child get feeding therapy?

telehealth

Research has shown that difficulties with eating and poor nutrition can cause:

  • stunted growth correlated with poor academic performance and lowered mental capacity
  • emotional and psychological development issues
  • a decrease in a child’s activity level, social interactions, and curiosity

What does an evaluation look like?

The initial portion of a feeding evaluation will be done virtually.  The evaluating clinician will discuss with you any concerns you may have for your child, pertinent medical history, and the reason why your child was referred for their evaluation. The rest of the evaluation depends greatly on your child’s age and specific needs. The clinician will assess your child’s current feeding skill level and address any areas of difficulty during this evaluation.

If feeding therapy is recommended, individual therapy sessions may occur on a consultative basis or on a weekly basis.  You and the evaluating therapist will decide on goals and location (clinic or virtual) of services.

telehealth

Questions about Picky Eating or Feeding Concerns?

[receiver]

708-478-1820

[mail]

info@bdiplayhouse.com

Find Answers & Get Started

Continue reading