Welcome to this month’s installment of “The Talk with April Anderson.” In this edition, we’re diving into the important topic of lactation feeding therapy and exploring how early feeding through breastfeeding or expressed milk shapes the foundation for later oral‑motor, sensory, and communication development. Whether you are a feeding therapist, speech‑language pathologist (SLP), lactation consultant, or […]
Thanksgiving Strategies from a Feeding Therapist: How to Reduce Pressure and Increase Joy at the Table
Welcome to another installment of “The Talk with April Anderson.” This month, we’re excited to share practical feeding strategies for Thanksgiving—especially for families navigating the world of picky eaters, sensory-sensitive children, or feeding challenges. Let’s shift from tension at the table to a meal full of connection, curiosity, and joy. Why Holidays Feel Hard (and […]
Is Your Child Struggling to Transition to Solids?
Starting solids is exciting; however, gagging can make meals feel tense. Fortunately, occasional gagging is a normal part of learning new textures, and most babies improve as skills mature. According to the CDC, many babies can begin solids around 6 months, and gradual texture changes help them succeed—especially when portions are small and developmentally appropriate […]
Sensory-Friendly Holiday Tips: Food, Events & Sleep Routines That Stick
Holiday tips help me every year, because the holiday time can hit us out of the blue. One minute it is summertime, and the next we are seeing Christmas trees. I see it every year. I know I feel a wash of anxiety as I think of the holidays, mostly from all the things that […]
Oral Habits: Why They Exist and How to Eliminate Them
From thumb sucking to jaw clenching, oral habits and how to eliminate them is one of the most common challenges faced by parents, therapists, and caregivers. These behaviors may seem harmless or even soothing at first—but when they persist beyond the appropriate developmental stage, they can interfere with speech clarity, feeding efficiency, and jaw stability. […]
Helping Kids Cope When Missing Loved Ones at the Holiday Table
I used to think the holidays were a time to focus on the now—have fun however that looks, make our memories, and keep going even when we’re missing loved ones. That’s still true, and planning ahead can help. If it’s useful, here’s a short, gentle read on preparing your child for the upcoming holidays. Why […]