"Combining my personal experiences as a mom with my professional role has given me a unique perspective on the challenges families face and the solutions they need." - Jaclyn Pederson

 

In this insightful episode, host Katie Taylor speaks with Jaclyn Pederson, CEO of Feeding Matters and mother, and Athena Flicek, a dedicated mother of a child with feeding difficulties, about the complexities of pediatric feeding disorders. Jaclyn and Athena share their personal and professional experiences, emphasizing the importance of early intervention, advocacy, and comprehensive resources. They discuss how Feeding Matters supports families and healthcare professionals, helping them navigate the challenges of feeding disorders. This episode provides a valuable perspective for both parents and child life specialists, highlighting the impact of community and support in overcoming these challenges.

 

Key Insights and Lessons:

• The Importance of Early Intervention: Identifying and addressing feeding disorders early can significantly reduce long-term psychosocial impacts on children.

• Advocacy and Empowerment: Parents must learn to advocate for their children, even when it feels overwhelming, to ensure they receive the necessary care and support.

• Comprehensive Support Systems: Organizations like Feeding Matters offer essential resources, peer coaching, and financial assistance to families facing pediatric feeding disorders.

• Understanding Pediatric Feeding Disorders: Awareness and education about feeding disorders are crucial for both parents and healthcare providers to properly support affected children.

• Mental Health Support: Prioritizing mental health for both parents and children is essential in managing the stress and challenges associated with feeding disorders.

Resources and Tips:

• Feeding Matters: An organization that supports parents of children with pediatric feeding disorders through advocacy, education, support, and research

• Peer-to-Peer Support: Connect with other parents through Feeding Matters’ peer coaching program for shared experiences and support.

• Financial Assistance: Due to the high costs and low insurance coverage of treating pediatric feeding disorders, Feeding Matters provides financial assistance. 

• Annual Pediatric Feeding Disorder Conference: Attend or participate in the yearly conference organized by Feeding Matters to stay updated on the latest research and resources.

  When parents feel empowered, everyone wins – kids thrive and the care team excels!

  Links and Resources:

  • SupportSpot Website
  • Download SupportSpot iOS or Android
  • 85% of users report high satisfaction, appreciating the Child Life On Call App’s comprehensive resources and user-friendly interface.
  • 92% of parent users say the Child Life On Call App helped them understand medical procedures and treatment better.
  • 80% of parents believe the Child Life On Call App has contributed to better health outcomes for their child.
  • 73% of parent users believe the Child Life On Call App has made them feel more empowered to advocate for their child in healthcare

  Learn more here.

  Meet the host: 

  Katie Taylor is the co-founder and CEO of Child Life On Call, a digital platform designed to provide parents, kids, and the care team with access to child life services tools and resources. She is a certified child life specialist with over 13 years of experience working in various pediatric healthcare settings. Katie is the author of the children's book, and has presented on the topics of child life and entrepreneurship, psychosocial care in the hospital, and supporting caregivers in the NICU setting both nationally and internationally. She is also the host of the Child Life On Call Podcast which features interviews with parents discussing their experiences throughout their child's medical journey. The podcast emphasizes the crucial role of child life services in enabling caregivers both at and beyond the bedside.

  Instagram.com/childlifeoncall

  Facebook.com/childlifeoncall

  linkedin.com/in/kfdonovan