S2, Ep. 4: Feeding Skill Development and Tube Weaning

In this episode of Tube to Table, Jennifer and Heidi are letting you all in on a little secret: most kids learn to eat while they’re eating and participating in continued meaningful experiences surrounding a mealtime.

Often times, traditional feeding therapy has a narrow skill-based focus that may include oral motor skills, self-feeding skills, increasing volumes, or expanding varieties. Skill development actually includes much more than just those things! To target a skill, we need to zoom out to address the fundamentals. We know that learning is most successful when the learner is an active participant: When they are motivated or in charge of their learning, when they have felt safety, and when they’re given appropriate support that doesn’t undermine or take over.

For many of us adults, there’s an innate meaningfulness in food. What we forget is that it develops through experiences, and often, tube-fed kids do not have the same opportunities. Motor skills build over time, through experience and enjoyment, and by actively participating in activities already occurring throughout your home. Having your tube-fed child sit at the table with you during a meal provides tons of meaningful experiences!

No matter the skill you want to help your tube fed child to learn, whether its variety, volume, oral motor strength, sensory processing, or self-regulation, the goal is to see the big picture and help create an ideal and positive environment.

** Please remember this podcast is NOT meant to replace the support and guidance of your child's medical team. Consult with your doctor before starting the weaning process.**

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