Weaning problems with previously NICU / tube fed baby

[gracepoolesrum]

My DD is 7.5mo, she was born at term but oxygen deprived and was in NICU and tube fed for nearly 3 weeks. Miraculously she doesn't seem to have suffered any permanent brain damage and all has been good up to now.

However she has never put toys or anything else in her mouth as babies usually do, this was flagged at her 6m review. It's not a coordination issue, it's probably due to issues with oral sensory processing caused by tube feeding in the early days.This has translated to zero interest in putting food anywhere near her mouth, blw has been a non starter. She also gags violently on anything remotely lumpy, usually to the point of vomitting. she will happily consume smooth purees so I've been told to carry on with those for now.

I'm not sure where to go from here, I'm worried I'm going to be feeding her smooth purees forever! Has anyone else been through this and did it resolve?

I don't have any first hand experience. We know a family whose child has a motor developmental delay which affected swallowing and chewing. A speech language pathologist worked with her. The child is now three and eats alright.

She needs to see SALT. They can work with her on ways to desensitise her.

Is it really that bad for 7.5 months? DS only had tiny portions of purées at that age. Whilst always sticking toys in his mouth, he didn’t have much interest in food till about 11-12 months. He’s 16 months now and still struggles with wedges of apples or rice cakes.