Telebites Virtual Pediatric Feeding Center has begun offering pediatric feeding therapy services in Richmond, VA.  Children who are having a hard time chewing or swallowing food can benefit from feeding therapy.  TeleBites was founded by a Pediatric Speech Pathologist and Feeding Specialist with a background in treating children with feeding and swallowing impairment age birth through adulthood. Our licensed and credentialed pediatric feeding specialists bring our expertise to the safety and comfort of your home, which makes it easy for parents and children to get the help they need.

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About Richmond

 

Richmond is a large city located in Virginia.  Among America’s oldest major cities, it is situated in the interior of the state and is the capital of Virginia. Richmond known by locals as RVA has an eclectic culture and many fun things to do.  We make telehealth therapy easy for everyone, regardless of physical location and we are licensed to practice in Virginia.

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Does my child have a feeding disorder?

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Many times it is difficult to determine if a child has a feeding disorder.  Feeding and swallowing impairment in children is one of the most challenging things that parents will ever experience. There is a process to learning to eat and drink. 

 

We must chew food properly or move liquid around in our mouth with closed lips in order to swallow.  Babies and toddlers learn this process by sucking while breast or bottle feeding.  They then must learn how to eat solid foods and drink from a cup. They may have some trouble at first and might spit food back out or gag on new foods and drinks. This is normal and should go away with practice.

 

A child with a feeding disorder will continue to have trouble mastering these skills. Some children will eat only certain foods, or take a long time to eat. This can be another sign of a  feeding disorder.

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Dysphagia is when a child has trouble swallowing food or liquids, including saliva.  Swallowing happens in three stages. A child can have a problem in one or more of these stages. They include:

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Oral phase - Oral phase is when the tongue starts the transportation of the food towards the pharynx

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Pharyngeal phase - Pharyngeal phase is when food and liquid are passed through the throat and into the esophagus .

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Esophageal phase- Esophageal phase is when food and liquid travels from the esophagus into the stomach.

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Characteristics of pediatric feeding disorders:

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My child will only eat a few specific foods

My child frequently gags or vomits when presented with certain foods

My child spends an average of 45 minutes or more to finish a single meal

I have to coax, bribe, or threaten punishment to get my child to eat

My child coughs or seems to be choking while eating or drinking

My child holds food in their mouth for a long time before swallowing

My child is struggling to gain weight

My child is refusing to take their bottle or breast feed

My child will put food in their mouth and begins to chew it, but then takes or spits it out

My child will only eat specific brands of their favorite food

I am overwhelmed with how challenging it is to feed my child

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If your child is exhibiting any of these behaviors, we recommend booking a consultation to see if your child may have a pediatric feeding disorder

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