The Feeding Pod

BONUS EPISODE! Bri and Olivia come together for a brief, but important episode on medications and their impact on feeding and swallowing. They discuss more common medications that may impact a child’s desire and ability to eat/drink, as well as the side effects that may occur. They further go into why this is important to be aware of and how, as a healthcare professional, we can navigate these side effects with feeding therapy.

In this episode, Bri is accompanied by Dr. Katherine Sanchez, PhD, CPSP to discuss the oh so confusing, but oh so important, functional oral motor exam. This episode discusses what to include in an oral motor assessment, tips to support completing an oral motor exam in pediatrics (we all know how hard this can be!), and what to consider for a FUNCTIONAL assessment. The episode ends with case study examples demonstrating the importance of considering the why and function behind each task.

Kristin Lyons, MS, CCC-SLP joins Bri on this episode to share the common types of pediatric cancer and how cancer impacts feeding and swallowing skills. Kristin also discusses the various types of treatment for pediatric cancer, cancer treatment side effects on speech, feeding, and swallowing skills, and the Speech Language Pathologist's (SLP) role in pediatric cancer. This is a special niche within the SLP field that, trust us, you want to learn more about!

In this episode, Bri is accompanied by Jaclyn Pederson, MHI, CEO of Feeding Matters. This episode focuses on discussing what Feeding Matters is, what resources Feeding Matters provides to families and professionals, the diagnostic codes for Pediatric Feeding Disorders, and how to become a volunteer at Feeding Matters.

This episode features Dr. Taylor Arnold, who is a registered pediatric dietitian with a PhD in nutrition. This episode focuses on discussing the parent's perspective of a child with dysphagia, surgical options for laryngeal cleft, treatment options for pediatric aspiration, and provides additional resources to further understanding.

In this episode, Bri Miluk, MS, CCC-SLP, CLC and Olivia Whitaker, MS, RDN, CLC discuss signs and symptoms that may be associated with an underlying gastrointestinal diagnosis. They discuss the importance of being aware of common GI diagnoses and their impact on feeding and swallowing. Bri and Olivia go through common gastrointestinal diagnoses you my encounter as a feeding therapist. The episode concludes with case studies that demonstrate integration of the knowledge learned.

This episode builds on episode 4, which discusses signs/symptoms for referral to a gastroenterologist. Brianna Miluk, MS, CCC-SLP, CLC is accompanied by Dr. Richard Noel, pediatric gastroenterologist, to discuss the history of pediatric feeding disorders (PFDs) and the four domains involved. Furthermore, Bri and Dr. Noel explain the role of a GI with PFDs and management of constipation and appetite. The episode concludes with case studies to demonstrate importance of collaboration and implementation of knowledge.

In this episode, Bri and Olivia discuss the difference between an international board certified lactation counselor and a certified lactation consultant. They go through the differences in trainings, scope of practice, and why it is beneficial as an SLP or RDN. The episode is finished with discussing of case studies where lactation training was beneficial to providing progress.

In this episode, Bri is accompanied by Cinthia Scott, registered dietitian nutritionist and certified lactation counselor. This episode focuses on the benefits of breastfeeding for mom and baby and discusses how hunger and satiety cues are displayed in infants. Cinthia and Bri also provide bottle feeding tips, discuss how to start solids and handle picking eating in toddlers, and explain how to create a positive environment during mealtimes.

In this episode, Bri is accompanied by Dr. Edward Penn. He is a Pediatric Otolaryngologist, who received his medical education from University of Kansas School of Medicine then went on to complete his residency at University of Kansas Medical Center. This episode focuses on discussing what laryngomalacia is, how to assess laryngomalacia from an Otolaryngologist (ENT physician), the treatment for laryngomalacia, and case studies are provided to further understanding.

In this episode, Bri is accompanied by Alyson Ware, MS, CCC-SLP, CLC to discuss pediatric dysphagia, thickeners, and treatment methods to support swallowing. Bri and Alyson go through the pros and cons of each type of thickener, as well as the International Dysphagia Diet Standardization Initiative (IDDSI) testing methods. They dive deep into motor learning principles and how to apply these to dysphagia therapy to support systematically weaning a child from thickener. The episode ends with case studies to support integrating knowledge obtained. Enjoy!

In this episode, Bri is accompanied by Pamela Holland, MA, CCC-SLP, BCS-S and Jessica Tackett, MA to discuss Project Hope in Huntington, WV. What is it? Something every community could benefit from. Project Hope for Women & Children provides a stable and supportive environment for women and their children, so they can working toward recovery from substance abuse disorders.  This episode discusses the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration for successful recovery and infant-mother attachment bonds.

In this episode, Bri is accompanied by Dr. Katherine Sanchez, PhD, CPSP to discuss tongue ties. We deep dive into what does the research tell us, how we can make decisions about frenulectomies, other variables, such as breathing, sleep, and dentition, as well as case studies to bring it all together. Dr. Sanchez joined all the way from Australia for this one, so don't miss out!

In this episode, Olivia and Bri discuss two cases where collaboration between the SLP and Dietitian was essential for progress in therapy. They go through what is included in an evaluation and why working as a team is so important for successful outcomes. The cases discussed include a child with cerebral palsy and another child with a rare genetic deletion who received enteral feeds. Listen in for a deep dive into some REAL life collaborative cases!

In this episode, Bri is accompanied by Karli Goebel, MS, CCC-SLP & Lauren Bryant, PT, DPT to talk about how to better provide family-centered care while establishing our own boundaries. We go through core concepts of family centered care, communication strategies, how to get parents more involved in home programming, & staying out of our own way! These ladies are awesome so don't miss out!

In this episode, Bri is accompanied Amber Valentine Forston, MS, CCC-SLP, BCS-S, IBCLC, CNT & Victoria Osborne, MA, CCC-SLP to talk about all things NICU. They answer the top 10 questions asked by YOU! Listen in to find out. 1. What is the SLPs role in the NICU? 2. What does a typical day look like for you? 3. Do you still see adults during your day? 4. If someone is interested in pursuing NICU what are your top three pieces of advice for them? 5. Is it easy to find jobs in the NICU? 6. What is the most difficult part of your job? 7. Where should someone begin if they are interested in education for the NICU? 8. How did you build caseload—what programs are in place, order sets, triggers an SLP consult? 9. What would you consider for an eval for one of these orders? Example 10. What would a typical goal look like for a baby in the NICU?

Trigger Warning: Birth Trauma and NICU experience. In this episode, Bri is accompanied by Jessica Janocha, MS, CCC-SLP to discuss parent-centered care in the NICU. Jessica shares her personal experience of being a parent of a child in the NICU, as well as how we as professionals can better support caregivers. Whether you are in the NICU or work with infants post-NICU, this is an episode worth listening to!

In this episode, Bri and Olivia are accompanied by Brittany Emery, MS, OTR/L to discuss all things Down syndrome and feeding. They dive deep into sensory systems, oral motor skills, and nutritional considerations with this population. If you have a patient with Down syndrome - definitely give this episode a listen!

In this episode, Bri is accompanied by Nicole Lattanzio, RDN, CSP, IBCLC to discuss all things nutrition and oral development from birth through 12 months. They cover breastfeeding, formula choices, starting solids, diet advancement, and all things in between!  

In this episode, Bri & Olivia discuss how cardiac defects can impact feeding, swallowing, and nutrition. They go into signs and symptoms of cardiac conditions, more common heart defects we may see in practice, growth implications, and why an interdisciplinary approach is best practice.