Does Your Child Have Feeding Difficulties? We Can Help.
At Go Physical Therapy Children's Rehab Center, we understand that feeding problems and failure to thrive (FTT) can be stressful and confusing for parents. Our team of pediatric therapists is here to help your child reach their full potential with personalized care and a commitment to providing the best possible care we can.
What is Failure to Thrive?
FTT is a term used when a child falls below expected growth charts for weight and height. Failure to thrive can happen due to various factors affecting their ability to consume or absorb nutrients, including:
Nutritional Issues:
- Not getting enough calories or nutrients, difficulty breastfeeding or bottle-feeding, or problems transitioning to solid foods.
Medical Conditions:
- Chronic illnesses, digestive problems, or hormonal imbalances.
Environmental Factors:
- Emotional stress, neglect, or poverty.
Signs of Failure to Thrive:
- Poor weight gain or weight loss
- Difficulty sucking, swallowing, or chewing
- Frequent spitting up or vomiting
- Picky eating or refusing to eat
- Lack of interest in feeding or mealtimes
- Irritability or fussiness during feeding
Common Causes of Feeding Problems
Medical conditions:
- Gastrointestinal issues, chronic illnesses, or oral motor difficulties can make eating uncomfortable or challenging.
Sensory sensitivities:
- Some children may be overly sensitive to textures, tastes, or food smells.
Feeding difficulties:
- Latching problems, weak sucking reflex, or difficulty transitioning to solid foods can lead to insufficient intake.
Behavioral factors:
- Picky eating, food refusal, or distractions at mealtime can affect proper nutrition.
How Go Physical Therapy Children's Rehab Center Can Help
We start with a comprehensive assessment of your child’s physical development, oral motor skills, feeding skills, and any underlying medical conditions. We offer a variety of therapies to address these challenges, including:
Feeding therapy techniques
Our therapists use various techniques to make mealtimes more positive, improve oral motor skills, and encourage your child to explore new foods.
Nutritional guidance
We collaborate with other healthcare practitioners providers to ensure that your child receives the right nutrients for healthy growth.
Family support
We provide guidance and support to parents and caregivers on strategies for successful feeding practices at home.
Benefits of Early Intervention
Early intervention is crucial for addressing feeding problems and FTT. By working with our therapists, you can help your child:
- Gain weight and grow at a healthy pace
- Develop strong oral motor skills for eating and speaking
- Overcome negative feeding experiences
- Build positive associations with mealtimes
Take the Next Steps to Get the Help You Need
If you’re concerned about your child’s growth or feeding habits, don’t hesitate to contact Go Physical Therapy Children's Rehab Center today. Remember, you are not alone in this journey.