Pediatric Feeding Solutions at Next Wave Kids

Pediatric Feeding Solutions at Next Wave Kids

Eating is one of the most fundamentally human experiences, and yet it doesn’t always come easily to children, infants, and parents trying to breastfeed or bottle feed their infants.  Unfortunately, there are few quality resources to support families in our region.  Dr. Walker and his team have a passion for optimizing feeding for those families that are struggling with these issues.  Having trained at Boston Children’s Hospital, a worldwide leader in feeding disorders, Dr. Walker has a wealth of experience in this area, having authored several manuscripts and book chapters and given talks nationally and internationally on feeding and related issues.  At Next Wave Kids, we have assembled a world-class team of therapists to assist children of all ages, regardless of the underlying issue.

Symptoms
Feeding issues can present as choking, coughing, gagging, food aversion, or poor weight gain. If your child struggles during meals or shows signs of discomfort while eating, our specialists can help identify and address the root of the problem.

Causes
Feeding difficulties can arise from a variety of causes, including medical conditions, developmental delays, sensory processing issues, or oral motor challenges. Our thorough evaluations help uncover the specific factors affecting your child’s ability to eat comfortably.

Treatments
We provide tailored feeding therapy plans to improve your child’s eating and swallowing skills. Using proven techniques, we work to build positive mealtime experiences and foster healthy feeding habits that promote growth and development.

FEES (Fiberoptic Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing)
For children with more complex feeding or swallowing issues, we offer FEES, a safe and minimally invasive procedure that provides a detailed assessment of swallowing function. This allows us to develop the most effective treatment plan for your child.

What can I expect during my appointment with Pediatric Feeding Solutions at Next Wave Kids?

We take a collaborative approach to feeding, involving our providers and therapists.  An initial assessment by Dr. Walker and his team will evaluate the anatomy and physiology underlying these issues.  You and your child will be matched with the most appropriate therapist based on the age and underlying problem.  A typical initial assessment by one of our therapists will be scheduled for 60 minutes, where your child’s feeding skills will be evaluated and optimized.  If ongoing therapy is recommended, further visits may be scheduled as necessary.

What makes Pediatric Feeding Solutions at Next Wave Kids unique?

First, our team has been hand-picked by Dr. Walker, and they represent the most skilled, passionate, and kid-friendly therapists in the region.  Also, many feeding centers accept limited insurance plans or none at all.  We are committed to making feeding as affordable and accessible for families as possible.  While many therapists focus on just one area of feeding, we offer a full range of services including lactation support, medically-complex infants, and children with sensory and behavioral issues with an expert therapist paired to each of these patient populations.  Finally, we offer FEES (fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing), a technique to perform a swallow study without the need for radiation (X-rays).

Where can I learn more about Pediatric Feeding Solutions at Next Wave Kids?

To make an appointment to discuss with Dr. Walker and our feeding team, you may use our online self-scheduling option at www.nextwavekids.com or call our office at
609-696-5929.