When your child struggles with eating, it can slow their growth and make mealtimes stressful for both kids and moms. Unfortunately, parents of children with feeding disorders often feel isolated and aren’t sure where to turn for help.
At Grand View Health, speech-language pathologist Rebecca Letting offers specialized support to help children overcome feeding challenges and thrive. As a pediatric feeding specialist and international board-certified lactation consultant, Rebecca provides therapy and guidance, boosting children’s confidence and bringing families peace of mind.
Feeding disorders: It’s not just ‘picky eating’
Sometimes, feeding disorders are easy for moms to identify. For example, if an infant struggles with bottle or breastfeeding, they may be experiencing some sort of problem sucking properly. But for older children, identifying a feeding disorder is more difficult. Parents may think that their child’s poor appetite or lack of interest in food is just “picky eating,” when in reality, it’s a feeding disorder.
How can you know the difference? For one, feeding disorders are often related to other medical conditions. Children who are slower to develop may also experience difficulties controlling the muscles involved in eating, such as their lips, tongue, jaw and palate.
Signs of feeding disorders to watch for in an infant or child include:
- Refusing to eat from breast, bottle or solid food
- Gagging, drooling or coughing when eating or drinking
- Taking a long time to eat
- Tantrums at mealtimes
- Aversion to certain food textures
- Color changes in the face, lips or nail beds while eating
- Wheezing or chronic congestion during or after drinking and eating
How pediatric feeding therapy from a speech language pathologist helps
A speech language pathologist trained in pediatric feeding therapy is available close to home for people in Bucks and Montgomery counties. Rebecca Letting, part of the Grand View Health Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation team, is experienced in caring for medically complex infants and children. And she’s passionate about helping kids gain the confidence they need to eat and drink safely and independently.
Rebecca focuses on helping children improve their feeding, swallowing and communication skills through:
A comprehensive evaluation that uncovers the root cause of feeding problems. This can include assessing your child’s ability to suck, chew, swallow and breathe while eating.
A personalized feeding therapy plan tailored to meet your child’s unique needs. The plan may include specialized exercises to strengthen oral muscles and improve feeding-related motor skills, such as lip, tongue and jaw movements. These exercises can help teach kids how to swallow safely and prevent choking.
Behavioral techniques, such as gradually exposing children to foods of different textures and flavors.
Education for the whole family. Rebecca teaches parents proper feeding techniques, assists them with meal planning, and offers practical tips to reduce anxiety at mealtime for kids and parents.
Comprehensive follow-up care to monitor your child’s ongoing progress and create the best chance for long-term success.
Where can I find a pediatric feeding speech language pathologist near me?
Rebecca cares for children of all ages (up to age 21) inside the Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation office at Grand View Hospital in Sellersville. Just walk through the front door of The Pavilion at Grand View Health, then head to the first floor of the West Building.
Parents will need a referral from their family medicine doctor or pediatrician to see Rebecca. To make an appointment, call 215-453-3220.
Learn more about pediatric speech therapy for feeding at Grand View Health.