Last weekend, I attended The CHOP (Children's Hospital of Philadelphia ) conference, When Feeding Becomes Disordered: Strategies to Improve Pediatric Health Outcomes, with my feeding team from UNC, we had a good time! It was a great weekend despite the April snow in Philly. Thank you CHOP for hosting such an informative meeting! Here are the highlights: On Friday, there was a Keep Reading >>
Let’s talk Spoons
Let's talk Spoons and how they can help in feeding therapy Eating from a spoon.... a skill many infants begin learning around 4-6 months, some a little later. Typically, spoon feeding is associated with good head control and independent sitting. For many infants, the journey into spoon feeding is very exciting filled with new flavors, textures, and tastes. For others, it more difficult and may Keep Reading >>
How to Teach Your Nine Month Old to Drink from a Straw by Melanie Potock MA CCC-SLP
This post come from Melanie Potock MA CCC-SLP. Check out her website, new book and course listings at http://www.mymunchbug.com/. How to Teach Your Nine Month Old to Drink from a Straw Keep Reading >>
Problem-Solving Your NICU Role with Catherine Shaker MS/CCC-SLP, BCS-S
Question: I am an NICU therapist in a 57 bed level 4 NICU, we have a very difficult time convincing physicians of the benefit and necessity for speech therapy and OT in the NICU. Chronic babies are ordered as well as babies with a diagnosed syndrome or cleft palate etc. However babies with bleeds, long term intubation and kids with PMA of 24-28 weeks that should have a consult are sometimes Keep Reading >>
The Early Feeding Skills Assessment Tool (EFS)
This is re-posted with permission from Catherine Shaker from her website at http://www.Shaker4SwallowingandFeeding.com . Thank you Catherine! Posted on May 16, 2015 by Shaker Seminars An NICU SLP recently asked about resources for training neonatal nurses on feeding stress cues and stop signs. An SLP I know from Minnesota, Wendy, suggested the SLP take a look at the EFS. I responded Keep Reading >>
Developing the skills for pediatric feeding therapy locally
Question: I recently received a comment with a question about how best to develop the skills to provide pediatric feeding and swallowing intervention (as a working professional, with limited ability to travel). Many therapists (myself included) graduated before classes were introduced into the grad school curriculum. The reader asked for suggestions for online courses or programs or books Keep Reading >>
Cyproheptadine (or periactin) to Boost Appetite
Question: I was searching your site for more information about the use of cyproheptadine as an appetite stimulant. I recently had an evaluation with a kiddo who is taking this twice a day to increase appetite but mom doesn't think it has helped much. Wondering what your team does for dosage? I have had some experience working with periactin and I remember that it was usually best to be on it Keep Reading >>
Feeding Therapy: What to Do When You are Stuck
I get emails all the time asking for advice on how to get kids to eat. Many of these children are in therapy but are having difficulty progressing toward the acceptance of food and liquid. I have said this before but will say it again, these kids are hard, feeding intervention can be challenging and what works for one child may not work for another. As a feeding therapist, I am a believer in Keep Reading >>