There are many reasons why children have problems with feeding. Some may have a physical challenge that makes it hard to chew or swallow. Other children may dislike flavors or textures or be distracted by their environment, making it difficult for them to get adequate nutrition. Our providers will work with you and your child to determine the cause of feeding problems and develop a treatment plan.
If your child is having any of these problems with feeding, our Pediatric Feeding Program can help :
- Choking gagging or coughing when eating
- Sucking, chewing, or swallowing difficulties
- Lack of appetite
- Oral aversion
- Problem feeding
- Transitioning to solids
- Restrictive eater
- Avoidance of whole food categories (proteins, vegetables)
- Poor weight gain
- Behavioral issues with mealtimes
- History of GI issues or gtube placement
- Abnormalities of the mouth or throat that interfere with feeding
Recovery & Support
Feeding therapy
Many of our outpatient Pediatric Therapy clinics offer feeding therapy services. The specialists at these locations may be occupational therapists or speech-language pathologists. These therapists have been trained in specialized methods for working with children with feeding issues and can help devise the best treatment plan for your child.
Comprehensive Feeding Clinic
If your child has more complex therapy needs, we offer a comprehensive evaluation at our University of Minnesota Masonic Children's Hospital Feeding Clinic. A single session at the clinic can address questions and concerns from the simple to the complex. Our team includes a speech-language pathologist, occupational therapist, and a registered dietitian. They may recommend and refer your child for continued feeding therapy that can be scheduled at one of our outpatient Pediatric Therapy clinics.
To schedule an appointment, please call 612-273-6228 or Login or Sign Up for MyChart.
