Category: News & Events
Advancing Feeding Matters: A Report from Dublin and London
Published by Jaclyn Pederson, MHI on Jul 13, 2023
Greetings, Feeding Matters Community! It’s with great pleasure that I bring you an exciting update on the summer awareness travels of the Feeding Matters team. As Feeding Matters’ CEO, I had the privilege of attending the International Family Nurses Conference alongside our Program Manager, Heidi Van der Molen. Our mission to raise awareness and enhance support for families facing pediatric feeding disorder (PFD) took center stage as we engaged with esteemed professionals, discussed key concerns, and explored opportunities for collaboration.
Feeding Matters’ Power of Two: Empowering Parents, Transforming Lives
During the International Family Nurses Conference in Dublin, Heidi and I had the honor of presenting on Feeding Matters’ “Power of Two” program. We shed light on the incredible impact of parent-to-parent support in the PFD community, emphasizing the significant role it plays in helping families navigate their feeding concerns. By sharing personal stories, challenges, and triumphs, we showcased the power of connections, empathy, and knowledge exchange in transforming lives. It was truly inspiring to witness the positive response and engagement from healthcare professionals and fellow attendees. If you are interested in sharing this program with your families or participating as a family member yourself, please visit our family support roadmap to learn more.
Addressing Top Feeding Concerns: A Pathway to Support
As part of our presentation in Dublin, we highlighted the “top feeding concerns” that parents often encounter when they find Feeding Matters. By understanding these concerns, we aimed to equip healthcare providers and families with valuable insights into common challenges faced by children with PFD and the struggles that families often face as they work to ensure their children are growing. By sharing our expertise, resources, and evidence-based strategies, we are committed to nurturing a supportive environment that fosters positive outcomes for children with PFD.
Leading the Way with Research and Tools
Feeding Matters’ dedication to research and the development of practical tools was also showcased through our poster presentations at the conference. One poster focused on our comprehensive Feeding Matters family guide, a valuable resource for families seeking guidance on managing PFD. The family guide, available here, is a great tool to any parent on the PFD journey. The second poster highlighted our Infant and Child Feeding Questionnaire and the research to identify 6 questions to facilitate early identification of PFD. These initiatives demonstrate our commitment to bridging the gap between research and practice, ensuring that families receive the support they need.
Collaboration and Advocacy on an International Scale
In addition to the informative sessions, we had the opportunity to connect with various partners, potential collaborators, and researchers from around the world. Engaging in insightful discussions, we explored ways to advance the field of pediatric feeding disorder and promote early intervention strategies. Notably, I had a productive meeting with Natalie Morris, the Founder and CEO of the Feeding Trust in London. Our discussion focused on the growing challenges related to Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) and PFD in the UK. Together, we aim to enhance awareness, understanding, and pathways for assessment and treatment in the medical professional community and families alike.
Looking Ahead: Our Commitment to Progress
As we reflect on the events in Dublin and London, it’s evident that Feeding Matters is playing a pivotal role in raising awareness and fostering change within the PFD community. But we know that we are not the only ones. We have been excited and grateful as we’ve seen a huge increase in presentations about PFD at major conferences across the country and world. Together, we can continue making strides towards a future where every child has the opportunity to thrive.
Feeding Matters’ journey to Dublin and London has been a great chance to talk about PFD, build partnerships, and focus on collaboration and research. Through our impactful presentations, informative posters, and meaningful conversations, we have expanded our network, shared our expertise, and advocated for improved support systems for families facing pediatric feeding disorder. As we move forward, we are more determined than ever to drive positive change, empower parents, and advance the field of PFD so that all children with PFD will thrive.
Jaclyn Pederson, MHI
Early in my pregnancy with Elliot, I found out I had severe IUGR (Intrauterine growth restriction). As a result, I was closely monitored and had to undergo an early scheduled c-section. It was determined that she needed to come out at exactly 37 weeks. She was born healthy but at a very low birth weight of 4.14 lbs, which was less than 1st percentile.
The Developmental Pediatrician ruled out Autism and diagnosed Ellie with hypotonia and sensory processing disorder. Throughout all of this, I was desperate for help with feeding and didn’t know where to find it. Her diet during this time consisted of milk, yogurt, and limited purees. We started feeding therapy as part of her overall Occupational Therapy, but it didn’t seem to be helping. Elliot would only eat a handful of solids. I was worried about her nutrition. Every day I struggled with what to feed her and how to get energy into her growing body. Every day I felt like a failure.
Elliot is now almost 8. She’s 30th percentile for weight and 70th percentile for height. We still participate in feeding therapy and have made so much progress. She now eats lots of fruits, grains, dairy options, and…BACON! She loves bacon and we go through several packages a week. Can you blame her? It remains the only meat product but adding a single meat product was an enormous hurdle as it was her biggest aversion. Sometimes she lets us add spinach into smoothies. Previously, she would stealthily sniff out a single morsel of veggie we attempted to incorporate into anything. And while her growth continues to be supported by some nutritional supplements, I can now see a future where we won’t need it for long. For me, this is huge.
