I wish I knew this from the beginning...

by Heather
(Somerset, NJ. U.S.)

My son projectile vomited up his formula for the first 6 months. His weight was always ok, so the doctor's did not think we should be concerned. They said he would grow out of it. At 4 months we introduced baby cereals and then baby foods. He rejected all except for two flavors. We expressed our concerns again. The doctors dismissed it and suggested he should start table food.

He gagged sometimes and even vomited up some foods. He would have to have very tiny small pieces of foods in order to eat. He preferred mostly liquids...milk, juice, and water. He is now 4 years old and we have slowly see his intake of certain foods decline. He refuses to eat with utensils and the foods still have to be in extremely small pieces. He will accept a food item one week and tell us the next he will never eat it again. He refuses meats, cheeses and any type of food that is mixed with flavor and or textures. Any kid fare has also been difficult.

It is hard when on vacation or at play group when all the kids are wolfing down pizzas, and mine swipes his hand down the entire slice to remove cheese or sauce. He will then inspect for any brown spots, and then possibly nibble on it with his front teeth only; like a bunny!

My husband and I have read every book, switched doctors, talked to friends! We made an appointment with a pediatric neurodevelopmentalist. We have had to wait six months for an appointment. It is now only two months away. We have sought out a speech therapist that specializes in feeding disorders, and an occupational therapist that deals with sensory issues. We knew to do this only because of our own instincts and research. In addition to his feeding issues we have the behavior issues at school and playgroups. He is such a loving, smart, funny and wonderful boy and our heart aches for him every minute and breath of our day.

I am hopeful that we will eventually find the help he needs to make everyday life easier and more joyful for him and us.