Feeding Day Treatment Program
As part of our Comprehensive Program for Feeding Disorders, we offer an outpatient, six-week Feeding Day Treatment Program that is designed to help children fulfill their potential for health and nutrition by providing intense feeding intervention.
The program focuses on a coordinated and integrated team approach that includes parent/caregivers as team members involved in decision-making. We employ a number of different treatment approaches for pediatric feeding disorders based on the needs of each child and family. As a part of the team process, parents and caregivers help prioritize and set goals for their child.
Located in a specially-designed area of the hospital, children receive three treatment meals per day. Parents may observe all meal through a video monitor. Children participate in free and structured play and nap time between meals. Additional activities may include school services, sensory motor group, visits from therapy pets and rehabilitation treatment from occupational therapy (OT), physical therapy (PT) and/or speech and language pathology (SLP). The feeding team monitors children after discharge via the Feeding Follow-up Clinic.
Do parents stay with their child all day?
We do not require that parents or caregivers stay all day. They do need to participate in the first few days of the program while the child is adjusting, and it is beneficial for them to observe at least one feeding session per day. During the weeks 5 and 6, we expect parents to participate in one to two feeding sessions per day. These weeks also focus on parent training and transitioning the child to his or her home environment. Parent/caregiver involvement is crucial to the success of each child's stay in the feeding program.
How long will the Feeding Day Treatment Program last?
On average, the program lasts six weeks; however, this can change depending on the child's progress. Other factors such as insurance authorization or the child's medical status may impact the length of stay. Upon completion of the six-week program, all children are followed by the feeding team for two years or as long as necessary. Outpatient visits are also part of the two-year follow-up care plan.
What accommodations are there for out-of-town families?
Families who are from out of town have often used the local Ronald McDonald House. We would be more than happy to make a referral for you to use this facility as it is only a short 10-minute drive from our hospital. This facility can also provide shuttle service to and from the hospital.
We also have a list of area hotels that can provide accommodations for you and your family. Please speak with our Program Coordinator for further information.
Will my insurance cover the Feeding Day Treatment Program?
Each insurance company is different. Our authorization department will assist families with determining the cost of the feeding day program. We cannot control co-pays and deductibles.
Do you use force feeding?
No. The techniques we use in feeding sessions are developed by occupational therapists, speech pathologists and psychologists. The therapists focus on tapping into each child's strengths and using positive reinforcement to improve their skills. Our goal is for mealtime to be pleasant and enjoyable for the child while meeting therapeutic goals.
Will others be able to feed my child after the program?
We encourage anyone who feeds the child (child's home therapists, grandparents or daycare providers) to participate in caregiver training. It is important that every person who feeds your child be consistent and follow the same feeding protocol. If you are interested in having someone come in for caregiver training, please advise the program coordinator or your child's primary therapist in advance.
Who is part of your feeding team?
Our interdisciplinary feeding team consists of specialists from the following fields:
- Nurse practitioners
- Pediatric gastroenterology
- Pediatric psychology
- Occupational therapy
- Speech language pathology
- Nutrition
- Social work/care management
The most important member of the team is the family. Family participation in training sessions is critical to the success of the program.
Contact
Email
[email protected]
Mailing Address
Mt. Washington Pediatric Hospital
Attn: Feeding Day Program
1708 West Rogers Avenue
Baltimore, Maryland 21209
Fax: 410-578-2654
For questions or information contact the program manager at [email protected]
Feeding Program Forms
- New Patient Information Form (PDF)
- Food Intake Record (PDF) - If your child has an appointment in our feeding clinic or has an appointment for a follow-up in the Feeding Day Treatment Program, you will be asked to document his/her intake for three days. This information will help our dietitian determine your child's nutritional needs.
- Feeding Day Treatment Program Family Questionnaire (PDF) - Caregivers of children in the Feeding Day Treatment Program need to complete this questionnaire ahead of time. This information will help our feeding team understand all of the issues involved in your child's care, including any equipment needs or any special preparations. We ask that you fill out this questionnaire before your child's first day and either mail or fax it to the contact information above.
- Parent Satisfaction Questionnaire (PDF) - If your child has completed the Feeding Day Treatment Program, please provide us with feedback by completing this satisfaction questionnaire. Please note that this questionnaire will be kept confidential. Your feedback will help us improve our program.