Does your baby or child not eat
safely, enough, or efficiently?
We’ve helped over 200 children navigate
many different feeding journeys.
many different feeding journeys.
Eating problems
show up differently
in every child.
It might be a 7-month-old who gags and refuses a spoon, a baby who stops drinking after just two ounces, or a toddler who will only accept yogurt and milk.
WHAT WE DO
At The Feeding Journey, pediatric feeding issues are resolved in a gentle, playful way.
Feeding therapy sessions
We work with your child starting exactly where they are, and, without force or pressure, help them progress to where they need to be. Feeding therapy sessions take place in our Lakewood clinic in the presence of parents, so you can take the skills you learn and apply them at home.
Parent Support
We also offer live parent group trainings and discussion groups to support parents through every stage of feeding development, from introducing solids through toddlerhood. Parents receive practical guidance, ongoing support, and access to a community where you can ask questions, share challenges, and feel supported throughout the feeding journey.
To find out if this could benefit your child, contact us today.
SHALVA SPEAKS
Meet the Mom
behind The
Feeding Journey
“I, too, have been beside a high chair that felt more like a battlefield. I’ve gotten the comments, the ones followed by raised eyebrows. (“Seriously? No baby would starve himself!” Or, “Just give him to me for the weekend. I’ll feed him.”) And I’ve been to a pediatrician who said, “It’s normal!”
At the time my baby was struggling with eating, I was unaware that feeding therapy existed or that there was any support available at all. Years later, when trained in feeding and swallowing therapy, I was in a position to help mothers and children who were experiencing what I had been through. I identified strongly with families whose routines were disrupted by a child with a feeding disorder.
With pediatric feeding disorders on the rise, it became necessary to bring more excellent, skilled therapists into my practice. Today, my team is made up of dedicated feeding therapists who are understanding, knowledgeable, and have access to my mentoring.
At the time my baby was struggling with eating, I was unaware that feeding therapy existed or that there was any support available at all. Years later, when trained in feeding and swallowing therapy, I was in a position to help mothers and children who were experiencing what I had been through. I identified strongly with families whose routines were disrupted by a child with a feeding disorder.
With pediatric feeding disorders on the rise, it became necessary to bring more excellent, skilled therapists into my practice. Today, my team is made up of dedicated feeding therapists who are understanding, knowledgeable, and have access to my mentoring.
“I remember the tremendous stress that comes with the inability to feed my child, and we bring that compassion to every parent who steps into our clinic.”
“Thank you for introducing Dovi
to the world of food.”
to the world of food.”
Thank you for introducing our son to the world of food. Before we came to The Feeding Journey, mealtimes were stressful and we weren’t sure how to help Dovi. With her patience, creativity, and encouragement, he started trying new foods and became so much more comfortable eating. Seeing him enjoy foods we never thought he’d touch has been amazing for our whole family.
Dovi’s Parents
“We felt confident from
the very first evaluation.”
the very first evaluation.”
After so many disappointing therapies and doctor’s appointments, we felt confident from the very first evaluation. Chani made incredible progress, but what stood out just as much was how supported and encouraged we felt throughout the process. Our therapist always helped us focus on what was possible. The difference she made in our daughter’s life is something we’ll never forget.
Chani’s Parents
“Mealtimes are becoming
a pleasure.”
a pleasure.”
You’ve given Shmuel the gift of being able to chew, swallow, eat, and bite without anxiety or fear. Shmuel has come such a long way. Mealtimes are becoming a pleasure instead of a struggle, textures are getting easier, and he’s calmer and happier overall. The skills he’s learned will stay with him for life.
Shmuel’s Parents
“We finally found someone
who understood.”
who understood.”
Not only did you help Devorah eat more foods, but you were one of the only people who truly understood what it’s like to raise a child with allergies. You helped Devorah work through her fears around food in such a warm, engaging way. Just as importantly, you made us feel understood and supported every step of the way.
Devorah’s Parents
“She knew just
what to do.”
what to do.”
For months, we worried about our little boy who wouldn’t eat. We tried everything, but nothing seemed to work. Then we came to Shalva, and she knew just what to do. With her creativity, expertise, and caring approach, Yossi started making progress we never thought possible. Today Yossi’s eating more, trying new foods, and mealtimes feel so much easier.
Yossi’s Parents
“Every session was full of
fun and laughter.”
fun and laughter.”
Rivky genuinely looked forward to seeing her therapist each week. Somehow she made therapy feel fun while helping our daughter make real progress. Every session was full of fun and laughter. Rivky always felt comfortable, successful, and excited to come back.
Rivky’s Parents
“Moishy was obsessed with
his sessions.”
his sessions.”
You must be doing something right because Moishy was obsessed with you and your sessions. You created such a positive, upbeat atmosphere that Moishy looked forward to every visit. It’s been amazing to see the progress he’s made with his eating and oral motor skills, and we’re so grateful for all the patience and care you showed him.
Moishy’s Parents
“You went far beyond what
any therapist would be expected to do.”
any therapist would be expected to do.”
Our therapist’s care, concern, and involvement went far beyond what any therapist would be expected to do. She was there every step of the way, encouraging us, coming up with new ideas, doing research, and always looking for ways to help. Her dedication made a huge difference for Yael and gave our family so much hope.
Yael’s Parents
“She gave me the tools and confidence
I needed, as a mother.”
I needed, as a mother.”
From the very beginning, Avi’s therapist reassured me, listened to my concerns, and gave me practical tools I could actually use at home. She celebrated every bit of progress and helped me feel confident that I could help Avi too. The progress he made was incredible, but the confidence she gave me as a parent was just as valuable.
Avi’s Mother
“We’re seeing such
amazing improvement.”
amazing improvement.”
We’re seeing such amazing improvement. Leah has come such a long way, and we’re so grateful for your patience, expertise, and warmth. You made every session enjoyable and always tailored her approach to what our daughter needed. We look forward to our weekly sessions, and Leah does too.
Leah’s Parents
All names have been changed
Our holistic approach to
feeding and swallowing
We’re here to help kids in any way they need.
Working with children
Give your child feeding skills, confidence, and a positive relationship with food in our child-led, gentle, always playful clinic
Working with parents
Get hands-on skills to support your child at home with ongoing guidance and personalized steps to make mealtimes with your child more successful.
Working with schools
Build a school-wide feeding support system with trained staff, clear protocols, and practical strategies so every student is nourished, hydrated, and able to learn
The Feeding Journey has supported families through every challenge imaginable.
Meet Bracha
From didn’t take a bottle to full bottle feeds
Meet Kaila
From clinging to 3 foods to curious to try more
Meet Moishy
From a monitored feeding tube to messy high-chair meals
Meet Sruli
From snack-bags only to satisfying protein at school
Meet Goldy
From gagging on lettuce to going for all greens
Is my baby just picky, or does she really have a problem?
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you take insurance?
Yes, we accept the following insurances: Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of NJ and United Healthcare Community Plan.
How do I know if this is a minor eating issue or if my child needs feeding therapy?
These are some of the feeding and swallowing challenges we help with:
- Fear of trying new foods
- Difficulty starting solids
- Sensitivity to food textures
- Gagging or vomiting
- Spitting out foods
- Trouble chewing
- Challenges with self-feeding
- Poor growth or nutrition concerns
- Tube feeding support
- Swallowing concerns
Where and when does feeding therapy take place?
Sessions take place Sunday through Thursday during daytime hours at our Lakewood clinic.
How long does therapy take?
The length of therapy varies for each child, but most families see some progress within a few months. We’ll continually reassess and adjust the plan based on your child’s progress.
How often are the therapy sessions?
Most children attend 1 session per week.
Will my child grow out of it?
Although a small percentage of children grow out of serious feeding disorders on their own, the majority of children do not grow out of it without intervention.
Take the first step toward calmer mealtimes, smoother routines, and a child who can eat safely and comfortably.
Meals with your child can actually be enjoyable