In this episode, pediatric feeding and swallowing specialist Jean Hawney shares how families can play an active role in their child’s feeding rehabilitation after a brain injury.

Recorded in preparation for the Team Luke Hope for Minds Conference in Austin, Texas, Jean discusses what brain injury means—both traumatic and acquired—and how it can impact swallowing, oral-motor coordination, and self-feeding skills. She explains what dysphagia and aspiration are, how they’re diagnosed, and why collaboration among therapists, doctors, and caregivers is essential for recovery.

Together with Dr. Taryn Townsend, Jean hopes to inspire caregivers to feel informed, supported, and empowered to ask questions, advocate for their children, and celebrate every small step forward in feeding success.

In honor of Down Syndrome Awareness Month, Jean Hawney, pediatric feeding and swallowing specialist, explores the unique feeding challenges faced by children with Down syndrome. From breastfeeding difficulties and oral-motor coordination to transitioning to solids, Jean breaks down the “why” behind these challenges and how early feeding therapy can make a lasting difference.

Whether you’re a parent, SLP, or healthcare provider, this episode offers compassionate insights, practical strategies, and encouragement for every stage of the feeding journey—from first sips to family meals.

Feeding time shouldn’t feel like a battle — but for many families, bottle aversion turns mealtimes into moments of stress and worry. In this episode, Jean Hawney, speech pathologist, feeding specialist, and lactation counselor, explains what bottle aversion really is, the red flags parents should watch for, and why it happens. You’ll hear a real family story, learn simple first steps to rebuild trust at the bottle, and discover how small changes can make a big difference.

Jean also introduces her new short course, Bottle Aversion 101, designed to give parents practical tools and strategies to reduce stress and help babies feed with confidence.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

• The most common red flags of bottle aversion

• Why feeding stress affects both babies and caregivers

• First steps to make feeding calm and connected again

Find the course at www.thelittleeaters.com under Resources--> Courses

https://www.thelittleeaters.com/courses

To book a consultation go to our website.

The journey from baby’s first spoonfuls to confident toddler bites is full of messy, joyful, and sometimes frustrating moments. In this episode, pediatric speech-language pathologist and feeding specialist Jean Hawney shares simple, practical ways parents can set the stage for happy, adventurous eaters between 6–24 months. Learn how early feeding skills, sensory play, and mealtime routines can help prevent picky eating before it starts. If you’re in the Houston area, join Jean in October 10, 2025 at the Bunny Hive for her live talk From First Bites to Happy Bites.

Is your baby refusing the bottle? Or maybe you’re wondering when and how to introduce one while breastfeeding? In this episode, Jean Hawney, Speech-Language Pathologist and International Board Certified Lactation Consultant, breaks down the differences between breastfeeding and bottle feeding and shares practical tips to help parents feel confident.

You’ll learn:

• When to introduce a bottle (weight gain concerns, latch difficulties, returning to work, caregiver bonding, or simply as a backup)

• How often to practice with the bottle so your baby stays comfortable with both breast and bottle

• Red flags that signal your baby may be struggling at the breast or the bottle

• When to reach out to an IBCLC or speech-language pathologist for extra support

Feeding doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. Whether you’re exclusively breastfeeding, bottle feeding, or doing a combination of both, this episode will give you tools to reduce stress and support your baby’s growth.

Traveling with kids can be magical... and messy — especially when it comes to mealtimes! In this episode, I’m sharing what I’ve learned as both a feeding therapist and a mom while traveling with my own little eaters this summer.

Whether you’re introducing solids, managing toddler pickiness, or encouraging older kids to try new foods abroad, I’ve got practical tips, stories from the road, and a therapist-approved packing list to help make travel mealtimes more manageable — and even meaningful.

We’ll talk:

• What foods to pack for babies just starting solids

• How to survive restaurant meals with picky toddlers

• Encouraging curiosity in older kids (without pressure)

• My go-to travel tools for feeding success at any age

So if you're prepping for your next family trip — or just want to feel more confident feeding on the go — this one’s for you.

Traveling with babies or toddlers? Whether you’re heading on a road trip, hopping on a plane, or planning a family getaway, feeding your little one on the go can feel overwhelming—especially if you’re dealing with picky eating or starting solids.

In this episode, Jean shares practical, low-stress tips for feeding babies and toddlers while traveling, including how to manage meals without high chairs, what snacks to pack, how to handle food refusals, and how to keep feeding fun and flexible. From airport snacks to hotel high chairs, this episode will help you feel more confident and prepared for your next adventure. ✈️ Travel-Friendly Feeding Tools Mentioned:

• Silicone placemat or mini suction plate

• Travel spoon/fork set (with case)

• Snack catcher cup

• Reusable silicone food pouches

• Compact travel booster seat (e.g., Inglesina Fast Table Chair)

• Insulated cooler bag

• Wet/dry bag or reusable snack bags

• Wipe-clean, roll-up bibs

  
  

  🍎 Favorite Travel Snacks for Babies & Toddlers:Banana, cut grapes, steamed apples

• Pouches (store-bought or homemade)

• Mini muffins

• Whole grain crackers or rice cakes

• String cheese or cheese cubes

• Cooked pasta shapes or veggie sticks

• Dry cereal, low-sugar granola bars

• Hummus with pita strips

• Boiled eggs

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Feeding your baby shouldn’t feel confusing. In this episode, an SLP and an IBCLC team up to talk about feeding red flags, tongue and lip ties, therapy before and after a frenectomy, and why a team approach helps babies thrive. Whether you’re breastfeeding, bottle feeding, or just want to feel more confident—this one’s for you.

www.thelittleeaters.com

https://soslactation.com/

Feeding Therapy: When to Ask for Help
Feeding is one of the most emotional parts of parenting—and when it’s not going smoothly, it can be hard to know when to ask for help. In this episode, Jean Hawney, pediatric feeding therapist and lactation consultant, breaks down the signs that your baby or toddler might benefit from feeding therapy.

Whether you're dealing with bottle refusal, picky eating, texture sensitivities, or a NICU discharge—this episode will help you feel informed, empowered, and supported.

You’ll learn:

• Red flags to watch for in infants and toddlers

• What feeding therapy actually looks like

• Why earlier support can make a big difference

• How to trust your gut as a parent

If mealtimes feel stressful, you're not alone—and support is available.

🎙️ Book a free consult: https://thelittleeaters.janeapp.com/
📩 Follow us on Instagram @littleeatersandtalkers

In this inspiring episode of Little Eaters & Talkers, Jean Hawney — founder of Little Eaters & Talkers, feeding therapist, and feeding specialist — sits down with Bailey from West U Pediatric Dentistry to share her personal journey into the world of feeding therapy. From the early spark that led her down this path to the challenges and triumphs she faced along the way, Jean opens up about what it truly means to support little ones and their families through feeding and developmental milestones. Whether you're a parent, a fellow professional, or simply curious about the field, this heartfelt conversation offers insight, encouragement, and a deeper look into the mission behind Little Eaters & Talkers.