Navigating the Nuances of Pediatric Feeding

As a parent, navigating one of the concerns that often surfaces is the task of ensuring our children are both well-nourished and developing proper eating habits. This can be particularly challenging for those facing pediatric feeding disorders (PFD). I was joined by Hana Eichele, an expert in feeding therapy and the founder of Roots Pediatric Therapy. Hana provided invaluable insights into the world of therapy and how parents can navigate these often tumultuous waters.

Understanding Pediatric Feeding Disorders

In 2021, a landmark diagnosis termed Pediatric Feeding Disorder (PFD) was introduced, which was pivotal in highlighting the complexity beyond picky eating. PFD encompasses four critical domains: medical, nutrition, skills, and psychosocial aspects. This comprehensive framework is essential for identifying the multifaceted challenges children face, whether they stem from medical issues, nutritional deficiencies, skill development delays, or psychosocial factors.

Key Developmental Milestones

Crucial developmental milestones to help parents gauge their child’s progress in eating:

• 6-9 months: Introduction to solid foods, exploring textures, and initial self-feeding.
• 9-12 months: Increased independence and skill in eating small pieces of food.
• 12-18 months: Significant improvement in chewing, moving food within the mouth, and beginning to drink from open cups and straws.
• By 36 months: Proficiency in eating most foods adults consume with some modifications.

If your child is not progressing through these stages, it may be beneficial to consult with a therapist.

Mess Before Manners

A common struggle for many parents is managing the mess that comes with learning to eat. Hana’s advice? Embrace it! Her mantra, “mess before manners,” encourages parents to allow their children to explore and learn through the inevitable mess. She suggests practical strategies like using a “catchy” (a device to catch food that falls) or choosing specific times (perhaps weekends) when there is more capacity to deal with the mess.

Connection Before Correction

Hana emphasizes the importance of connection over correction during mealtimes. Stressing out over eating issues can often lead to a negative atmosphere at the table. Instead, focus on connecting with your child and understanding their cues. This approach promotes a more positive and less pressured mealtime environment, which is crucial for children, especially those with PFD.

Seeking Professional Help

For parents suspecting their child may have PFD, here’s several steps:

• Visit Feeding Matters– for resources and tools like their questionnaire to assess if your child needs help.
• Utilize early intervention programs in your state for children under three years old.
• Consult your pediatrician, though it’s important to communicate clearly about PFD to ensure they understand your concerns.
• Check your health insurance provider’s website for occupational therapists or speech-language pathologists.
• Explore local therapy services by searching “feeding therapy near me.”

Choosing the Right Approach

Hana practices responsive feeding, which differs significantly from behavior-based approaches. Responsive feeding focuses on understanding and responding to the child’s cues without pressure, fostering a positive relationship with food. While every approach has its merits, finding a method aligned with your values and your child’s needs is essential.

OT is IN #52 Navigating Feeding Challenges from picky eaters to feeding disorders

I’m so excited to share a conversation with my longtime friend and fellow OT, Hana Eichele. We go way back to when we were both starting our occupational therapy businesses. While my work has focused on supporting homeschool families with sensory processing, executive functioning, and handwriting, Hana has carved out a specialized niche in pediatric feeding disorders.

Hana’s expertise in feeding therapy is incredible, and she has a gift for breaking down the complexities of challenges in a way that makes sense. If you’ve ever wondered what signs to look for when it comes to struggles, Hana shares key developmental milestones and when it might be time to seek professional support.

In this episode you’ll hear about:

• Overview of Hana’s private practice, Roots Pediatric Therapy
• Services offered, including virtual telehealth
• Explanation of how eating fits into the framework of OT
• Connection between motor skills, meal times, and social components
• What families should look for in developmental milestones
• Indicators that something might be wrong
• Stages of development for eating and chewing
• Recognizing when children are behind milestones
• Importance of timely intervention
• Differences between behavioral-based and responsive approaches
• Finding the right professionals and programs
• Resources and practical steps for seeking help
• Mention of Hana’s contributions, such as books and online resources
• Encouragement to look into support networks
• Final thoughts and reiterating the importance of supportive connections

Links and Resources From Today’s Show

• Why Should I Seek Occupational Therapy?
• What is Pediatric Feeding Disorder?- Feeding Matters
• Why Parents Should Use Responsive Feeding With Their Babies- Harvard Health
• Beyond A Bite Parent Edition: Playful Sensory Food Exploration For ASD & Neurodivergent Kids
• Developmental Milestones- SOS Approach To Feeding
• Roots Pediatric Therapy
• Episode 41: Building Your Support Network as a Homeschooling Parent Especially during the holiday season
• Episode 29: Parenting with Co-Regulation
• Episode 30: Sensory Processing and Co-Regulation: Insights for Parents
• Episode 31: Cultivating Calm: Understanding Nervous System Dysregulation in Children and Practical Solutions for Parents
• Do You Need Help Implementing These Strategies In Your Family?
• Connect With Sarah On Instagram
  

Connect with our Guest, Hana Eichele

Hana Eichele, MOT, OTR/L is a Pediatric Occupational Therapist and Feeding Specialist with a strong background in providing effective therapy services through her private practice, Roots Pediatric Therapy LLC.

Hana’s approach is rooted in the tenets of Responsive Feeding Therapy, which means honoring Autonomy, Relationships, Competence, Holistic ideas, and Individualized solutions during the process. Above all else, this means she partners with families to build new skills needed for successful feeding relationships – and easier mealtimes.

Hana is the co-founder of the feeding collective, an educational platform for professionals. In her love to educate, she also co-authored two books with a dietitian in 2021: Beyond a Bite Professional Edition and Beyond a Bite Parent Edition, both can be found anywhere books are sold.

You can connect with her on Instagram at: @the.mealtime.maven, @roots.pediatricfeeding, or @thefeedingcollective.