Feeding Does Matter

Hosts Jaclyn and Hayley are joined by Praveen Goday, MD and Richard Noel, MD discussing the urgent need for awareness, education, and advocacy in Pediatric Feeding Disorder and ARFID. From lack of education across the medical field to community-driven solutions, this episode is a call to action. Change happens when we get loud together.

Rachel Conrad, M.A. CCC-SLP and Feeding Matters Consortium Chair, shares her personal journey with pediatric feeding disorder, transitioning from a patient to a professional in the field with lived experience with both PFD and ARFID.

She discusses the importance of vulnerability in therapy, trauma-informed care, and the need for patient-centered approaches. Rachel emphasizes the vital role parents play in supporting their children and encourages them to recognize their efforts as impactful.

In this episode, pediatrician Ron Serbin, MD shares his expertise on the early identification of pediatric feeding disorders. Dr. Serbin explores the critical role of effective screening as well as barriers; advocacy in early identification, highlighting how diagnostic codes can improve access to care; and the need for educating both pediatricians and families to enhance awareness and understanding of feeding issues.

Jaclyn and Hayley welcome ARFID to PFD awareness month with an engaging conversation with Dr. Jenny Thomas, a leading expert in ARFID, discussing its definition, impact, and the evolution of understanding around it. They address common myths and the differences between picky eating and ARFID. The conversation emphasizes the need for collaboration between feeding and eating disorder fields and highlights future research directions to better support affected individuals and families.

In this conversation, Jaclyn and Hayley welcome William Sharp PhD, Associate Professor at Emory University School of Medicine, Department of Pediatrics. They discuss the provider landscape, the formation of a research initiatives task force, and the importance of family-centered care. They explore the challenges in identifying qualified providers, the gaps in current research, and the need for multidisciplinary approaches to treatment.

This episode explores the intersection of pediatric feeding disorders and avoidant restrictive food intake disorder, featuring insights from guest Dr. Nancy Zucker, a clinical psychologist and expert in the field.

In this conversation, hosts Jaclyn and Hayley discuss the various family support programs offered by Feeding Matters, with guest Heidi Van Der Molen, Senior Program Manager for Feeding Matters. They explore Heidi's personal journey with feeding challenges, the Power of Two program, and the importance of community support for families dealing with feeding difficulties. The discussion also highlights the significance of trauma-informed care and the resources available through Feeding Matters to assist families and caregivers in navigating their challenges.

Cheyenne Watts Fagan shares her journey with her daughter, who faced significant feeding struggles after being discharged from the NICU. The discussion covers the transition to feeding tubes, intensive feeding programs, and the impact of community support and mentorship while navigating these challenges.

Guest, Heidi Luhmann shares her family’s journey navigating the challenges of Pediatric Feeding Disorder and Celiac Disease. The discussion emphasizes the importance of caregiver mental health, redefining success in feeding therapy, and the role of community and research in supporting families.

Hosts Jaclyn and Hayley discuss the progress of the Family-Centered PFD Research Consortium and their reflections on the recent consortium meeting during conference week.