What to Expect: Inpatient Feeding Program

The Inpatient Multidisciplinary Feeding Program at CHOC provides patient- and family-centered focused on providing children with the feeding skills and ability they need to eat well and enjoy mealtimes with their families and friends. In an effort to make the journey to feeding success easier, our experts have compiled a variety of helpful materials for families to use at home both before and after inpatient feeding treatment, as well as the important documents caregivers should be familiar or may need to bring with them to CHOC.

Preparing For Your Stay

• Feeding program screening questionnaire
• Three-day Food Log
• Packing List

During Your Stay

• Weekly/Daily Routines
• Parent / Caregiver Responsibilities
• Visitor Guidelines
• Food Introduction Process and Nutrition Information

A Feeding Disorder Shouldn’t Put Childhood on Pause

At CHOC, we understand that feeding journeys, particularly complex ones, can come with a range of emotions for both the child and their family. Most children and their families have faced many challenges prior to our inpatient program. We also recognize that while we do our best to provide an experience that caters to children in countless ways, the reality of an extended hospital stay can be tough. It is with this level of empathy and understanding that we create meaningful interactions, establish trusting relationships, and celebrate the essence of childhood every step of the way. We are committed to making your family’s stay as enjoyable and comfortable as possible. The CHOC playroom is open six hours each day to enhance each child’s experience, bringing them opportunities for curiosity, joy, and delight. While in the playroom, specially trained volunteers and child life specialists provide age-appropriate, supervised play activities. These activities can provide children with a refreshing break from their treatment-related activities and allows the caregiver a break for themselves to run errands, exercise, shop or just get away from the hospital for an hour. Though the participating child must stay at the hospital for the duration of the program, special passes are granted the final weekend so that the child can practice their new feeding skills out in the community.