Medical

The act of eating is a complex task that involves the entire body and its organs working as one seamless unit. It takes 13 paired muscles (26 total) and six cranial nerves working in perfect harmony to move food and liquid through the body. This process takes only seconds but is the single most complex and physically demanding task an infant will complete for the first few weeks, and even months, of life.

Click here to view the PFD diagnostic criteria for medical dysfunction.


Who Can Help Assess And Treat

Primary care physicians are commonly responsible for identifying pediatric feeding disorder (PFD) and often need to facilitate referrals to other specialists. PFD is complex and typically requires several subspecialists working together. Click here for more information on the medical specialists listed below.

To find a professional in your area, visit Feeding Matters’ Provider Directory.

Developmental Pediatrician
Pediatric Surgeon
Allergists/Immunologists
Cardiologists
Dentists
Endocrinologists
Gastroenterologists
Geneticists
Neurologists
Nurse Practitioner
Otolaryngologists (ENTs)
Pulmonologists
Radiologists


What They Do

  • Identify when feeding needs further assessment.
  • Provide medical evaluations and tests to determine any other conditions.
  • Partner with other professionals to ensure a comprehensive evaluation is conducted.