Newborn and Infant Feeding Disorders Program

Oral feeding can be difficult for many babies. Current techniques used to evaluate neonatal feeding disorders are often limited and largely subjective.

In response, the physician-scientists at Nationwide Children's Hospital are researching the mechanisms of feeding difficulty or failure in developing infants, and using innovative and novel therapeutic approaches to complex feeding problems. Many of the strategies being explored in our translational research efforts are utilized with our current patients.
 
For every baby diagnosed with a feeding disorder, the ultimate goal is full oral feeds.

• The first step toward that goal is a diagnostic study, which often includes a feeding evaluation and radiologic and motility studies.

• The second step is development of a rational, therapeutic strategy, tapping into the expertise of a team of specialists, including an occupational therapist, nutritionist, neonatologist, nurse and patient care assistant. The team works together with the family to find the best method for delivering effective nutrition including, when necessary, the use of modified feeding strategies.

Learn more about Dr. Sudarshan Jadcherla’s research into infant feeding disorders and view a bibliography of his published manuscripts.

Children’s Clinical Nutrition and Lactation program is an essential component in the success of the Infant Feeding Disorders Clinic. The professionals in this program work closely with the mother to enhance the volume of human milk available to the infant through breastfeeding or other feeding strategies, including collaborating with the Mother’s Milk Bank of Ohio to provide human milk whenever possible.