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Feeding Therapy and Infant Feeding

Lindsay

Introduction

We provide specialized Feeding Therapy and Infant Feeding support to help parents in Surprise, AZ, address a range of feeding challenges. Whether you’re looking for expert breastfeeding support or solutions to help your child with feeding issues, our team is here to offer compassionate and effective care.

Your insurance benefits will determine how much of your treatment is covered.

What is Feeding Therapy?

Feeding therapy is designed to help children with feeding difficulties, such as issues with chewing, swallowing, and digestion. Our pediatric feeding therapists assess your child’s specific needs and create an individualized treatment plan to help improve their feeding skills. Whether it’s difficulty transitioning to solid foods or managing sensory issues during feeding, we are here to support your child’s nutritional needs.

The Importance of Infant Feeding

Infant feeding is a crucial part of your baby’s early development. Proper feeding ensures your child receives the necessary nutrients for growth and development. Our team works closely with parents to help establish healthy feeding routines and address challenges such as poor latch, breastfeeding struggles, and early signs of feeding aversions.

Breastfeeding Support

Breastfeeding is a natural yet often challenging experience. Our breastfeeding consultants offer expert guidance on establishing a healthy breastfeeding routine, overcoming common obstacles, and addressing concerns like nipple pain, engorgement, or latch issues. We believe in providing personalized solutions that make breastfeeding a more comfortable and rewarding experience.

Feeding Therapy for Infants and Children

Feeding therapy goes beyond just helping babies latch. Our therapy addresses a wide range of feeding issues, from infant reflux to picky eating in toddlers. We work with you to create strategies that support your child’s feeding development and ensure they are meeting their nutritional milestones.

Common Feeding Therapy Issues

  • Difficulty transitioning to solid foods
  • Oral motor delays and chewing issues
  • Sensory challenges during feeding
  • Breastfeeding difficulties, including latch issues
  • Feeding aversions or poor weight gain

Why Choose Feeding Therapy & Infant Feeding Support?

  • Comprehensive Care: We offer a full range of services, from breastfeeding counseling to specialized feeding therapy.
  • Expert Support: Our trained professionals are skilled in helping children and families manage feeding challenges.
  • Enhanced Development: With the right support, your child can develop healthy feeding habits that support overall well-being.
  • Tailored Solutions: Each treatment plan is personalized to address the unique challenges your child may face.

Signs of Feeding Problems in Your Infant: How to Identify Potential Issues

Bottle Feeding Challenges

If your infant shows any of the following signs during bottle feeding, it may indicate a feeding issue:

  • Pulling away from the bottle
  • Refusing or skipping feedings
  • Excessive spit-up after feeds
  • Not consuming enough throughout the day
  • Arching their back while drinking
  • Making tongue-clicking sounds while feeding
  • Leaking fluid from their mouth
  • Coughing or gagging during bottle feeding
  • Difficulty latching or maintaining a latch
  • Taking long breaks to breathe while eating

Purée & Spoon Feeding Concerns

If your infant or child displays these behaviors when transitioning to purées or spoon-fed meals, it may signal feeding difficulties:

  • Refusing certain purée flavors
  • Gagging on thicker or textured purées
  • Turning their head when the spoon is offered
  • Crying when placed in their high chair
  • Avoiding messy hands or face during mealtime
  • Not mouthing toys or bringing their hands to their mouth
  • Not reaching for the spoon when feeding
  • Preferring bottle feeding over transitioning to purées

Solid Food Feeding Challenges

If your infant or child experiences any of the following with solid foods, it could indicate feeding issues:

  • Not mouthing toys or placing items in their mouth

  • Showing no interest in the foods you’re eating

  • Gagging or vomiting when tasting solid foods

  • Refusing to touch solid foods

  • Not using a munching pattern by 6-8 months of age

  • Tongue not moving side to side

  • Jaw not moving diagonally while chewing by 12 months

  • Preference for dry/crunchy snacks only

  • Refusing all solids and sticking to purées

  • Chewing but spitting out harder-to-chew foods

  • Refusing to self-feed

  • Food preferences based on brand, shape, color, or temperature

If your child exhibits any of these signs, it may be time to consider a feeding evaluation to address these challenges.

What can I expect during a group feeding therapy session?

During group therapy sessions, we provide 5 different foods that may include fruits, vegetables, and proteins that are all linked together using characteristics of the food to assist with exposing your child to a variety of food. The feeding groups provide the opportunity to practice eating and engaging with same aged peers that are focusing on the same skill. This is great for building a child’s confidence with friends and food!

Do you provide written reports of my child’s progress?
Yes! At your child’s initial evaluation you will be provided with a report of the therapists findings as well as a treatment plan. You will then get updated reports every 3 months on your child’s progress.
Will my insurance cover the cost of therapy?
We accept all insurance plans. Your insurance benefits will determine how much of your treatment is covered. We don’t want finances to get in the way of your child’s therapy needs. if you have concerns about the cost of care call us to schedule a free screening so you can learn first hand the benefits of therapy for your child.
How do I schedule an appointment?
Call one of our amazing Patient Care Coordinators at 1-800-376-3440 and they will be happy to answer any questions and get you scheduled.
What are your hours?

We are open at all locations Monday-Friday from 7:30 am-6:00 pm.

What payment options do you accept?
We accept cash, card or check. We also accept Class Wallet.
What can I expect with individual feeding therapy?
During feeding therapy, your feeding therapist will assist with exposing your child to new food by discussing how the food looks, feels, smells, and tastes to increase their acceptance of new food. For individual sessions, your therapist will ask you to provide 2-3 foods that your child is not used to as well as 2 foods that your child prefers.
How much time does feeding therapy take?
Every child is given a thorough assessment by our highly trained Feeding Therapists. During this assessment they will develop a customized plan for your child.
Tell me about your training in feeding therapy?
A variety of approaches are used in feeding therapy, including techniques from Sequential Oral Sensory (SOS), ABA, TREAT Method, and Sensory Motor Techniques. After each session, your child’s therapist will provide techniques and strategies to use as a home program to promote carryover of your child’s skills in the home.
How long are therapy sessions?
Our feeding therapy sessions are 45 minutes for individual sessions and 60 minutes for groups and classes.
How long does it take to get an appointment?
Our therapist are in high demand, however, your flexibility will determine how quickly we can schedule the initial evaluation. We have been very successful at moving appointments to an earlier date once scheduled.