Feeding Therapy Services
Tethered Oral Tissues (Tongue & Lip Ties) • Selective Eating • Sensory Aversions • Failure To Thrive • Limited Diet
G-Tube Dependence • Dysphagia • Breast Feeding • Bottle Feeding
Evaluations
This assessment identifies feeding challenges and develops a personalized plan. It includes:
Medical & Developmental History
Mealtime Observation – Eating behaviors and food interactions
Oral Motor & Swallowing Assessment – Muscle strength and function
Sensory Evaluation – Sensitivities and preferences
Nutritional Assessment – Diet and growth review
Parent/Caregiver Interview – Family input and goals
A therapist then creates a customized plan, incorporating sensory desensitization, oral motor exercises, behavior strategies, and dietary adjustments to promote a positive feeding experience.
Our Approach to Therapy
Our holistic, evidence-based approach addresses each child’s unique feeding challenges, considering physical, sensory, emotional, and developmental needs. We use proven techniques backed by the latest research to ensure effective interventions.
To make therapy enjoyable, we incorporate fun, engaging activities that turn mealtimes into opportunities for growth. By fostering a positive, supportive experience, we help children build lasting, healthy relationships with food.
Our Services
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Little Eaters, LLC provides specialized guidance in feeding therapy, focusing on enhancing oral motor skills and addressing swallowing difficulties through tailored exercises, strategies, and modifications. We also provide comprehensive support and education to caregivers, empowering them with techniques and knowledge to facilitate consistent progress and skill development at home. This may include:
Sensory Stimulation
Positioning and postural strategies
Modified food and liquid consistencies
Feeding and swallowing strategies
Environmental modifications
Parent/caregiver education and training
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Both pre- and post-tongue tie release therapy are vital for addressing movement issues, posture, and sensory problems. Therapy helps prevent recurring tongue tie-related issues by promoting proper habits and ensuring the body adjusts well to the changes. Combining both pre and post-release therapy maximizes the effectiveness of the tongue tie release procedure.
Before Frenectomy:
Assessment and Early Intervention: We assess the tongue or lip tie's extent, aiding in the decision for a frenectomy and intervening early to address oral motor and feeding issues.
Personalized Care: We craft customized therapy plans, educating parents on proper feeding techniques and pre-op exercises before the procedure. Therapy includes easing tension and enhancing movement. This helps prime muscles and tissues, making post-release rehabilitation smoother.
After Frenectomy:
Facilitated Recovery: Therapy guides parents in post-operative care, aiding in faster healing and preventing complications like reattachment and scarring.
Functional Improvement: Therapeutic intervention helps the child adapt to the procedure, enhancing breastfeeding, bottle-feeding, eating solid foods, and addressing speech difficulties. Therapy focuses on rebuilding and strengthening affected muscles, improving tongue movement, coordination, and overall function. It aids in the body's adjustment to newfound mobility, ensuring optimal function of the tongue and surrounding structures.
Enhanced Oral Motor Skills: Targeted exercises strengthen oral muscles, improving overall feeding and swallowing abilities, supported by ongoing parental guidance for the child's continued progress.
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We provide oral motor therapy which involves specific exercises and techniques aimed at improving the strength, coordination, and movement of the oral muscles essential for chewing, swallowing, and managing food. These techniques focuses on addressing underlying motor difficulties, enhancing oral skills necessary for safe and efficient feeding, and can play a pivotal role in improving a child’s overall feeding abilities and mealtime experiences.
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We offer myofunctional therapy for children who are suffering from orofacial myofunctional disorders with symptoms such as:
Tongue thrusting or pushing against the teeth during swallowing.
Speech difficulties, such as lisping or difficulty forming certain sounds.
Mouth breathing, especially during sleep.
Snoring or sleep apnea.
Jaw pain or discomfort.
Dental issues, such as open bite or crowded teeth.
Chronic headaches or facial pain.
We Are Accepting New Clients for Therapy!
Every child deserves the opportunity to enjoy mealtime and receive the nourishment they need to thrive. Take the first step in addressing your child's feeding challenges by exploring feeding therapy at Little Eaters, LLC – a tailored approach to support their growth and well-being.
