Oral aversions resulting in feeding difficulties


This is a problem most don't understand. And I'm sure you've heard people tell you that "a baby won't starve themselves" or "they will eat when they are hungry". For the majority these statements are true, but if you have a child with a feeding disorder you know these can be false and very upsetting comments. 4% of infants & children starve themselves each day.
There can be many reasons a child has an oral averion - for some reason or another the child has associated a negative experience towards eating. Acid reflux is a common reason as it causes pain and they associate that with eating - the pain overrides their instincts of hunger.
As you know, refusal to eat is a very concerning issue for a parent. FTT (Failure to thrive) is often an issue and it can often lead to the need of a feeding tube if left untreated or if servere enough.


Great Article on Picky eating verses problem feeders


Here are some tips on promoting positive associations with feeding times:

Promote self feedings - it helps with the gag as they know they are in control.

Oral stimulation is great for hyper gag reflex. Nuk brushes, reg tooth brushes, kids electric toothbrush, a frozen piece of liquorish or bumpy textured toys.

Most refluxers tend to like saltier rather than sweet.

Let them get messy, playing with food is great for them.

Keep feedings positive. Cheer, clap dance when they take a bite....most find this fun.

Always end on a positive note, if he ate good rub his face gently, give a little cheer, or tell him good job, if he puked clean it up and offer him more, if not smile or sing a little song and get him out while he is content.

Let them eat with the family or if not possible watch you and your family eat, it makes a pleasant, positive re-enforcement.

If they aren't knowing to chew or swallow you can sometimes give a gentle pat or rub under, between the chin and neck or a gentle circular rub on both checks.

Avoid any unnecessary procedures which can cause more feeding problems.

Try to stay positive your self.

Don't force....it only makes things worse.

And it's critical to find a good feeding therapist (or SLP or OT that deals with feeding issues) in your area to work with.




**Something to remember - over coming an oral aversion is a very slooow process, but a therapist won't be able to help if there is still pain associated with eating - those medical issues need to be resolved or treated first.***


Feeding Tube abbreviations
OG - Oral gastric tube
NG - Nasal gastric tube
G - Gastric tube
NJ - Nasal jejunal tube
GJ - Nasal jejunal tube


Getting them to eat!
Distractions can be used can sometimes be used to get a baby to eat. The distractions that worked best on my son were Baby Einstein videos, but walking around, singing, playing with a favorite toy used just for feeding times, special blankey just for feeding time can also be used. Sleep feeding is also a helpful trick. There were many months that was the only way I was able to get my son to eat was to slip the bottle in his mouth when he was first drifting off to sleep.


High calorie formula's for toddlers and Calorie additives

These toddler formula's are 30 calories per oz:
Pediasure
Nutren Jr
Peptamin Jr

Calorie additives: - these come in powder form and are tastless and easily dissolvable
Polycose (23 cal per Tbs)
Duocal (43 cal per Tbs)
Scandical (35 cal per Tbs)

High calorie foods that can be added:
Butter, cream, half&half, olive oil, MCT Oil



A list of feeding clinics


Additional links:
New-Visions A web site from a speech therapist, Suzanne Morris, with tons of information on feeding issues including: clinical services, a catalog of equipment avaiable to order, and information papers

Beyond Play Early Intervention products for young children with special needs - check out the oral motor section

Talk Tools Includes Oral-motor articles, oral-motor therapists, seminars and a catalog to order from

Feeding Issues This is a web site from Congenital Heart Defects, but it has information that deals with feeding issues which can stem from many different causes

Feeding News This is a web site with a newsletter from an experienced speech therapist. Other links and info as well.




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DISCLAIMER: THIS INFORMATION IS NOT INTENDED TO REPLACE YOUR PHYSICIAN. IT IS INTENDED ONLY TO HELP PROVIDE YOU WITH INFORMATION FOR SUPPORT, FROM ONE PARENT TO ANOTHER. ALWAYS DISCUSS WITH YOUR PHYSICIAN.