Feeding therapy has not been as drastic a change as I had hoped it would be. As is Abby's way, she takes four steps forward and ten steps back. While drinking milk was "easier" for her than eating solids before we started Feeding Day, it has completely reversed now. She eats solids like a champ and doesn't seem to really care about what you put in her mouth. Drinking the Pediasure is becoming a major battle, complete with lots of negative behaviors and pleads to, "Put me in time out!!" (Not cool...not cool at all!)
So we have a new plan. Our therapist decided to back way, way up and only give her two ounces of milk during the meal. She saved the other two ounces for her to drink in the playroom. She also has started a more immediate sticker incentive where she gets a sticker for every good sip she takes. That sounds ridiculous, and in some ways it is! But it seemed to work today at lunch and we're hoping that it will be a very short-term solution to help her get back on track. Until then, we may have to put some Pediasure in the tube. :( It will kind of depend day-to-day.
On a more positive note, they are starting to have me join the afternoon snack and feed her some. Abby likes this and has adjusted very well to having me in there. She eats well for me during the evening snack before bed, but dinner is a different story. We think it's because she is so full from 3 big meals during the day (afternoon snack is really just another meal), and negative behavior is the only way she can tell me she is full. We're looking to cut her afternoon snack to more of a real snack in hopes that that will help.
Sigh. She was doing really well, and now all of the sudden she's not. It's a little frustrating, but that's the way it is with a feeding disorder. She'll get there.
So we have a new plan. Our therapist decided to back way, way up and only give her two ounces of milk during the meal. She saved the other two ounces for her to drink in the playroom. She also has started a more immediate sticker incentive where she gets a sticker for every good sip she takes. That sounds ridiculous, and in some ways it is! But it seemed to work today at lunch and we're hoping that it will be a very short-term solution to help her get back on track. Until then, we may have to put some Pediasure in the tube. :( It will kind of depend day-to-day.
On a more positive note, they are starting to have me join the afternoon snack and feed her some. Abby likes this and has adjusted very well to having me in there. She eats well for me during the evening snack before bed, but dinner is a different story. We think it's because she is so full from 3 big meals during the day (afternoon snack is really just another meal), and negative behavior is the only way she can tell me she is full. We're looking to cut her afternoon snack to more of a real snack in hopes that that will help.
Sigh. She was doing really well, and now all of the sudden she's not. It's a little frustrating, but that's the way it is with a feeding disorder. She'll get there.
Comments
At last, I have time to comment on Blogs, now that My Life Story is finished!! ;-D
"Four steps forward and ten steps back.". I like that!! It sounds familiar. But how? Oh, yeah. Me!! When you fight for your life, as both Abby and I did, then you're stubborn, I'm afraid!! ;)
"She eats solids like a champ and doesn't seem to really care about what you put in her mouth.". That is good, right? ;-D
"Drinking the Pediasure is becoming a major battle, complete with lots of negative behaviors and pleads to, 'Put me in time out!!'". I am sorry about this setback, Friend!! :-(
"She also has started a more immediate sticker incentive where she gets a sticker for every good sip she takes. That sounds ridiculous, and in some ways it is!". Why? People award "normal" children with stickers and such for potty training!! Perhaps Abby needs more encouragement!!;)
"On a more positive note, they are starting to have me join the afternoon snack and feed her some. Abby likes this and has adjusted very well to having me in there. She eats well for me during the evening snack before bed.". Good girl, Abby!! ;-D
--Raelyn