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Nurturing, rehabilitating, and shaping feeding fundamentals
804-449-7227
Sleep...CHECK...Poop...CHECK...Eat...HELP!
What the heck is Dysphagia???
Feeding disorders include problems gathering food and getting ready to suck, chew, or swallow it. Swallowing disorders, also called dysphagia (dis-FAY-juh), can occur at different stages in the swallowing process:
Oral phase – sucking, chewing, and moving food or liquid through the mouth and into the throat
Pharyngeal phase – starting the swallow reflex, squeezing food down the throat, and closing off the airway to prevent food or liquid from entering the airway (aspiration)
Esophageal phase – relaxing and tightening the openings at the top and bottom of the food pipe (esophagus) and squeezing food through the esophagus into the stomach.
Feeding disorders include any difficulties from food refusal, aversion, difficulty adapting to changes in texture, temperature or taste and more.
What do I do now?
If you suspect that your child is having difficulty eating, contact your pediatrician. Your pediatrician will examine your child and address any medical reasons for the feeding difficulties, including the presence of reflux or metabolic disorders. A speech-language pathologist (SLP) who specializes in treating children with feeding and swallowing disorders can evaluate your child and will:
- ask questions about your child's medical history, development, and symptoms
- look at the strength and movement of the muscles involved in feeding/swallowing
- observe your child during eating and drinking
- Cervical Auscultation: listen to your child swallow with a stethoscope placed on the neck
- May do a Modified Barium Swallow Study – an X-ray study that will watch your child eat and drink food/ liquid with barium it.
Meet the Therapist...Kathleen Ferguson!
Kathleen received her undergraduate degree in Speech Pathology & Audiology from James Madison University as well as her Master’s Degree in Speech Language Pathology from the University of Virginia.
Kathleen also holds certifications in:
· Neurodevelopmental Therapy
· Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation
· Infant Massage
Is an instructional professor in:
· Infant Feeding & Swallowing
· Pediatric Feeding & Swallowing
· Modified Barium Swallow Study
· Cervical Auscultation
And is trained in these areas of focus:
· Cranio-sacral Therapy
· Myofunctional Therapy
· Tethered Oral Tissue
Prior to starting Mealtime Connection in 2017, Kathleen worked in the NICU, nursery and PICU of Henrico Doctor’s Hospital for almost 30 years and has served both pediatric and adult patients. In her free time, Kathleen LOVES to spend time with her 3 grandchildren (occasionally the rest of her family too) and is often found in a cozy room with a good book.
Let's Talk Babies
Signs & Symptoms of Dysphagia
Children with feeding and swallowing problems have a wide variety of symptoms. Some symptoms of Dysphagia are: coughing, choking, gagging, shortness of breath, stridor (noisy breathing), irritability, upper respiratory infection, increased respiratory rate or food refusal.
Failure to thrive
Describes a child who is not gaining adequate weight for growth and development. The reasons for Failure to Thrive differ greatly. A consultation is a great opportunity to discuss your baby's development.
Reflux: Indentification & Treatment
A condition commonly occurring in infants. This condition runs a broad spectrum. Treatment may be minimal, if at all, however certain cases require extensive treatment to avoid long-term or on-going feeding issues.
Breastfeeding: Transitional Difficulties
Transitioning difficulties may arise when moving from breast to bottle or bottle to breast. Not all transitioning difficulties are Mom issues, they may be Baby issues. A consultation with our Mealtime Connection therapist could make this transition less stressful for both.
Ankyloglossia & Anatomical Issues
Ankyloglossia AKA tongue-tie may require surgery but is that only answer or are non-surgical means just as effective? We can help you weigh the options and understand the outcomes. Several other anatomical issues are: cleft palate or lip, large tongue, small jaw, laryngomalacia, or decreased nasal airway. Children with these issues would benefit from a consultation with Mealtime Connection.
Sensory Motor Concerns
Sensory Motor Concerns describe a wide variety of children. It is best to have each individual child evaluated to determine the primary concerns and possible solutions to meet their specific needs.
The "Baby Whisperer" Essentials
Click the links below to order your Baby Essentials on Amazon
The following items are therapist recommended.
Utensils
Boon Spoon: https://amzn.to/3tWAFvR
NumNum Pre-Spoon: https://amzn.to/3ugFTT7
RaZbaby Spoon (2 Pack): https://amzn.to/3B7Qd4i
GrabEase Baby & Toddler Self-Feeding Set: https://amzn.to/3J0AGVy
Bottles
Avent Natural 4oz. (4 Pack): https://amzn.to/3ywuiSm
Dr. Brown's 4oz. (4 Pack): https://amzn.to/3AdHVaB
Dr. Brown's 8oz. (4 Pack): https://amzn.to/3bubrOO
Dr. Brown's Silicone Bottle Handle: https://amzn.to/3ckjePG
Newmemo Baby Bottle Handle (2 Pack): https://amzn.to/3zlwBbq
Cups
Munchkin 360 Sippy Cup: https://amzn.to/3neWsLw
No Spill Silicone Training Cup (2 Pack): https://amzn.to/3Nc748d
Silicone Sippy Training Cup: https://amzn.to/3A0cqRh
Silicone Sippy Lids (5 Pack): https://amzn.to/3HKcpCN
Mini-Straws: https://amzn.to/3NgXelH
ARK Select-Flow Valve (3 Pack): https://amzn.to/3OTLwyL
Olababy Silicone Training Cup w/Straw Lid: https://amzn.to/3cvGQ3Q
Munchkin Any Angle Click Lock Cup: https://amzn.to/3RLuODX
Toothbrushes & Oral Stim
Special Supplies Buzz Buddy: https://amzn.to/3PrAeCh
RaZbaby RaZberry Teether Toy: https://amzn.to/3ohBDzp
Oral Swabs (100 Count): https://amzn.to/3LncQon
Chewers & Teething
ZoLi Chubby Gummy Teether (2 Pack): https://amzn.to/3QG9HlH
ZoLi Bunny Dual Nub Teether (2 Pack): https://amzn.to/3HNMEkP
Chew Tubes: https://amzn.to/3xNFatC
RaZbaby RaZberry Teether Toy: https://amzn.to/3ohBDzp
Hollow Teething Tubes (5 Pack): https://amzn.to/3OtxD9E
RaZbaby Spoon (2 Pack): https://amzn.to/3B7Qd4i
Food Products
Sprout Organic Puffs: https://amzn.to/3OutPWk
Gelmix: https://amzn.to/3OF51KX
Harvest Snaps Sampler Pack: https://amzn.to/3v5NMev
Harvest Snaps Lightly Salted: https://amzn.to/3RO3q89
Navitas Organic Chia Seeds: https://amzn.to/3Ok0RaR
ChooMee Reusable Baby Food Pouch (4 Pack): https://amzn.to/3BaPijo
WeeSprout Baby Food Freezer Tray: https://amzn.to/3crzQoO
Toys
ArtCreativity Magic Ball Wand: https://amzn.to/3ukQZXh
Fat Brain Toys Squigz (24 Pack): https://amzn.to/3DAAYBY
Suction Toys - Large (30 Piece): https://amzn.to/3FtWA35
Breastfeeding
Silicone Nipple Protector: https://amzn.to/3v4gU5Z
Nipple Shield & Milk Collector: https://amzn.to/3ohZhf1
Medela Contact Nipple Shield (22m): https://amzn.to/3cpYXZ7
Finever Nipple Shield For Latch Difficulties: https://amzn.to/3B6pgh7
Medela Nipple Shield (24mm) For Latch Difficulties: https://amzn.to/3yTzsXP
Pacifiers
Avent Soothie Snuggle Pacifier: https://amzn.to/3v4ersq
Philips Notched Newborn NICU Soothie: https://amzn.to/3BnwZYD
Other Medical
LifeVac - Choking Rescue Kit: https://amzn.to/3aYadvp
Windi Gas & Colic Reliever (10 Pack): https://amzn.to/3ohExUP
Gerber Good Start Baby Probiotic: https://amzn.to/3B4hsN5
Wellements Organic Gripe Water: https://amzn.to/3B6TdO3
Kinesiology Tape (4 Pack): https://amzn.to/3PrTdN9
Self-Adhesive Bandage: https://amzn.to/3QRYUnx
Blowing Kisses
Testimonial from Mia's Mom
Testimonial from Tucker's Mom
Testimonial from Tucker's Mom
My preemie daughter came home after 3 months in the NICU, with an NG tube to feed her. I went to various places without success. I felt helpless. Less than 2 months later after several visits to Kathleen, she was off the NG tube. It was the most relieved I have felt in a long time, and I owe it all to Kathleen's encouragement, feeding techniques, nutritional plan, and support.
Testimonial from Tucker's Mom
Testimonial from Tucker's Mom
Testimonial from Tucker's Mom
As a first time mom to a preemie with reflux, Kathleen was an invaluable resource and lifeline for me. Her knowledge & expertise helped get our family through a difficult & challenging time. Perhaps more importantly, she genuinely cared about my baby and myself and her compassion was greatly appreciated.
Testimonial from Katie W.
Testimonial from Tucker's Mom
Testimonial from Katie W.
Kathleen worked with my husband and myself three times per day and performed two barium swallow studies on my son. She even followed up with me a couple of weeks after he was home. I really do owe my son's success to her and I can't imagine where we would be without having had met her. I am eternally grateful for everything she taught us. I would HIGHLY recommend seeing her.
Testimonial from Amy B.
Testimonial from Emma's Mom
Testimonial from Katie W.
Kathleen was a lifesaver in the NICU!! She helped my preemie twins so much and was a great support for me as well! She's an amazing resource!
Testimonial from Emily
Testimonial from Emma's Mom
Testimonial from Emma's Mom
This is the BEST feeding resource you will find, HANDS DOWN! During such a critical part of my preemie son and my first time mother journey, Kathleen saved us! She helped me feed my son his first bottle and taught me how to best feed him so he wouldn't aspirate. She followed our care closely. I will never stop singing your praises Kathleen! Highly recommended!!!
Testimonial from Emma's Mom
Testimonial from Emma's Mom
Testimonial from Emma's Mom
My daughter started seeing Kathleen around 6 months of age after we were referred by her pediatrician. She struggled with all solids/purees and would gag to the point of throwing up. After many stressful eating attempts, our daughter eventually began to refuse solids and her eating skills were very delayed when compared to other babies her age. Kathleen was able to diagnose her tongue tie and come up with a plan to help her eat purees and solids. My daughter made slow progress at first but Kathleen was always extremely encouraging and hopeful. She gave us all the techniques of what to do at home and it was helpful watching her with my daughter during the sessions so I knew exactly what to do at home. Our daughter attended therapy for about 2 months before she was discharged. Her feeding therapy has helped take away any anxiety I had when feeding her at home. She is now SO adventurous with food and loves to eat. We are so grateful we were able to work with Kathleen and that our daughter is now able to eat a variety foods without any issues. Meals are now less stressful and so enjoyable!
...better that you know!
...better that you know!
...better that you know!
When you are treated at Mealtime Connection, you are receiving highly-skilled and highly-sought after dysphagia therapy. Our therapy provides the care and support necessary for your baby and the confidence necessary for you!
The Paperwork
New Client Registration, Consent, & Waiver
This form is for our new patients who have not yet been to our clinic. Please make sure both sections of this form is completed to the best of your ability prior to your evaluation appointment or if you would like to schedule one. This must be completed prior to therapy beginning. PLEASE CALL US ONCE YOU HAVE COMPLETED THIS PAPERWORK!
Hey There!
Our office has changed, please contact me for directions to your appointment! 804-449-7227