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Welcome to the exciting world of newborns—where everything is new, even feeding! For babies, eating is not only important because, well, it provides nutrients, but feeding time is also a time of bonding and relaxation. However, it is not all skittles. Some families struggle during feeding time, whether that is breastfeeding, bottle, or introducing solid foods. When that happens, you might want to schedule a feeding evaluation appointment with your trusted pediatrician at Katy Pediatric Associates.
At our pediatric offices in Katy, Texas, you will find feeding assessments to help your family better feed your child and nurture a better bond and harmony. If you would like to learn more about what you can do to improve feeding time, our specialists have put together a guide to help you navigate your consultation.
About Feeding Issues
Approximately 20-40% of infants and toddlers face feeding and swallowing issues. When they go untreated, they may eventually hinder brain development, resulting in a multitude of negative consequences.
What is more, for premature infants and those with congenital heart disease, there is an increased risk of developing a feeding problem.
Swallowing issues may arise during any stage of the eating process:
- When food is in the mouth
- When food passes into the esophagus
- When food passes into the stomach
On the other hand, feeding disorders occur when an infant or child has problems gathering food and getting ready to suck, chew or swallow, which include:
- Sucking from a bottle
- Spoon-feeding
- Chewing
- Transferring the food or liquid to the throat to swallow
Does My Child Need a Feeding Evaluation?
If your baby or toddler:
- Stiffens or arches their back during feeding
- Shows signs of having trouble breathing during feeding
- Cries during feeding
- Only eats certain textures like soft food
- Gets a stuffy nose during feeding
- Has a gurgly or breathy breathing after meals
- Drools or has liquid come out of their nose
- Throws up a lot
- Isn’t gaining weight
It is time to call your pediatric specialist. They will help you understand what is going on and how to overcome the problem in a healthy way.
About Your Feeding Evaluation in Katy, Texas
At Katy Pediatric Associates, our Medical Director Asmaa Fotouh, MD, is committed to helping families who are struggling with feeding get back on track. A feeding evaluation with our specialists begins by reviewing your child’s medical history and discussing any concerns you may have.
After that, comes a phase of observation of your child’s motor skills during feeding time and seeing whether they are reaching the appropriate developmental and feeding benchmarks for their age. Apart from that, Dr. Fatouh will look for irregularities such as eating patterns or positions that deviate from the usual parameters, or whether food gets caught in their lungs.
🍼 Pediatrician’s Tip: When you come in for your appointment, make sure you haven’t just fed your child, so that they are hungry and your doctor can assess their behaviour properly.
By the end of the evaluation, she will share her findings, make recommendations and develop a personalized care plan.
Benefits of a Feeding Evaluation in Katy, Texas
As with everything, changing habits takes time—that is why it is important to bring in your little one as soon as possible. With timely help, your child will get on the path to a healthier future more quickly. Thanks to a feeding evaluation, you will be able to:
- Improve your family’s feeding habits
- Prevents more serious health problems
- See steady improvement in growth
- Improve your child’s cognitive function
- Enjoy mealtime more
- Have peace of mind
A feeding evaluation not only helps your little one, but your whole family as well. To schedule your feeding evaluation in Katy, Texas, with Katy Pediatric Associates, call 281-492-7676 or contact us online.