🍽️ Well Fed Feeding - January 2025 Newsletter

✨ Exciting News: New Feeding Therapy Packages! ✨

We're thrilled to announce our new comprehensive feeding therapy packages, designed to provide more flexible and predictable care for your family!

📋 New Package Options

👶 Specialized packages for infants (0-12 months) 🧒 Dedicated packages for children 12 months and older ✅ Single visits still available for those who prefer this option

Our new package system allows families to: 💰 Invest in feeding therapy with clear cost expectations 📅 Purchase multiple visits upfront 🔄 Flexibly schedule visits without worrying about cancellation fees 🎯 Plan therapy journeys with confidence

💌 Interested in learning more about our feeding packages and which option might be best for your family? Please reach out directly for detailed information about pricing and scheduling options!

🫶🏻 DIR Floortime Certification

I’m thrilled to share that I am now officially DIR Floortime certified! DIR Floortime (Developmental, Individual-Differences, Relationship-Based) is a framework designed to support emotional and developmental growth by meeting children where they are and building upon their strengths through meaningful, relationship-driven interactions.

This approach is particularly effective for many of the children I serve, including autistic children, those with sensory differences, and children with feeding challenges. DIR Floortime focuses on understanding a child’s unique sensory profile and emotional capacities while fostering connection, play, and development in a way that feels safe and engaging for the child.

A key component of DIR Floortime is the Functional Emotional Developmental Capacities (FEDCs), which outline developmental milestones in social, emotional, and intellectual growth. I am certified in the first four FEDCs, which focus on:

1. Self-Regulation and Interest in the World

2. Engaging and Relating

3. Two-Way Communication

4. Complex Communication and Shared Problem-Solving

These foundational capacities provide the building blocks for higher-level thinking and learning. If you’d like to know more about how DIR Floortime might support your child, feel free to reach out!

🤒 Managing Feeding During Illness: What Parents Should Know

When children are sick, changes in their eating patterns are not only common but expected. As parents and caregivers, understanding these changes can help reduce anxiety during illness while ensuring proper nutrition.

📝 Changes in Feeding Patterns During Illness

During illness, you may notice:

😴 Decreased appetite

🔄 Changes in typical hunger cues

🍜 Preference for different foods or textures

🥤 More frequent requests for drinks over solid foods

These changes are your child's body's natural response to illness. Research shows that appetite regulation is closely tied to immune system function, with various immune molecules affecting hunger signals in the brain¹. The good news is that these changes are typically temporary.

🤝 A Common Experience - Even for Adults!

Think about the last time you were sick - chances are you didn't feel much like eating either! Just like adults, children's bodies naturally decrease appetite during illness to focus energy on fighting infection. The key is making eating and drinking as easy as possible during these times.

💧 Focus on Hydration First

During illness, staying hydrated is more crucial than food intake. Dehydration can complicate recovery, so prioritizing fluids is essential. Some excellent hydration options include:

🍡 Popsicles and freeze pops (a favorite among kids!)

🧊 Pedialyte popsicles, which provide both hydration and electrolytes

🍎 Water-rich fruits and vegetables

🥗 High Water Content Foods

These fruits and vegetables are excellent choices during illness as they contribute to hydration:

🍉 Watermelon (92% water)

🥒 Cucumber (96% water)

🍊 Oranges (87% water)

🍓 Strawberries (91% water)

🍅 Cherry tomatoes (94% water)

🥄 Easy-to-Eat Foods During Illness

When appetite begins to return, start with foods that require minimal effort to eat. Here are some gentle options:

🥤 Smoothies (can include fruits, vegetables, and protein)

🍦 Yogurt (especially if slightly frozen)

🥣 Warm broth-based soups

🍎 Applesauce or pureed fruit cups

🍨 Ice cream or sherbet (cold foods can soothe sore throats)

🌈 What to Expect During Recovery

As your child begins to feel better, their appetite and feeding patterns should gradually return to normal. This process may take a few days to a week after other symptoms resolve. During this transition:

🕒 Continue offering regular meals and snacks

📏 Follow your child's lead on portion sizes

🔄 Stay consistent with familiar routines 🚰

Offer plenty of fluids

👋 Welcome To The Team!

I’m delighted to introduce Miss Ashley, my new graduate student from Regis College! She will be joining Well Fed Feeding for a 12-week internship as she completes her Master's degree program. Miss Ashley brings enthusiasm and fresh perspectives to our practice, and has aspirations of working on a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit after graduation. I’m excited to have her as part of our team until her graduation in May. 🎓

🍄 Nature-Based Therapy: Inspired by the Outdoorsy SLP

I recently had the opportunity to attend a fantastic training led by Kate Glennon, CCC-SLP, the owner of the Outdoorsy SLP, based on the Seacoast of NH. This experience has inspired me to consider incorporating nature-based therapy options into my practice!

Nature-based therapy taps into the inherent benefits of outdoor environments, providing children with opportunities for connection, exploration, and discovery. This approach encourages:

• Connection: Deepening relationships with caregivers, peers, and the natural world.

• Exploration: Engaging curiosity in an open-ended, sensory-rich environment.

• Risk-Taking: Building confidence by trying new activities in a supportive setting.

• Problem-Solving: Developing creativity and resilience through real-world challenges.

• Self-Trust: Learning to listen to and trust their bodies during physical play and exploration.

If you’d like to explore nature-based therapy for your child, please reach out to discuss how this approach can support your goals.

📅 Important Dates to Note

February Schedule Updates

I will be away from February 19-22, presenting at the International Pediatric Feeding Disorder Conference in Phoenix, AZ. 🎤 Following this, I'll be celebrating my husband's 40th birthday with my family at Disneyland during February school break. 🎢

Please plan accordingly for these dates. I will ensure all my clients are well-supported during this time. ✨

As we begin 2025, I want to thank you for trusting Well Fed Feeding with your family’s feeding journey. Whether you're exploring new feeding packages, navigating mealtime during illness, or celebrating small victories, I’m here to support you every step of the way.

Wishing you health, happiness, and many joyful meals this year!
Lauren

P.S. Don’t forget to stay hydrated and keep those popsicles stocked—just in case! 🍡