When it’s harder than it should be: Navigating the emotional toll of your child’s feeding challenges

Feeding children is something we expect to do, with ease, as soon as our babies are born. It’s no wonder that when the child’s condition or treatment calls for a different plan, it’s straining.

This IN THE ROOM featured Dr. Dana Bakula, a pediatric psychologist specializing in assisting families of children with medical complexity. She is the Co-Director of the Interdisciplinary Feeding and Swallowing Program at Children’s Mercy Kansas City and the Assistant Professor at the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Medicine. Dr. Bakula serves as both a clinician and a researcher, dedicated to crafting interventions that aid caregivers facing feeding challenges. Joining Dr. Bakula in this conversation was Nicole Crump. Nicole is the mother of two children, including one who has an ultra-rare medical condition and complex needs. She is a dedicated advocate for caregiver needs.