What can I expect in a feeding evaluation?
Breastfeeding evaluation:
A detailed interview and history about the issues you are experiencing
Oral motor assessment, in which sucking and oral structures are examined
Observation of breastfeeding, with assistance provided for latch and positioning strategies
Pre and post weights to estimate transfer of milk
Review of home program tailored to you and your baby’s specific needs
Discussion of recommended next steps
Bottle feeding evaluation:
Detailed interview/history
Oral motor assessment
Observation of bottle feeding, with potential trial of different feeding tools as deemed necessary
Baseline weight
Review of home program
Discussion of next steps
Evaluation for children transitioning to solids or from tube to oral feeds:
Detailed interview/history
Prior to your evaluation, it is recommended that you keep track of your child’s intake for 2-3 days, i.e. a food/drink log
Observation of a feeding. Videos can be very helpful for “slow to warm” toddlers, who may not perform as they normally do with a new person observing them.
For feeding observation, please prepare and bring (if coming to office) foods that you know your child easily accepts and others that you know he/she refuses or has difficulty managing.
Oral motor assessment
Trial therapy to assess what approaches your child might best respond to in feeding treatment
Review of home program
Discussion of recommended next steps
Evaluation pre or post frenotomy:
Detailed interview/history
Observation of feeding
Review of what to expect day of and after procedure
If post frenotomy, review of baby or toddler friendly wound management strategies (if applicable)
How long does therapy take?
Some feeding problems are very complex in nature, necessitating follow-ups beyond the first evaluation for the best care. For infants with weight gain concerns, for example, several follow-ups may be necessary to check whether the plan of care is working well and to update it as needed. For others, the home program given at the evaluation may be sufficient to resolve feeding difficulties. Some children may benefit from weekly sessions to make the fastest progress. We can discuss the best option for you!
How long are therapy sessions?
Evaluations are generally 1.5-2 hours in length. Treatment sessions are 45 minutes to 1 hour.
