Specialist paediatric feeding assessment and therapy in Hampshire
From breastfeeding and bottle feeding in the first weeks of life, through to weaning, fussy eating, and complex feeding difficulties in older children - I provide evidence-based assessment and therapy for children of any age across Hampshire.
I am a Highly Specialist Speech and Language Therapist with over 10 years of NHS experience, currently working across a Level 3 Neonatal Intensive Care Unit and paediatric wards. Paediatric and neonatal feeding has always been my area of specialism - and that depth of experience shapes every private assessment I carry out.
Conditions & difficulties
Paediatric feeding difficulties take many forms. Here’s what I assess and treat:
Breastfeeding difficulties
Latch problems, nipple pain, slow weight gain and poor milk transfer
Bottle refusal
Babies who refuse to take a bottle, with or without prior breastfeeding
Weaning & solid foods
Gagging, texture aversion, food refusal when starting solids
Oral aversion
Heightened sensitivity or strong aversion to touch and sensation in the mouth
Fussy eating
Restricted food repertoire, sensory feeding difficulties, anxiety around food
Paediatric dysphagia
Swallowing difficulties in children, including those with neurological conditions or complex medical histories
Signs it’s time to seek help
Feeding difficulties are often minimised or put down to normal behaviour - but some signs suggest a referral for specialist assessment is the right next step. These include:
- Poor weight gain or unexplained weight loss
- Gagging or vomiting at most meals
- Coughing or choking during or after feeds
- Food or liquid coming out of the nose
- A wet or gurgly voice after eating
- Feeds taking more than 30 minutes consistently
- Significant distress at mealtimes
- Refusing foods they previously accepted
- Accepting only a very small range of foods or textures
- Mealtimes becoming a source of anxiety or conflict
If you are unsure whether your concerns warrant an assessment, a free 15-minute discovery call is a good place to start. I am always happy to give an honest view on whether I think specialist input is needed.
The value of seeing your child at home
All paediatric feeding assessments take place in your home, and that is not simply a matter of convenience. A child’s feeding behaviour in a clinical setting can look very different from how they eat at home - and it is the home picture that matters most.
Seeing your child at their own table, in their own highchair, with their usual utensils and surroundings, gives me a far more accurate picture of what mealtimes actually look like. I can observe the environment, positioning, and family dynamics in real time - and make practical recommendations based on what you actually have at home, rather than what works in a clinic.
Children are also typically more relaxed and willing to engage in their own environment, which often leads to a richer and more informative assessment.
The assessment process
Pre-assessment questionnaire
I'll ask you to complete a detailed feeding history - from birth to now - so I arrive fully prepared.
Case history & conversation
We talk through your child's story. You know your child best - that knowledge is central to everything.
Observation & oral motor assessment
I observe a feed or mealtime and assess the strength, coordination, and sensitivity of the muscles involved in eating and swallowing.
Written report & recommendations
A detailed written report with findings and a clear plan, usually within 7 working days.
Transparent pricing
All appointments are offered on a private basis. There are no hidden fees - the full cost is always confirmed before your appointment.
Paediatric Feeding Assessment
60-90 minutes - written report included
£185
Follow-up Appointment
30 minutes
£80
Brief Phone Review
Up to 20 minutes
£30
A free 15-minute discovery call is available before booking. View full pricing details, including travel charges for home visits.
FAQs
Do I need a referral?
No - you can contact me directly without a GP, health visitor, or paediatrician referral.
What age children do you see?
I work with children of any age - from newborns through to teenagers - depending on the nature of the difficulty.
Do you offer home visits?
Yes - assessments take place in your home across Hampshire, which also allows me to observe your child in their normal environment. Video appointments are available where clinically appropriate.
How many sessions will we need?
This varies depending on the nature and severity of the difficulty. Some families need a single assessment with a clear plan to follow independently; others benefit from a course of follow-up sessions. I'll always be upfront about what I think is needed.
What is the difference between a feeding therapist and a dietitian?
A dietitian focuses on nutrition - what your child is eating and whether their intake meets their nutritional needs. A feeding therapist focuses on the skill and experience of eating - the oral motor function, sensory responses, and behavioural patterns that affect how a child manages food. Both play an important role, and I am happy to work alongside a dietitian where one is already involved.
Can you provide a report for nursery or school?
Yes. Written reports can be shared with nurseries, schools, paediatricians, or other professionals involved in your child's care, with your consent. I can also provide a shorter letter or summary if that is more appropriate for the setting.
My child is a very fussy eater - could they have ARFID?
Possibly - but fussy eating exists on a spectrum and not all restricted eating meets the threshold for ARFID. A thorough assessment will help to understand what is driving the difficulty and what support is most appropriate. You can read more in my blog post on ARFID.
Related articles
Ready to get support?
Book a free 15-minute discovery call to talk through your concerns - no referral needed.
Get in touch