Feeding & Nutrition
Feeding Difficulties & Nutrition Care
From infant feeding aversion to teen athletes and restrictive diets, with the time to figure out what's really going on.
Feeding and growth are often the first place GI issues show up, and they affect more than just weight on a chart. Sleep, school, mood, and family life all shift when meals are hard.
Dr. Mendez evaluates feeding concerns through both a pediatric and a gastroenterology lens for families in Boca Raton, Delray Beach, West Palm Beach, Fort Lauderdale, and across South Florida, so the plan addresses the root cause, not just the symptom.
Conditions & concerns we address
Infant Feeding & Reflux
Spit-up, arching, feeding refusal, slow weight gain, and early oral feeding concerns.
Picky Eating
Selective eating, sensory-based food aversion, and limited diets that affect nutrition.
Failure to Thrive
Comprehensive workup for poor growth, including labs, nutrition, and feeding assessment.
Food Allergies & Intolerances
Coordinated GI and nutrition workup for suspected food-related symptoms.
Tube Feeding Support
Management of children on supplemental or full enteral nutrition.
Athlete & Teen Nutrition
Fueling for sport, energy, and recovery without disordered patterns.
How Dr. Mendez approaches care
- Start with a detailed feeding history, growth review, and a thorough exam.
- Identify medical contributors like reflux, allergy, motility, or malabsorption before labeling behavior.
- Build a plan that fits the realities of your family's schedule and budget.
- Coordinate with feeding therapists, dietitians, and allergists when a team approach is needed.
- Recheck and adjust, so progress is measured in more than just weight.
Signs it's time for a consultation
- Your baby is fussy with feeds, arching, or not gaining weight as expected.
- Mealtimes are stressful and your child's diet has narrowed.
- Growth has slowed or dropped percentiles.
- You suspect a food intolerance but aren't sure where to start.
- Your child needs a personalized nutrition plan for sport or a medical condition.
Pediatric Feeding & Nutrition Care for families across South Florida
PediGut Health serves Palm Beach and Broward county families with in-home visits, in-office care in Boca Raton, and statewide telehealth.
Common questions from South Florida parents
When should I worry about my baby's feeding or weight gain?+
If feeds are consistently stressful, your baby arches or refuses, or growth has slowed or dropped percentiles, it is worth a closer look. Earlier evaluation usually means a faster fix.
Is picky eating a medical problem or a behavior issue?+
It can be either, and often both. Dr. Mendez rules out medical contributors like reflux, allergy, or motility issues before labeling it behavior, then coordinates with feeding therapy when needed.
Do you offer in-home feeding evaluations in South Florida?+
Yes. In-home visits are available across Boca Raton, Delray Beach, West Palm Beach, Fort Lauderdale, and surrounding communities, which is especially helpful for infant feeding and complex mealtime concerns.
Will my child need a feeding tube?+
Most children do not. Tube feeding is reserved for specific situations, and when needed we manage it closely with a clear plan to wean whenever possible.
Do you work with feeding therapists and dietitians?+
Yes. We coordinate with trusted local pediatric feeding therapists, dietitians, and allergists so your child has one team, not five separate appointments.
Ready to talk it through?
Concierge access means we have the time to listen, evaluate carefully, and stay with your family through every step.