In this episode, pediatric feeding and swallowing specialist Jean Hawney shares how families can play an active role in their child’s feeding rehabilitation after a brain injury.
Recorded in preparation for the Team Luke Hope for Minds Conference in Austin, Texas, Jean discusses what brain injury means—both traumatic and acquired—and how it can impact swallowing, oral-motor coordination, and self-feeding skills. She explains what dysphagia and aspiration are, how they’re diagnosed, and why collaboration among therapists, doctors, and caregivers is essential for recovery.
Together with Dr. Taryn Townsend, Jean hopes to inspire caregivers to feel informed, supported, and empowered to ask questions, advocate for their children, and celebrate every small step forward in feeding success.
In honor of Down Syndrome Awareness Month, Jean Hawney, pediatric feeding and swallowing specialist, explores the unique feeding challenges faced by children with Down syndrome. From breastfeeding difficulties and oral-motor coordination to transitioning to solids, Jean breaks down the “why” behind these challenges and how early feeding therapy can make a lasting difference.
Whether you’re a parent, SLP, or healthcare provider, this episode offers compassionate insights, practical strategies, and encouragement for every stage of the feeding journey—from first sips to family meals.
Feeding time shouldn’t feel like a battle — but for many families, bottle aversion turns mealtimes into moments of stress and worry. In this episode, Jean Hawney, speech pathologist, feeding specialist, and lactation counselor, explains what bottle aversion really is, the red flags parents should watch for, and why it happens. You’ll hear a real family story, learn simple first steps to rebuild trust at the bottle, and discover how small changes can make a big difference.
Jean also introduces her new short course, Bottle Aversion 101, designed to give parents practical tools and strategies to reduce stress and help babies feed with confidence.
What you’ll learn in this episode:
The most common red flags of bottle aversion
Why feeding stress affects both babies and caregivers
First steps to make feeding calm and connected again
Find the course at www.thelittleeaters.com under Resources--> Courses
https://www.thelittleeaters.com/courses
To book a consultation go to our website.
The journey from baby’s first spoonfuls to confident toddler bites is full of messy, joyful, and sometimes frustrating moments. In this episode, pediatric speech-language pathologist and feeding specialist Jean Hawney shares simple, practical ways parents can set the stage for happy, adventurous eaters between 6–24 months. Learn how early feeding skills, sensory play, and mealtime routines can help prevent picky eating before it starts. If you’re in the Houston area, join Jean in October 10, 2025 at the Bunny Hive for her live talk From First Bites to Happy Bites.
Is your baby refusing the bottle? Or maybe you’re wondering when and how to introduce one while breastfeeding? In this episode, Jean Hawney, Speech-Language Pathologist and International Board Certified Lactation Consultant, breaks down the differences between breastfeeding and bottle feeding and shares practical tips to help parents feel confident.
You’ll learn:
When to introduce a bottle (weight gain concerns, latch difficulties, returning to work, caregiver bonding, or simply as a backup)
How often to practice with the bottle so your baby stays comfortable with both breast and bottle
Red flags that signal your baby may be struggling at the breast or the bottle
When to reach out to an IBCLC or speech-language pathologist for extra support
Feeding doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. Whether you’re exclusively breastfeeding, bottle feeding, or doing a combination of both, this episode will give you tools to reduce stress and support your baby’s growth.
Traveling with kids can be magical... and messy — especially when it comes to mealtimes! In this episode, I’m sharing what I’ve learned as both a feeding therapist and a mom while traveling with my own little eaters this summer.
Whether you’re introducing solids, managing toddler pickiness, or encouraging older kids to try new foods abroad, I’ve got practical tips, stories from the road, and a therapist-approved packing list to help make travel mealtimes more manageable — and even meaningful.
We’ll talk:
What foods to pack for babies just starting solids
How to survive restaurant meals with picky toddlers
Encouraging curiosity in older kids (without pressure)
My go-to travel tools for feeding success at any age
So if you're prepping for your next family trip — or just want to feel more confident feeding on the go — this one’s for you.
Traveling with babies or toddlers? Whether you’re heading on a road trip, hopping on a plane, or planning a family getaway, feeding your little one on the go can feel overwhelming—especially if you’re dealing with picky eating or starting solids.
In this episode, Jean shares practical, low-stress tips for feeding babies and toddlers while traveling, including how to manage meals without high chairs, what snacks to pack, how to handle food refusals, and how to keep feeding fun and flexible. From airport snacks to hotel high chairs, this episode will help you feel more confident and prepared for your next adventure. ✈️ Travel-Friendly Feeding Tools Mentioned:
Silicone placemat or mini suction plate
Travel spoon/fork set (with case)
Snack catcher cup
Reusable silicone food pouches
Compact travel booster seat (e.g., Inglesina Fast Table Chair)
Insulated cooler bag
Wet/dry bag or reusable snack bags
Wipe-clean, roll-up bibs
🍎 Favorite Travel Snacks for Babies & Toddlers:Banana, cut grapes, steamed apples
Pouches (store-bought or homemade)
Mini muffins
Whole grain crackers or rice cakes
String cheese or cheese cubes
Cooked pasta shapes or veggie sticks
Dry cereal, low-sugar granola bars
Hummus with pita strips
Boiled eggs
Feeding your baby shouldn’t feel confusing. In this episode, an SLP and an IBCLC team up to talk about feeding red flags, tongue and lip ties, therapy before and after a frenectomy, and why a team approach helps babies thrive. Whether you’re breastfeeding, bottle feeding, or just want to feel more confident—this one’s for you.
www.thelittleeaters.com
https://soslactation.com/
Feeding Therapy: When to Ask for Help
Feeding is one of the most emotional parts of parenting—and when it’s not going smoothly, it can be hard to know when to ask for help. In this episode, Jean Hawney, pediatric feeding therapist and lactation consultant, breaks down the signs that your baby or toddler might benefit from feeding therapy.
Whether you're dealing with bottle refusal, picky eating, texture sensitivities, or a NICU discharge—this episode will help you feel informed, empowered, and supported.
You’ll learn:
Red flags to watch for in infants and toddlers
What feeding therapy actually looks like
Why earlier support can make a big difference
How to trust your gut as a parent
If mealtimes feel stressful, you're not alone—and support is available.
🎙️ Book a free consult: https://thelittleeaters.janeapp.com/
📩 Follow us on Instagram @littleeatersandtalkers
In this inspiring episode of Little Eaters & Talkers, Jean Hwanean Hwaey — founder of Little Eaters & Talkers, feeding therapist, and feeding specialist — sits down with Bailey from West U Pediatric Dentistry to share her personal journey into the world of feeding therapy. From the early spark that led her down this path to the challenges and triumphs she faced along the way, Jean opens up about what it truly means to support little ones and their families through feeding and developmental milestones. Whether you're a parent, a fellow professional, or simply curious about the field, this heartfelt conversation offers insight, encouragement, and a deeper look into the mission behind Little Eaters & Talkers.
In this episode, I sit down with Natalie Villante, a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) and founder of Oak Forest Behavioral Solutions, to talk about how ABA therapists and speech-language pathologists (SLPs) can collaborate to support children with autism. We explore how behavior and communication intersect, how ABA can complement feeding therapy, and what true interdisciplinary teamwork looks like in practice. Whether you're a parent, therapist, or educator, this conversation offers valuable insight into building a cohesive plan that centers the child and supports their growth across settings.
Best contact for Natalie is to email her: Natalie@oakforestbehavioralsolutions.com
In this heartfelt and informative episode, Jean Hawney sits down with a parent who shares her family’s personal journey with autism and feeding challenges. Together, they unpack early red flags, the myths that often surround autism and nutrition, and why early intervention can make all the difference.
You’ll hear:
The real-life struggles and breakthroughs of one family navigating autism
Common misconceptions about feeding and autism (like the Pediasure myth!)
Early signs that something might be different—and what to do next
Practical tips that helped this family reduce mealtime stress and increase food acceptance
Whether you’re a caregiver, professional, or someone walking this path yourself, this episode offers understanding, hope, and actionable strategies to support children with autism at the table and beyond.
Talking with Dr. Aida Khanum to talk all about autism and feeding!
We answered your questions, shared tips for supporting picky eaters, and discussed how autism can impact eating skills and mealtime routines.
If you missed it, catch the replay! It’s packed with practical advice for parents, therapists, and anyone supporting children with feeding challenges.
In honor of Autism Awareness and Acceptance Month, this solo episode dives into how speech-language pathologists (SLPs) support autistic children—not just with speech, but with communication, connection, and care.
Jean Hawney, pediatric SLP and feeding therapist, shares what therapy really looks like, how communication can be supported in different ways, and how parents can feel more empowered on their child’s journey. From language and social interaction to feeding challenges and sensory needs, this episode offers encouragement, education, and a fresh perspective on how SLPs help autistic kids thrive—just as they are.
Whether you're a parent, educator, or fellow therapist, this episode is for you.
In this episode of Little Eaters & Talkers, Jean Hawney sits down with the experts at West U Pediatric Dentistry to discuss how to safely introduce allergens to children. They cover essential guidelines, common concerns, and practical tips for parents navigating this crucial step in their child’s food journey. Tune in for expert-backed advice and reassurance on making allergen introduction a safe and stress-free experience!
In this special episode, Jean Hawney, the owner of Little Eaters & Talkers, sits down with Doctor Saiqa Khan, a physician and mother to a remarkable daughter, Remy, with Mowat-Wilson Syndrome. She shares her personal journey navigating feeding challenges—from early struggles to incredible progress—and how her medical background shaped her approach to mealtime strategies.
We discuss:
✅ The unique feeding challenges associated with Mowat-Wilson Syndrome
✅ How she balanced her role as both a doctor and a mother in this journey
✅ The small (and big!) wins that gave her hope along the way
✅ Advice for parents facing similar feeding difficulties
This episode is a heartfelt conversation filled with wisdom, perseverance, and encouragement for families navigating complex feeding journeys.
🎧 Tune in now and be inspired by this incredible story of resilience and growth!
Introducing allergens to your baby can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be!
In this episode, Jean Hawney, a feeding expert, breaks down when, how, and why to introduce common allergens, helping you feel confident with those first bites. I’ll cover the latest research, practical feeding strategies, and common concerns parents have—like how to recognize the difference between a reaction and a sensory response. Whether you're just starting solids or navigating food allergies, this episode is packed with helpful insights to make allergen introduction safe and stress-free!
If you would like more help, book an appointment on our website www.thelittleeaters.com or email us info@thelittleeaters.com
Listen now! 🎧 #BabyFeeding #FoodAllergies #IntroducingAllergens
Is your baby refusing the bottle, turning away, or getting upset before or during feedings? Bottle aversion can be frustrating and stressful for both parents and babies, but you’re not alone!
In this episode, we’ll dive into what causes bottle aversion, common signs to look for, and practical strategies to help your baby feel comfortable and confident with bottle feeding again. Whether you're navigating a sudden refusal or a long-standing struggle, this episode will give you the tools to make feeding a positive experience.
Little Eaters & Talkers can help. We offer virtual consultations to help you and your little learn how to enjoy eating.
🎧 Tune in now and take the stress out of bottle feeding!
Is your baby refusing the bottle, getting fussy during feeds, or only drinking when drowsy? You’re not alone! Bottle aversion is a common yet frustrating challenge for many parents, and understanding the why behind it is the first step to finding a solution.
In this episode, we’ll cover:
✅ The signs of bottle aversion you might be missing
✅ Common myths about bottle refusal (and the truth behind them)
✅ The real reasons babies develop bottle aversion
✅ One key mindset shift that can change your feeding experience
If you’ve been feeling stressed, confused, or defeated by bottle refusal, this episode is for you. Plus, don’t forget to join me for my Instagram Live next week, where I’ll be answering your biggest bottle aversion questions and sharing actionable strategies to help your baby feed with ease.
📩 Have a question about bottle aversion? DM me on Instagram! Little Eaters_talkers
Introducing solids is an exciting milestone, but it can also feel overwhelming! Join Jean Hawney with Little Eaters & Talkers to discuss if you should you do purees or baby-led weaning? How do you know if your baby is eating enough? And what about gagging?
In this episode, I break down everything you need to know about starting solids, including how to combine baby-led weaning with spoon-feeding, how to be more responsive to your baby’s cues, and my top 5 tips to prevent picky eating from the start. Let’s make mealtimes stress-free and enjoyable for both you and your baby!
🎙️Listen now on Spotify & Apple Podcasts!
