What does meaningful caregiver coaching look like in infant feeding therapy?

Guest: Madi Metcalf, MS, CCC-SLP

Earn 0.10 ASHA CEUs for this episode with Speech Therapy PD

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In this episode of First Bite, Michelle Dawson, MS, CCC-SLP, CLC, BCS-S, FNAP, welcomes back Madi Metcalf, MS, CCC-SLP, to explore infant feeding through a Pediatric Feeding Disorder (PFD) lens. Together, they discuss how medical factors can impact feeding even in the youngest patients, and the importance of early, caregiver-centered support. The conversation also highlights building caregiver confidence, creating realistic feeding goals, and supporting families through postpartum challenges. This conversation is rooted in hope, trust, and helping caregivers feel seen, supported, and confident throughout the feeding journey.

About the Guest(s): Madi Metcalf, MS, CCC-SLP, is an Arkansas-based speech-language pathologist with advanced training in pediatric feeding and swallowing disorders and the owner of Function First Speech and Feeding Therapy, where she provides home, community, and clinic-based services. She is passionate about interdisciplinary care and caregiver collaboration to support safe, functional feeding.

Show Notes:

• Contact Madi: @functionfirstslp on Instagram or on LinkedIn
• Attend the 2026 PEDIATRIC FEEDING SYMPOSIUM Beyond the Bite: Supporting the Whole Family in Pediatric Feeding Disorders
• Madi's Related Courses
• Effective Parent Coaching Course
• Family Guided Routines Based Intervention
• Helping Your Child with Extreme Picky Eating Book
• Britt Pados Related Course
• Routines-based Interview Checklist
• Bridging NICU to Home Course
• Feeding Matters