Feeding Matters, a Phoenix-based nonprofit supporting families and healthcare professionals dealing with Pediatric Feeding Disorder (PFD) and Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID), has launched a podcast, Feeding Does Matter. The podcast aims to raise awareness about these misunderstood conditions while promoting early diagnosis and effective treatment options.
The first season, “It’s Not Picky Eating,” dives into the complexities of PFD and ARFID with insights from leading experts and heartfelt stories from families navigating these challenges. The goal is to foster a more informed and compassionate conversation about the struggles and solutions surrounding these disorders.
The podcast’s first episode, which is out now, features Jaclyn Pederson, MHI, Feeding Matters CEO, and Dr. Hayley Estrem, an associate professor at the University of North Carolina Wilmington’s School of Nursing. Dr. Estrem, a researcher and long-time Feeding Matters volunteer, joins Pederson in discussing the challenges faced by families and the critical need for support and education. Their conversion blends professional expertise with personal anecdotes to show the real-life impact of these disorders.
“By sharing real-life experiences and exploring the latest research, we hope to bridge the gaps in knowledge and support, ensuring that families never have to navigate this journey alone,” says Pederson, in a recent press release.
The launch of Feeding Does Matter marks a significant step in expanding the conversation around feeding disorders, offering valuable resources and connections for those impacted. Families, healthcare professionals, and advocates are encouraged to tune in and join the discussion. The newly launched podcast is accessible on all major platforms, including Spotify and Apple Podcasts.
Since 2006, Feeding Matters has been at the forefront of advocating for improved care systems for children with PFD. The nonprofit has led pivotal initiatives, including securing the inclusion of PFD in the U.S. ICD-10 medical classification, developing the Infant and Child Feeding Questionnaire, and publishing a consensus definition and framework for PFD in 2019.
For more information, visit www.feedingmatters.org.