Hello Well Fed Families,

Happy November!

We hope you all survived Halloween with minimal sugar hangovers—I know we just made it through! Now, we're tackling that daylight savings time shift, and if your family is anything like mine, adjusting to these shorter days has been a challenge! As we push through, it’s hard to believe we’re already gearing up for the holiday season. (Personally, I’m still wrapping my head around the idea of all the gatherings, noise, travel, and changes to routine. Are we ready? Maybe... let’s be cautiously optimistic!)

What’s New at Well Fed

• Meet My Graduate Student – I’m lucky to have Whitney, a fantastic graduate student, working alongside me through December! She is nearing the end of her Speech-Language Pathology Masters program at Regis College in Weston, MA and is a graduate of Assumption College. She’s getting great hands-on experience, and some of you may get a chance to meet her during sessions. It’s been a joy sharing Well Fed’s approach and values with her, and I know she’ll make a wonderful SLP in the future!

• Exciting Program Options for Feeding Support!

  As we approach the end of the year, I’m thrilled to share some new program options tailored to meet your family’s needs. Now is the perfect time to consider signing up for a package—current pricing is available through the end of 2024, with adjustments coming in 2025. Take advantage of these options and remember to use any remaining HSA or FSA funds before they expire!

  Program Options:

  • Single Visit: $175/hour
    Perfect for families needing flexible, as-needed support.

  • 6-Visit Package: $990 (equivalent to $165/visit, saving up to $160)
    Ideal for families seeking ongoing guidance with moderate cost savings.

  • 12-Visit Package: $1860 (equivalent to $155/visit, saving up to $350)
    Provides consistent support at a greater value.

  • 24-Visit Package: $3480 (equivalent to $145/visit, saving up to $850)
    The best value for families who benefit from regular, comprehensive support.

  Visits are flexible to suit your schedule and can be used weekly, biweekly, monthly, or at any interval that best supports your child’s progress.

If you’d like to learn more about any of these packages, just let me know—I’m excited to support your family in any way I can!

Introducing Individualized Feeding Portfolios

We’re also excited to offer Individualized Feeding Portfolios! These unique, personalized guides provide an in-depth look at the specific factors that impact your child’s feeding journey, crafted with family-friendly language for easy understanding.

Why These Portfolios are a Must-Have:

• Comprehensive Insight: Gain a holistic view of your child’s preferences, needs, and strengths in feeding. Portfolios include an in depth look at your child’s arousal, regulation, and sensory systems, as well as a breakdown about their communication skills, recommendations for equipment, environmental modifications, food chaining, and additional provider referrals that may help support your child’s feeding journey.

• Ideal for Meetings & Appointments: These portfolios serve as an invaluable resource at IEP or 504 meetings, as well as doctor or specialist visits.

• Support for Caregivers: Share it with childcare providers to ensure consistent support across settings.

Individualized Feeding Portfolios are a one-of-a-kind resource for families seeking to support their child’s feeding success and to advocate for their needs. Portfolios can be created for you at a stand alone cost of $250.

Sign up for a package or add a portfolio today to lock in 2024 pricing or add on a portfolio to packages for a discounted price and make the most of your HSA/FSA funds before year-end!

🗓️ Important Upcoming Dates & Clinic Closures 🗓️

As the holiday season and new year approach, here are some important dates to keep in mind for clinic closures and limited availability. We want to make sure everyone has time to reschedule as needed so you and your family can continue with uninterrupted support!

Thanksgiving 🍂

• Closed: Thursday, November 27 & Friday, November 28

Holiday Break 🎄

• Closed: December 23-26
  Note: I will be open on December 23 and December 27 if you’d like to reschedule your appointment to one of those days.

• Closed: December 30 - January 1
  Note: I’ll be open January 2 and 3 for anyone needing to reschedule appointments.

February Conference & Family Vacation 🏰

• Closed for Conference: February 19-21
  I’m thrilled to announce that I’ll be speaking live at the International Pediatric Feeding Disorder Conference in Phoenix, AZ, with my wonderful colleague Allissa Younan, OTR/L, owner of Holistic Abilities in Portsmouth. Together, we’ll be presenting: "Integrating Praxis and Trauma-Sensitive Strategies to Optimize Pediatric Feeding Therapy Outcomes".

• Closed for Family Vacation: February 24-28
  After the conference, I’ll be celebrating my first major speaking engagement, my husband’s 40th birthday, and February school break with a trip to Disneyland! I’ll be back and ready to see you all starting March 3.

Thank you for your understanding and flexibility around these dates. Wishing everyone a joyful holiday season!

Now for some mealtime tips! 🤩

Parent Tips: Navigating Holiday Meals with a Picky Eater or Feeding Challenges 🍽️

With the holidays right around the corner, many of us are preparing for family gatherings. These events can be fun but also challenging for families with picky eaters, kids with Pediatric Feeding Disorder (PFD), ARFID, or dysphagia. Here are some pressure-free strategies to help make meals a little smoother this season:

1. Offer Familiar Foods First 🍞: Make sure there’s at least one or two familiar options on the table. This allows your child to see food they know and feel comfortable with, creating a sense of calm and predictability.

2. Encourage Exploration, Not Eating 🔍: Give kids the option to explore food in ways other than eating. They can touch, smell, or just observe! This removes the pressure and lets them take in new foods at their own pace.

3. Serve Up the Same Food, but Not the Same Expectations 🍲: If everyone’s having mashed potatoes, it’s fine for your child to have a small portion on their plate, even if they’re just looking at it. Exposure without pressure goes a long way!

4. Allow for Movement Breaks 🚶: For some kids, the environment can feel overwhelming, especially when it’s loud and crowded. Let them take breaks if they need to reset and regulate. This is a great way to manage stress for both them and you!

5. Advocate for Your Child’s Needs ❤️: Don’t hesitate to gently explain to family members that you’re creating a pressure-free food environment. A simple, “We’re letting them go at their own pace with food today,” can work wonders.

Remember, holidays are about enjoying each other’s company, not about what’s on the plate. Give yourself and your child grace to experience meals in a way that feels comfortable for everyone.

Thank You for Being Part of Well Fed

With all that’s going on this month, I’m beyond grateful for the families who make Well Fed such a supportive community. If you have questions about upcoming sessions or programs, need a pep talk for the holidays, or just want to share a funny Halloween story, I’m here for it all. Wishing you a wonderful November filled with warmth, calm, and a little bit of pumpkin pie.

To Infinity and Beyond,
Lauren