Call GI Care for Kids in the Greater Atlanta area at (404) 257-0799
Overview
Almost all children have some difficulty at mealtime, ranging from picky eaters to those who won’t eat or drink enough to support healthy growth. The reason behind feeding difficulties can vary, requiring a thoughtful and thorough approach to ensure each child is nourished in the best possible way and growing well. It is important to address feeding problems to ensure good health and also to help maintain calm family meals.
Reasons for feeding difficulties
Common problems affecting feeding in infants may include reflux, prematurity, or a milk protein allergy. The number of children with feeding disorders has increased significantly over the last 10 years due to advances in medical care, especially for premature infants.
In older children, feeding problems are more commonly seen among children with developmental delays, sensory disorders, and autism. However, multiple reasons may result in feeding disorders, including anatomical or structural problems (e.g., cleft palate), chronic medical conditions, swallowing disorders, eosinophilic esophagitis, oral sensory disorders, delayed introduction of foods, interruption in learning (e.g., due to cardiac surgery), and behavioral mismanagement. Often, multiple factors contribute to feeding problems.
How we can help
Some children with feeding difficulties have only mild symptoms, but in other situations, a gastrostomy tube is necessary to provide nutrition to a growing child. At GI Care for Kids, we are experienced with managing and placing gastrostomy tubes and addressing any issues that may be associated with them.
Our pediatric gastroenterologists help families navigate the evaluation process to understand the cause of feeding difficulties and to develop an improvement plan.
Our nutritionists are experienced in making proper nutritional evaluations in children and are well-versed in various diets, formulas, and vitamin supplements.
Additionally, Dr. Volkert, a feeding psychologist from the Pediatric Feeding Program at the Marcus Autism Center, sees patients at our office and can assist them with feeding problems.
When arriving for an appointment with us, please bring all previous lab results and growth records. These records will save us time and resources and allow the doctor to spend more time with the patient.
Helpful information about feeding difficulties may be found here:
- America Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA)
- Failure to Thrive (GI Kids, the public education arm of the North American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition or NASPGHAN)
- Feeding Disorders (Kennedy Krieger Institute)
- Feeding Matters
- Feeding Tube Awareness Foundation (a parent-run site)
- Food Allergy Research & Education (FARE)
- Gastrostomy Tube Home Care (Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center)
- Marcus Autism Center
- Nutrition.gov (USDA)
- Nutrition4kids.com (a resource for parents who want to feed their kids well regardless of medical challenges or allergies. Relevant posts include:Red Flags for Feeding Difficulties)