"You might want to look into OT." Your pediatrician said it. You nodded. You took the paper. And then you Googled it and got a bunch of results about adults recovering from strokes.

April is Occupational Therapy Month, and in this episode, Jean Hawney, a pediatric feeding specialist and speech-language pathologist, finally gives you the clear, honest answer that nobody seems to hand parents in the doctor's office: what OT actually is, who it helps, and why — as a feeding therapist — she works alongside OTs more than almost any other specialist.

In this episode, you'll learn:

What "occupation" actually means for a toddler — and why it has nothing to do with a job.

How sensory processing differences show up at mealtimes — and why that's OT's territory.

The difference between OT and feeding therapy — and why they're not competing, they're overlapping.

What an OT session actually looks like (hint: it looks like play, and that's on purpose).

How to get OT in Houston — including free options through ECI and your school district that most families don't know about.

When to ask your feeding therapist whether adding OT makes sense — and what to say when you call.

Whether your child is gagging at textures, melting down over haircuts, or you've been in feeding therapy and progress has slowed — this episode gives you the clarity to know what step to take next.

Resources Mentioned:

Courses: thelittleeaters.com/Courses

Free Downloads: thelittleeaters.com/FreeDownloads

Book an Evaluation: thelittleeaters.janeapp.com

Texas Early Childhood Intervention (ECI): Look up your local ECI office for children under 3

Follow Jean on Instagram: @littleeaters_talkers

If you found this episode helpful, please share it with another parent who needs to hear it. You're doing a better job than you think!

"They’ll grow out of it." "Just keep offering it." "It’s just a phase."

If you’re a parent of a toddler who only eats five foods, you’ve probably heard these phrases a dozen times. But what if your gut is telling you it’s something more?

In this episode, Jean Hawney, a pediatric feeding specialist and speech-language pathologist, dives deep into the single most-searched question in the feeding space: Is my child just picky, or is there a bigger problem? Jean breaks down the differences between typical toddler pickiness—which is annoying but developmentally normal—and "Problem Feeding," a pattern that requires targeted support.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• What "Normal" Looks Like: Why a range of 20-30 foods and mealtime flexibility is actually a good sign.

• Sign #1: The Shrinking Menu: Why "food drop-off" is a major clinical red flag.

• Sign #2: Mealtime Battles: How to tell if your mealtime stress is a data point you shouldn't ignore.

• Sign #3: Sensory vs. Preference: The difference between "I don't like it" and "My body feels wrong touching this."

• Sign #4: Growth and Nutrition: When to move past "wait and see" and look at the medical data.

• Sign #5: The Parental Instinct: Why your gut is the most reliable tool in your parenting kit.

Whether you’re dealing with a toddler who gagged at the sight of broccoli or a child whose food list is actively shrinking, this episode provides the clarity and permission you need to trust your instincts and take the next step.

Resources Mentioned:

• Free Downloads: thelittleeaters.com/FreeDownloads

• Book an Evaluation: thelittleeaters.com

• Follow Jean on Instagram: @thelittleeatersandtalkers

If you found this episode helpful, please share it with another parent who needs to hear it. You’re doing a better job than you think!

Is feeding time ending in tears for both you and your baby? You aren't failing, and you aren't alone. In this episode, Jean Hawney, SLP and founder of The Little Eaters & Talkers, breaks down the emotional cycle of bottle aversion and how to rebuild trust at the table.

What’s inside:

• Aversion vs. Refusal: Learn to spot the difference between a lack of skill and a learned fear response.

• The Pressure Trap: Why "making" them eat often leads to more rejection.

• The 4 Golden Rules: Practical steps to eliminate pressure, remove distractions, and honor your baby’s autonomy.

• The 72-Hour Survival Kit: How to handle the first few days of recovery without losing your mind.

Peaceful feedings are possible. Recovery typically takes 3 to 7 days—this is just a tiny blip in your journey.

Connect with Us:

• Book a Consult: thelittleeaters.com

• Instagram: @thelittleeaters_talkers

• Resources: Free Downloads & Guides

  
  

#BottleAversion #InfantFeeding #TheLittleEaters #FeedingTherapy #ResponsiveFeeding #ParentingSupport

In this episode, Jean Hawney, pediatric SLP, feeding specialist, and CLC, breaks down the key points from her 2025 ASHA Convention presentation on breastfeeding and dysphagia—in a way that feels clear, compassionate, and truly parent-friendly.

You’ll learn what dysphagia looks like in infants, why breastfeeding can feel harder for babies with swallow challenges, and most importantly, how breastfeeding can still be possible with the right support. Jean shares real stories, practical strategies, and gentle guidance to help parents understand their baby’s cues, protect feeding safety, and preserve the breastfeeding relationship when that’s the family’s goal.

Whether you’re a new parent, a NICU family, or supporting someone with feeding struggles, this episode offers reassurance, evidence-based insight, and hope. If you need personalized help, Jean and her team at Little Eaters & Talkers specialize in supporting infants and young children with feeding and swallowing challenges—especially when families want to continue breastfeeding.

You are not alone on this journey, and with the right tools and guidance, safe and meaningful feeding is possible.

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.