| Description |
Baby-Led Weaning (BLW) is a child-directed feeding approach that has gained popularity as an alternative way of transitioning babies to solid food feedings. With this method, babies are taught to self-feed table foods from the time they begin eating solids, versus the adult-directed method of being spoon-fed purees. Mere mention of the BLW approach can spark a heated and controversial conversation among feeding therapists who often deem this method as “dangerous.” Those reactions are only magnified when the prospect of using BLW with modifications for children with feeding challenges, such as Down syndrome, is mentioned. The Adapted baby-led weaning (ABLW) approach was developed by Jill Rabin in 2010. While this approach can result in a multitude of benefits for babies at risk for or with feeding challenges, it needs to be implemented safely with a strong foundational feeding base. Through lecture, slides, and video instruction, participants will be instructed on how to safely transition babies to solids using the ABLW approach through discussion of myths about BLW, growth outcomes of babies fed using this approach, the importance of a sensory motor feeding base and use of bridge devices and responsive feeding techniques. The importance of a collaborative team approach with pertinent medical professionals as well as a feeding therapist, motor therapist and nutrition specialist, will also be addressed.
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