Happy Fall Y’All!

I am so excited that fall has finally arrived. As much as I am sad to close my pool, I love seeing all the pumpkin patches and apple orchards packed with people.

Well Fed Feeding Updates

• I have added the ability to request appointments for both new and current appointments. If you need to cancel and appointment, you can go right in and reschedule the appointment yourself. How easy is that?

• I also have added a link to my client portal onto my website. This is where you can sign into your child’s profile and see their evaluation report, progress notes, any resources that I have uploaded for you to look at, and thing everyone always asks about - SUPERBILLS!

• I will be presenting at the International Pediatric Feeding Disorder Conference Hosted by Feeding Matters next February in Phoenix, Arizona!! I cannot believe that my proposal was accepted! I will be co-presenting with my OT bestie, Allissa Younan, who owns and operates Holistic Abilities on the Seacoast. Our 60-minute presentation is titled: “Integrating Praxis and Trauma-Sensitive Strategies To Optimize Pediatric Feeding Therapy Outcomes”.

  Upcoming Events

• Picky Eating Class: I will be hosting a FREE parent group for picky eaters and parents of kiddos with feeding difficulties on Monday, September 30 from 10:30-11:15 AM at The Nest Family Cafe in Londonderry. If you have never been to The Nest, you MUST come experience it. It is such a great environment for parents of little ones to come and have some delicious coffee while their kiddo gets to play. Plus, you get to hang out with me!

• The Nest Fall Fest: I will be a vendor once again at this awesome event that is scheduled for Sunday, October 20, from 9AM-3PM. The rain date is Sunday, October 27. There will be Touch-a-Truck, Face Painting, Costume Contests, Fall Drinks, Live Music with Miss Alli, Crafts and Games, and many other awesome vendors. Stop by my booth and say hi!

Now On To Bottle Aversions…

Does your baby seem to refuse the bottle, arch their back, or get upset during feeding times no matter how hard you try? Do you dread feeding times because you know that you and your baby are both going to leave the event in tears? Are you drowning in all the different bottles and nipples you have bought in hopes that this bottle would be the game changer. If this sounds like you, these could be signs that your baby is experiencing a bottle aversion, a common yet often misunderstood challenge many parents face.

What is Bottle Aversion?

Bottle aversion occurs when a baby consistently refuses to feed from a bottle, even when they’re hungry. It’s not just about being picky; it’s a sign that feeding has become a stressful experience for your baby, which can lead to frustration for both you and your little one. Bottle aversion can cause babies to eat less than they need, leading to worry over weight gain and overall health.

Why Does Bottle Aversion Happen?

There are several reasons why bottle aversion may develop, including:

• Overfeeding or forceful/coercive feeding: Families often feed a baby the full amount that is in the bottle, even when the baby is showing that they are no longer hungry…because eating more helps you grow, right?? WRONG. Overfeeding or coercing a baby to eat more when they don’t want more can lead to abdominal discomfort, gas, painful stooling, and reflux. When feedings become stressful, your baby might associate the bottle with discomfort or anxiety.

• Reflux or gastrointestinal issues: This is one of the most common reasons babies develop an aversion. Reflux is uncomfortable and sometimes painful! If feeding has been painful in the past, your baby might begin to avoid the bottle as a way to prevent discomfort.

• Oral Pain: Babies who experience pain in their mouth from teething, oral thrush, or over-stretching and massaging following tongue tie revision begin to avoid allowing things to enter their mouth, including the bottle.

• Lack Of Consistency: Families constantly switching between different bottle types with nipples that flow at different rates can be both confusing and overwhelming for babies. They are unable to develop a consistent motor plan for this skill they just learned, so instead they just avoid the activity completely.

Signs Your Baby May Have Bottle Aversion

• Cries or turns their head away when the bottle is offered

• Seems hungry but only takes a few sips before stopping

• Pushes the bottle away or arches their back during feedings

• Appears more relaxed and interested in the bottle when not offered directly (e.g., plays with the bottle)

• Will put fingers or toys in their mouth but not the bottle

How to Help Your Baby Overcome Bottle Aversion

Here are a few strategies that might help you and your baby navigate bottle aversion:

1. Respect your baby’s cues: Let your baby guide the feeding process. If they show signs of discomfort or rejection, give them time before offering the bottle again.

2. Watch your baby not the bottle: Watch for signs that baby is full, such as slowing down their rate of swallowing, more frequent pauses, no longer rooting or opening their mouth for the bottle, and a relaxed bottle with open hands. Don’t keep feeding them just because there is still more in the bottle.

3. Switch up the flow or position: Try a slower flowing nipple and pacing support. Fill the nipple halfway and tilt it slightly down to empty the milk out of the tip when baby takes a break. Keep them in a reclined position instead of a full cradle.

4. Seek support: If bottle aversion persists, it might be time to connect with a feeding specialist who can guide you through more personalized solutions.

As a feeding therapist, I understand how challenging it can be to see your baby struggle with feeding. I have worked with SO MANY babies with bottle aversions, and have helped many babies begin to like feeding from the bottle again. Know that you’re not alone—there are gentle, stress-free ways to help your baby feel comfortable with feeding again.

If you’re experiencing bottle aversion and feel like you need more support, don’t hesitate to reach out. I’m here to help guide you every step of the way.

Here’s to love, connection, and happy tummies,

Lauren