35% of Children with Cerebral Palsy are Malnourished
Getting any child to eat nutritious food can make a mother cry for mercy. But if your child has cerebral palsy, meal times can be wrought with frustration and anxiety because chewing and swallowing food can be very difficult. Yet your child has the same nutritional needs as normal, healthy children.
To grow and develop, your child requires healthy calories, vitamins, and nutrients. Nutritionists suggest that she eat a high-fiber, low fat diet to help avoid constipation and to keep her weight gain normal.
Do You and Your Child Practice Good Nutrition?
Like any other child, if your child does not get proper nourishment, he could develop other health problems. Poor nutrition can lead to stunted growth, developmental delays of the brain, and low energy levels or exhaustion.
If she has trouble with eating, your child also runs the risk of being underweight. It’s estimated that about 35% of children with cerebral palsy are malnourished.
A speech therapist can work with your child to help strengthen her mouth muscles and use her tongue more efficiently. This can make meal times easier on everyone. But if for some reason this therapy doesn’t help, a doctor can insert a gastrostomy feeding tube to help ensure your child receives adequate nourishment.
If you are not sure that your child is getting the right amount of healthy calories each day, talk to a nutritionist.
Could Your Child Benefit from the Advice of a Nutritionist?
Nutritionists can be a crucial resource for helping your child eat well and stay healthy. Knowing your child is well nourished gives you much needed peace of mind. While specialists are costly, you shouldn’t have to bear the full expense of hiring quality help, especially if your child’s cerebral palsy could have been avoided.
You also need to know that your medical team did everything possible to keep your baby safe and healthy. If your doctor failed you and your baby in any way, you may be entitled to financial help.
Be your child’s best advocate and talk to an expert. Some of his therapeutic expenses may be eligible for coverage.
Contact 4MYCHILD today and see if your child is eligible for Benefits4Life.
