52 | Feed with Confidence: Feeding Strategies & Support for Life After the NICU
EPISODE 52
In this episode, we sit down with Cuyler Romeo, an Occupational Therapist and Pediatric Feeding Specialist, who brings awareness to one of the most common challenges NICU families face after discharge: feeding.
Cuyler walks us through what it really looks like to transition from NICU feeding support to home, why so many families feel unprepared, and how a diagnosis of Pediatric Feeding Disorder can actually be a gift rather than a label. This conversation is full of honest, actionable guidance for any family navigating the feeding journey.
Quick Notes from the Episode:
The transition home is a critical feeding moment. Many families leave the NICU without a clear feeding plan — knowing what to ask and what to track before discharge can make an enormous difference in those early weeks.
Pediatric Feeding Disorder (PFD) is real, and diagnosis opens doors. A PFD diagnosis is not something to fear — it's a tool that helps families access the right services and reduces the guesswork.
You know your baby best. Family presence and caregiver involvement aren't just helpful — they are essential to better feeding outcomes. Trust what you're seeing.
Early intervention matters. The earlier feeding challenges are identified and addressed, the better the long-term outcomes for children. Don't wait to ask for help.
There are tools to help you track and advocate. Questionnaires, feeding logs, and family guides exist specifically for families like yours — you don't have to navigate this by memory alone.
Cuyler’s NICU Grad Guide - Resources Mentioned:
Feeding Matters — Education, advocacy, and family support for pediatric feeding disorder
Infant & Child Feeding Questionnaire (ICFQ) — A validated tool to help identify feeding concerns
Feeding Matters Family Support Page & Family Guide — Practical resources for navigating a PFD diagnosis
ICF — International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health — The framework Cuyler references for understanding how feeding challenges affect participation and daily life
Center for Feeding Ethics:
Cuyler is also part of the team that is continuing to build the Center for Feeding Ethics as the home for developing ethical guidelines in feeding care. They are inviting community members and professionals to sign up for communications and opportunities to be involved. This form will help them identify and engage those who are interested in shaping this important work. If you are interested, please reach out to them!
LET’S KEEP IN TOUCH:
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You can also support our mission and help create brighter futures for babies that have graduated from the NICU (who we affectionately refer to as NICU Alumni) and their families by donating here.
The purpose of this podcast is for entertainment only and should not be viewed as medical advice.