SWALLOWING/FEEDING THERAPY FOR INFANTS TO ADULTS

Evaluations

During feeding evaluations we ask that you have food and drink or formula and bottles prepared and available to assess and observe how you or your baby/child eat.

Comprehensive feeding/swallowing evaluations will include:

  • Parent/client interview and questionnaires regarding feeding and development of your child or baby.

  • Discussion of past assessments/testing

  • For kids, in-home feeding evaluation in Red Bank, NJ and/or surrounding areas in Monmouth County.

  • For adults, in-office evaluation at Milk & Hvni office space in Red Bank, NJ.

  • Oral motor assessment for feeding and swallowing.

  • Observe yours, your baby’s, or child’s positioning, behaviors, and oral movements that might affect the ability to eat and drink.

  • Manual assessment of the facial and swallowing muscles and related muscle areas.

Once the evaluation is complete, we will write up an evaluation report, review it with you and collaborate to create a plan for services.

Swallowing/Feeding Therapy Specialization

We know how stressful and life changing being unable to eat can be for an individual. Or the frustration and fear that comes with being a parent being unable to get their child to eat. Milk & Hvni Therapy and Consulting attempts to identify swallowing and feeding difficulties by learning the functional, behavioral, sensory, and mental patterns that may be impacting the ability to eat.

Swallowing therapy in the adult population with stroke and neurologically impaired was Bettina’s first love in the career of speech pathology treating in various acute care hospital settings, rehabilitation centers, and outpatient settings. She became knowledgeable in swallowing disorders and treatments that involved exercises to regain swallow function or manual manipulations to reduce laryngeal/throat tension that could be causing the sensation of being unable to swallow.

As a new mom with already the stressors of caring for a newborn, Bettina became overwhelmed by the unfortunate feeding troubles of reflux and food allergies and intolerances and its impact on being able to feed her child easily. Bettina combined her knowledge of swallowing disorders, lactation knowledge, and personal experiences towards specializing in infant and pediatric feeding therapy. In addition to being a “picky eater” herself as a child and having a child who struggles with food intake due to sensory differences and allergies, she also provides support to children with sensory and anxiety-based eating disorders such as Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) and their families. Bettina uses a combination of sensory feeding strategies, modified style of Sequential Oral Sensory (SOS) feeding approach, and Baby Led Weaning (BLW).

We Are Accepting New Clients!

Schedule a free 15-minute phone consult to determine if Milk & Hvni can support your needs.