Hi all, Look at me - a fresh newbie and already making suggestions :)

I would really like to see a forum on feeding issues. Max has never taken anything orally and we have been trying every day since he was born. Looks like many of our kids have feeding issues but I think it's especially difficult for our tube fed babies. (Max has been tube-fed since birth - first NG, then G, now GJ and possible moving to a J soon)

Of all the therapies Max is involved in (physio, feeding, general dev, and soon speech/language) I find the feeding the most frustrating. Maybe it's just the nature of the problem - I mean with the physio, at least I can really help by positioning Max or helping him with different exercises or just playing with him to help him get the hang of cruising, standing, etc.; but with feeding - I mean I can't make him swallow...heck I can't even get ANY food in his mouth most times...it is soooo difficult.

Anyway, I vote for a feeding forum and you'll probably see me posting there like crazy!!

Vicky

Your wish is my command. Should we call it Feeding Issues, or did you have something else in mind?

I think the same suggestion came up a week or two ago, and I agree, it's a good idea. (I can't remember what consensus was reached in the last thread or if I even responded to it.) I'd be happy to moderate that forum since we've also been fighting the feeding battle since day 1.

Vicky, I agree, the feeding therapy is most difficult. Since Daniel was a preemie, we met with a PT a few times and easily worked her exercises into D's daily routine and saw fast results. We also see an ST and she wants us to read to point out things in books and encourage mimicking, which is easy because we read all the time, and already D is talking more. But feeding is so tough because these kids know it's not just playing, and trying to use their methods every single time they eat -- well, it's a ton more than the 15 or 30 minutes we'd spend specifically on the other exercises. And, personally, I'm always terrified that trying something new will upset D to the point of losing the little progress we've made.

WOW! Thanks so much!!

I think "Feeding Issues" would be okay. Do you think that's too general?

Thanks for the speedy response!

Okay, I've set up the forum and called it Feeding Issues. I don't mind helping to moderate it either, Becky. Do you want to add your own name to it?

Janette, I had no idea we could do that kind of thing. So, uh, I guess I need you to add my name as mod. Thanks!

But feeding is so tough because these kids know it's not just playing, and trying to use their methods every single time they eat -- well, it's a ton more than the 15 or 30 minutes we'd spend specifically on the other exercises. And, personally, I'm always terrified that trying something new will upset D to the point of losing the little progress we've made.

Oh, I knew you'd understand Becky! Our OT keeps saying - keep it positive and keep trying - but somedays I have to just take a few deep breaths, say a little prayer and then suck it up, smile and try to convince Max we're having fun...It's true, that fear of screwing things up is ALWAYS there for me too. And the worry that I'm just not doing it properly or that I'm missing something.

Vicky

Janette, I had no idea we could do that kind of thing. So, uh, I guess I need you to add my name as mod. Thanks!
Sure, or I can teach you. I have to find the new forum that I just made though. It's got to be out there somewhere!

I see it! Thank you so much!!

That'll probably be my new hangout!

Gotta run...Max just woke up after only a 30 min nap (grrrr...)...

Vicky

Our OT keeps saying - keep it positive and keep trying - but somedays I have to just take a few deep breaths, say a little prayer and then suck it up, smile and try to convince Max we're having fun...

They all say to relax, they can sense your stress, but I absolutely cannot let go of it, even now that D has his G tube and I know he'll get the cals he needs, because I think, "But what if next meal he doesn't put anything in his mouth or even sit in his booster?" (because those things HAVE happened). OMGosh what a run-on sentence.

What's funny is, he's doing really well with potty training. He has peed in his potty ever single time I put him on since last Friday, about four or five times a day, though he still goes in his diaper too, but I am absolutely not pressuring him -- just making it fun and celebrating every success. I know that's how I should be about his eating, but I just can't do it. We've been through too much.

I see it, too, and will move this thread there so it's not sitting there empty.

No problem, Vicky! It's a great idea!

And Becky, I've added both of us as mods. We've both been down that road so many times and are still there.

If you're still out there, Becky, do you have any ideas of what the description of the new forum should be?

Hehehe...I was trying to move this thread to the new forum, but it looks like someone beat me to it! :lol:

Hmm, let's see:

Some GERDlings quickly associate the pain of reflux with eating and refuse bottles, purees, and/or solids, often requiring the assistance of feeding specialists, nutritionists, or speech therapists to help them relearn feeding skills and behaviors. Share your questions, concerns, and advice here.

Too long?

That's perfect! Now let's just see if I can figure out how to add that in.

Okay, that adjustment is being adding right now...with the Canadian spelling of "behaviour", that is... :lol:

:lol: Well, I suppose the rest of us will figure out what that means!

:lol: Well, I suppose the rest of us will figure out what that means!
:lol: Just as easily as we can figure out what "behavior" and "donut" mean. But then there's the New Zealand veggie that Sarah has been using with carrots lately for the boys. It started with a "k" and I have absolutely NO idea what it is. :lol:

Just found this, LOLOLOLOL, very interesting conversation.... :D

I think E is having some feeding issues now... Not sure, he has suddenly beecome an extremely picky eater, he wont eat practically anything, or he chews it and spits it out....

I think E is having some feeding issues now... Not sure, he has suddenly beecome an extremely picky eater, he wont eat practically anything, or he chews it and spits it out....

Not Eli, too???

But then there's the New Zealand veggie that Sarah has been using with carrots lately for the boys. It started with a "k" and I have absolutely NO idea what it is. :lol:

I just hope Sarah will let us know when the boys have their first vegemite sandwich. I did hear they're already eating sandwiches.... [/i]

I don't know if he is or not, not sure what to look for. He is just real picky and wont eat anything anymore.

But then there's the New Zealand veggie that Sarah has been using with carrots lately for the boys. It started with a "k" and I have absolutely NO idea what it is. :lol:

I just hope Sarah will let us know when the boys have their first vegemite sandwich. I did hear they're already eating sandwiches.... [/i]

Kumara.. maori word for sweet potato!! And Becky, we have Marmite here (that's NZ) as Vegemite is really Australian... just have to point out the difference (it's a NZ- AUssie rivalry thing!!). Marmite is a similar product but vegemite is more "salty".
The boys have had both.... marmite and vegemite on toast on sandwiches!!!
Great to see this forum up and running!! I am very happy to offer my services to moderate if you want some help....

Yeahhhh! A feeding forum! Just what we need! Now, let's see here. Where can we add a sign-up list to come feed Noah for a day...? And then stay up with him all night while he screams?

Thanks for adding the forum, ladies! Leigh and I were just talking about needing one of these! :D

Absolutely PERFECT! I have wanted one of these forums for awhile now and am sooooooo happy to see it! Thank you so much Janette and Becky!

**pulls up a chair and makes herself comfy** :lol:

I suppose I should promise not to rant about feeding issues, but I really can not promise that. :oops: My DH is laughing and calling me Rambo with my recent vents on feeding issues and our own experiences with OT, dieticians, and such.

Ehem Leigh, don't let the power go to your head or anything but now when you want a new forum added, you can just add it. :sad1: Come to think of it, this might not be a good thing... :lol: :lol: :lol:

That's funny Roni... :lol: :lol: :lol:
Teehee....Leigh will need a COUCH (not just a chair) if we let her have the power of adding forums!!! :lol: :lol: :lol:
You know we love you Leigh... just teasing!! xx :D

Ehem Leigh, don't let the power go to your head or anything but now when you want a new forum added, you can just add it. :sad1: Come to think of it, this might not be a good thing... :lol: :lol: :lol:

Oh, yeah! Feel the power!

**has really big comfy couch delivered with extra pillows**

BWAAHAAHAAHAA! **maniacal laughter ensues**


Who am I kidding? :shock: I was sweating like I was diffusing a bomb when I deleted my first double post. :lol: I am likely to still ask permission, you know? :wink: .

Who am I kidding? :shock: I was sweating like I was diffusing a bomb when I deleted my first double post. :lol:

I'm picturing that.....LMAO! :laughing: :smt043 You crack me up!!

Okay Sarah...With my background in French, marmite is just sounding too much like an animal. What are marmites and vegemites really?

Also Sarah, feel free to go in and add yourself as a mod. Let me know if you need help with it.

:lol: I was thinking the same thing about "marmites", Janette! Hee hee. Sounds far removed from vegetarian here! :lol: I am picturing medium sized mammals with big eyes :shock:

Oh, and just to give Roni the heads up, I am working on a 'donut forum', ok? After all, you are correct and I should pull my weight.... :P

Oh, and just to give Roni the heads up, I am working on a 'donut forum', ok? After all, you are correct and I should pull my weight.... :P
Hehehe...It sounds like the "power" is going to someone's head... :lol:

Oh Leigh... you've done more than I have... see, I don't go doing that technical stuff... that way, I get to keep my sweat to myself!!!!! ROFL!!!! :smt082 :smt082

Okay Sarah...With my background in French, marmite is just sounding too much like an animal. What are marmites and vegemites really?

Also Sarah, feel free to go in and add yourself as a mod. Let me know if you need help with it.

Okay, Janette.. I DO need help with adding myself a s a moderator.... can you either explain it to me or perhaps do it on my behalf??

As for Marmite... it is like spread (like peanut butter) and it is of yeast extraction, it is meat free. You can check it out on www.marmite.co.nz

As for vegemite... it is the same deal as Marmite..it is a concentrated yeast extract. you can check it out on www.vegemite.com.au

Hope that helps!!

Sarah, I am still picturing helpless little mammals with big eyes for the marmite. :shock: Interesting looking stuff, though. I do not think I have ever come accross it, but will seek it out now.

By the way, I offer up services for the feeding forum for the future if ever needed. Seems like you have it covered right now with great people and I am likely to hang out and rant in there anyway. :P

I am likely to hang out and rant in there anyway. :P
Better make that couch REALLY comfy Leigh!!! :laughing:

Okay, Janette.. I DO need help with adding myself a s a moderator.... can you either explain it to me or perhaps do it on my behalf??
Sarah,

Go to the bottom of your screen and click on "Go to Admin. Panel". Scroll down the left side and click on the User Admin. "Permissions". Put in your own name and click on "Look up User". For the Feeding Forum, change "Not Moderator" to "Moderator". If you need more help, please let me know!