Children's Hospital of Orange County

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Inpatient Multidisciplinary Feeding Program

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CHOC’s Inpatient Multidisciplinary Feeding Program is a 19-day hospital-based program that provides individualized, comprehensive care for children and families affected by pediatric feeding disorders (PFDs). PFDs are characterized by impaired oral intake that is not age-appropriate and is associated with medical, nutritional, feeding skill, and/or psychosocial challenges.

CHOC is proud to offer one of the few feeding programs in the world that includes both comprehensive outpatient consultations and an intensive inpatient feeding therapy program. Our expert team helps children, and their families, build the skills and confidence needed to make mealtime a positive and successful part of everyday life, leading to the best possible outcomes.

Our program is designed specifically for children who have struggled with severe feeding disorders and have not made sufficient progress with traditional outpatient feeding therapy. 

Children who participate in the CHOC Inpatient Feeding Program often: 

  • Have a G-tube (feeding tube) 
  • Are at risk for G-tube placement 
  • Experience severe food selectivity 
  • Are not eating an age-appropriate diet 

The CHOC Difference: Our Approach to Feeding Success

Personalized Treatment Plans, Family-Centered Care

What sets CHOC’s Inpatient Feeding Program apart is its highly individualized, family-centered approach — led by a team of expert clinicians across several areas of our health system. Each child receives a personalized treatment plan based on their needs, skills, and family goals. Parents and caregivers play an active role in shaping their child’s treatment plan, with goals that may include: 

  • Expanding the variety of liquids and food textures accepted 
  • Improving oral motor skills for age-appropriate feeding 
  • Increasing acceptance of new foods 
  • Encouraging larger food volumes 
  • Reducing reliance on G-tube feedings 
  • Establishing a positive relationship with food 
  • Teaching strategies to lead successful mealtimes at home 
  • Enhancing independence and participation during meals 
  • Reducing mealtime duration 
  • Strengthening parent-child interactions during meals 
  • Empowering parents to bridge the gap between the feeding program and home 

Therapy & Interventions 

To achieve these goals, CHOC’s multidisciplinary team employs a range of evidence-based interventions, which includes: 

  • Close medical oversight 
  • A structured, consolidated feeding schedule 
  • Intensive therapeutic feeding sessions 
  • Behavioral feeding therapy techniques 
  • Food-based play to encourage exploration 
  • Nutrition education and counseling 
  • Direct parent coaching and guidance 

Discharge & Follow-Up Care 

Upon completing the inpatient feeding program, a comprehensive discharge plan is developed to support long-term success. This may include: 

  • Follow-up with the child’s primary care physician, gastroenterologist, or referring provider 
  • A follow-up evaluation with the Inpatient Feeding Program 
  • Transitioning to outpatient feeding therapy 
  • Ongoing consultation as needed to assist with the transition home 

CHOC’s Inpatient Multidisciplinary Feeding Program is committed to helping children with pediatric feeding disorders achieve lasting progress, gain independence in eating, and build a positive relationship with food. 

Inpatient Feeding Program Eligibility & Referrals

The Inpatient Multidisciplinary Feeding Program at CHOC is intended for children 18 months and older who have had prior feeding therapy and continue to struggle with feeding or remain tube-fed for some or all of their nutrition. Children can be referred by physicians, feeding therapists or other healthcare providers, or they may be self-referred by a legal guardian. Referrals are accepted by email at [email protected] or by phone at (714) 509-4884.

The following will be considered when a child is evaluated for the Feeding Program:

  • Amount or types of food accepted by mouth
  • Overall feeding skills
  • Nutrition or growth problems
  • Dependence on G-Tube or risk for G-Tube placement
  • Progress in feeding therapy

Participants in the Inpatient Feeding Program must have:

  • Safe swallowing skills
  • A medically stable status with no pending surgeries or major procedures
  • One primary caregiver (parent or legal guardian) who able to stay with the child during the entire 19-day inpatient hospitalization

Referrals are reviewed by the team. Families are contacted by the Inpatient Feeding Program department assistant and scheduled for a consultation with the medical team in the Feeding Clinic. If appropriate, the child and family will be scheduled for a two-hour outpatient evaluation.

Inpatient Multidisciplinary Feeding Program FAQ

We understand it can be overwhelming for parents when their child is admitted to a feeding program. Families are bound to have many questions, so the CHOC Feeding Program team developed answers to some of the most frequently asked questions.

    Does my insurance cover the program?

    All insurance plans are different. An authorization from your insurance will be obtained prior to receiving services. Our team will help assist with this process.

    Do I stay with my child during the admission?

    Yes. We require a parent/legal guardian to stay with your child throughout the program as you are an essential part of the learning process to support your child’s feeding.

    Can more than one parent participate in the program?

    Yes. One parent/legal guardian will be identified as the primary feeder and must participate in all feeding sessions throughout admission. A second parent/caregiver (secondary feeder) can observe feeding sessions remotely or in person and will be integrated into feeding sessions later during the admission.

    How do I enroll my child in the Inpatient Feeding Program?

    Please check our eligibility and evaluation process for information regarding admission into the CHOC Multidisciplinary Inpatient Feeding Program.

    Do you accept families who live out of state and internationally?

    Yes. The Inpatient Feeding Program welcomes children from all over the world with a range of feeding difficulties, and our team will help you coordinate your inpatient stay.

    Will food be provided for my child?

    Yes, food will be provided for your child for the entire admission through our hospital’s room service.

    Will food be provided for the parents during admission?

    A limited number of vouchers will be provided to assist with the cost of meals, however parents are responsible for the rest of their meals throughout the admission. There are two cafeterias on the campus as well as a small refrigerator to store food brought in from home. A team member will go over rules with using the mini fridge in your room prior to admission. Food delivery from outside vendors is permitted.

    Will I qualify for a leave of absence from my work while participating in the feeding program?

    Yes, you are able to apply for FMLA and any other LOA from work. A letter can be provided, if needed.

    How can my spouse/secondary feeder learn about feeding my child if they can’t come in person?

    We use technology to provide live view of feeding sessions along with consultations, if needed.

    Will my child be able to continue other therapies (i.e., ABA, PT/OT) while in the Feeding Program?

    Given the structure and intensive focus of the Inpatient Feeding Program, other therapies will need to be paused during the 19-day stay. This is to ensure the best possible outcomes for each child.

    Where do I go for clinic appointments/evaluations?

    CHOC families check in at the Bill Holmes Tower entrance located on Pepper Street (near the intersection of Pepper and La Veta). You can visit this page for more information.

    What activities are available to us between feeding sessions?

    Our child life team ensures there are activities for children to participate in during their stay. There are also various entertainment areas, playrooms, and an outdoor space for children to utilize, however these areas are not always guaranteed to be opened throughout your stay. A member of the Feeding Program will provide you with more information on available activities before your admission.

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