Pediatric Feeding Therapy In Bozeman

Pediatric Feeding Therapy in Bozeman

Is your child struggling with mealtime? Are family dinners becoming a source of stress rather than joy? You’re not alone. Many parents face challenges when their children have difficulty eating, but there’s hope and help available at Root Pediatrics. Our specialized pediatric feeding therapy program helps children develop the skills they need to eat confidently, safely, and independently.

Transform Your Child’s Relationship with Food

Every parent dreams of seeing their child grow healthy and strong. But when eating becomes a challenge, it affects not just nutrition but the whole family dynamic. At Root Pediatrics, we understand the complexities of feeding difficulties and their impact on both children and parents. Our evidence-based feeding therapy program has helped hundreds of families in Bozeman transform stressful mealtimes into positive experiences.

Expert Care for Complex Feeding Challenges

Our pediatric feeding therapy program addresses various challenges, including:

  • Sensory processing difficulties affecting food acceptance
  • Oral motor skill delays impacting chewing and swallowing
  • Food aversions and selective eating patterns
  • Developmental delays affecting feeding abilities
  • Difficulty transitioning to different food textures
  • Mealtime behavior challenges

Comprehensive Feeding Therapy Approach

At Root Pediatrics, we believe in treating each child as unique. Our approach combines clinical expertise with a deep understanding of child development and family dynamics. We work closely with parents to create individualized treatment plans that consider your child’s specific needs, preferences, and challenges.

What Sets Our Feeding Therapy Apart

  • Evidence-Based Techniques: Our therapy methods are grounded in the latest research and proven clinical practices
  • Family-Centered Care: Parents are integral team members in their child’s feeding journey
  • Collaborative Approach: We coordinate with your child’s healthcare providers to ensure comprehensive care
  • Comfortable Environment: Our kid-friendly clinic creates a welcoming space where children feel safe to explore new foods

Life-Changing Benefits for Your Child and Family

Improved Nutritional Intake

Watch your child’s food choices expand as they develop the skills and confidence to try new foods. Our therapy helps ensure your child receives the essential nutrients needed for healthy growth and development. According to recent studies, children who complete feeding therapy show a 70% increase in their accepted food variety.

Enhanced Independence and Confidence

See your child’s confidence soar as they master new feeding skills. From successfully using utensils to trying new textures, each achievement builds their independence and self-esteem. This newfound confidence often extends beyond mealtimes, positively impacting other areas of their development.

Advanced Oral Motor Skills

Our specialized techniques help improve crucial skills like:

  • Chewing efficiency
  • Swallowing safety
  • Tongue movement and coordination
  • Cup drinking and straw use These improvements significantly reduce feeding difficulties and choking risks.

Reduced Family Stress

Transform mealtimes from stressful situations into enjoyable family moments. Parents receive practical strategies and support to:

  • Create positive mealtime routines
  • Handle challenging behaviors effectively
  • Support their child’s feeding progress at home
  • Build lasting mealtime success

Expert Team Dedicated to Your Child’s Success

Our specialized feeding therapy team brings together experienced professionals dedicated to helping children thrive. Each member of our team has undergone extensive training in pediatric feeding disorders and continues to stay current with the latest research and therapeutic techniques.

Our feeding therapy specialists bring extensive experience in pediatric care, combining advanced training with a compassionate approach to help children thrive.

Our Collaborative Approach

Our team works closely together to provide comprehensive care for your child. We regularly:

  • Hold team meetings to discuss complex cases
  • Collaborate with other healthcare providers
  • Participate in ongoing professional development
  • Share expertise to ensure the best outcomes for each child

Frequently Asked Questions

What is feeding therapy, and how does it help my child?
Feeding therapy is a specialized program that helps children develop the skills needed for safe, independent eating. Our therapists work with children to improve oral motor skills, address sensory sensitivities, and build confidence with various foods. Through playful, structured activities, we help children overcome feeding challenges while making the process enjoyable and stress-free.

How do I know if my child needs feeding therapy?

Consider feeding therapy if your child:

  • Refuses to eat certain textures or food groups
  • Shows anxiety or distress during mealtimes
  • Has difficulty chewing or swallowing
  • Gags frequently while eating
  • Is falling behind on growth charts
  • Takes an unusually long time to finish meals Early intervention is key to preventing long-term feeding difficulties.

What can I expect during a feeding therapy session?

Each 45-60 minute session is tailored to your child’s needs and may include:

  • Oral motor exercises to strengthen feeding muscles
  • Sensory exploration of new foods
  • Practice with feeding skills and utensils
  • Parent education and strategy development Sessions are structured yet flexible, allowing your child to progress at their own pace while building confidence and skills.

Take the First Step Toward Happier Mealtimes

Don’t let feeding challenges hold your child back. At Root Pediatrics, we’re ready to help your family create positive mealtime experiences that last a lifetime.

Schedule Your Evaluation Today

  • Call us at (406) 219-5388 and one of our friendly staff will assist you in scheduling an appointment for your child.
  • Come to our clinic in Bozeman and our front office will help you in setting up an appointment for your child.
  • Visit our website to schedule your appointment and fill out the short form on our Request an Appointment page and we will get in touch with you.

Request An Appointment

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Justine G.

I had a fantastic experience with Root Therapy. I saw Kristi for a little over year after my knee injury. I find Kristi’s approach to be an excellent balance between…

Liz S.

Everyone I have been treated by at Root Therapy have been patient with me and extremely helpful with my recovery. Thank you.

Kezia Peterson

MOTR/L

Owner, Occupational Therapist

Kezia Peterson is an Occupational Therapist and founder of Root Therapy & Wellness. As a result of multiple car accidents, resulting in chronic back and neck pain, as well as migraines and vision concerns, she understands this impact that this has on an individual’s ability to engage in daily activities, as well as work and play, and the mental challenges that can result from coping with pain on a daily basis.

Her understanding of pain has led her to pursue multiple different modalities of training, with the goal of helping her patients by meeting them where they are at, understanding their goals, and ensuring that they have the best team of providers to help them get to the root of their dysfunction in order to allow their systems to achieve healing from every level possible.

Clinical Focus Areas:

  • Upper extremity injuries
    • Hand/wrist/elbow/shoulder pain
    • Fractures
    • Arthritis
    • Sprains / Strains
  • Chronic pain
    • CRPS – Complex Regional Pain Syndrome
    • Back/neck
    • Headaches / Migraines / Concussions
    • Abdominal pain

Education & Training

  • B.S in Psychology, North Dakota State University, 2003
  • M.S. in Occupational Therapy, University of Minnesota, 2009
  • Visceral Manipulation [VM1, VM2, VM3, VM4]
  • Myofascial Release
  • Craniosacral therapy [CS1, CS2]
  • Somato Emotional Practitioner Certification
  • Kezia is currently undertaking the certification process to become an SEP – a certified Somatic Experiencing Practitioner. This allows for her to support her patients in moving on from past traumas that may be contributing to their inability to move past pain patterns. She will complete her advanced level training and earn her certification in January 2024.