Feeding Does Matter

Parent and Feeding Matters consortium member Shanda Cool shares her family's experiences with pediatric feeding disorder, Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder and tube feeding through the story of her daughter, Mira. She highlights the difficulties they encountered from Mira's birth, including her multiple disabilities and underscores the importance of families feeling acknowledged and supported in their journey, and the critical role that feeding tubes play in ensuring children like Mira receive the nutrition they need.

In this special episode of Feeding Does Matter, Jaclyn speaks with two extraordinary mothers, each navigating the complexities of pediatric feeding disorders (PFD) and avoidant restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID). Michelle, mother to 8-year-old Hannah with ARFID, opens up about her journey and her efforts to help her daughter confront her fears on her Instagram page, myARFIDlife, and raise awareness. She discusses the challenges her family faces and the need for greater resources to support children with feeding differences.

Shannon Goldwater, mother of triplets with PFD and founder of Feeding Matters, shares her powerful story of resilience. From the emotional to the physical trials of feeding challenges, Shannon sheds light on the critical need for support and understanding for families facing similar struggles.

Together, Michelle and Shannon advocate for a shift in perception—feeding disorders are not just “picky eating” but complex issues requiring empathy and dedicated care.

Jaclyn Pederson and Hayley Estrem engage in a deep conversation with Dr. Richard Noel, a prominent figure in pediatric feeding disorder. They explore Richard's journey into the field, the evolution of PFD and ARFID definitions, and the importance of multidisciplinary care. The discussion emphasizes the need for effective communication and common sense in patient care, as well as the significance of recognizing PFD as a disability to improve support for families. The episode concludes with insights into future research opportunities and the ongoing efforts to bridge gaps in understanding and collaboration within the feeding disorders community.

In this Feeding Does Matter conversation, Jaclyn Pederson and co-host Hayley Estrem discuss the importance of family-centered care. They explore how personal experiences can drive research and the significance of defining 'family' in healthcare settings. The conversation emphasizes the core concepts of family-centered care, the challenges faced in pediatric feeding research, and the need for a longitudinal perspective to understand the long-term impacts of feeding disorders on families.

In this episode of Feeding Does Matter, hosts Hayley Estrem and Jaclyn Pederson welcome Brandt Perry to discuss his personal journey with Pediatric Feeding Disorder (PFD) and the complexities of care models. The conversation explores the differences between episodic and continuous care, the importance of medical homes, and insights from the International Pediatric Feeding Disorder Conference. Brandt shares valuable lessons learned from his experiences, emphasizing the need for effective communication between families and healthcare providers, as well as the ongoing education of providers in the field of PFD.