Michelle Dawson, MS, CCC-SLP, CLC, BCS-S, FNAP, welcomes Claire Reilly, RD, PhD Candidate, to First Bite for a thoughtful conversation on the burdens and blessings of pediatric feeding tubes and the path toward tube weaning through an interprofessional lens.
Together, Michelle and Claire explore what it really takes to build a successful “tube exit plan,” from coordinating care across disciplines to supporting families through the emotional and practical realities of tube feeding. Claire shares insights from her latest research on caregiver burden, highlighting the stressors families often carry behind the scenes, including the daily frustrations of managing feeding equipment and routines. Yes, tape residue makes the list!
Throughout their conversation, the ladies discuss ways speech-language pathologists, registered dietitians, and caregivers can work together to reduce stress, support oral feeding development, and celebrate meaningful progress along the way. You’ll walk away with practical insights, a deeper understanding of caregiver experiences, and a hopeful perspective on helping children move toward greater feeding independence.
Together, Michelle and Claire explore what it really takes to build a successful “tube exit plan,” from coordinating care across disciplines to supporting families through the emotional and practical realities of tube feeding. Claire shares insights from her latest research on caregiver burden, highlighting the stressors families often carry behind the scenes, including the daily frustrations of managing feeding equipment and routines. Yes, tape residue makes the list!
Throughout their conversation, the ladies discuss ways speech-language pathologists, registered dietitians, and caregivers can work together to reduce stress, support oral feeding development, and celebrate meaningful progress along the way. You’ll walk away with practical insights, a deeper understanding of caregiver experiences, and a hopeful perspective on helping children move toward greater feeding independence.
