Let’s EAT!: Supporting Infants who are Transitioning from Nasogastric Tube to Oral Feeding

with L. Hope Wills, MA, RD, CSP, IBCLC and Dr. Judy Hopkins, OTD, OTR/L, CLE

Wednesday, August 20, 2025
2:30pm-4:00pm (PST) | Virtual Event

Can't attend the event live? Register to receive access to the recording!

Judy Hopkins and Hope Wills have over 30 years of combined experience helping children transition from tube feedings to oral feeding. They will use a case-based approach that incorporates evidence-based models of practice to meet the learning objectives of the webinar. Participants will gain practical strategies and explore new techniques and tools to support safe and successful feeding transitions.

Learning Objectives:

• Describe the roles and contributions of various disciplines (e.g., speech-language pathology, occupational therapy, early intervention, nutrition) in supporting safe and effective transitions to oral feeding.
• Identify clinical indicators for readiness to transition from NG tube feeding to oral feeding in medically complex infants.
• Apply principles of neurodevelopmental and behavioral feeding approaches to optimize oral feeding success in infants with prolonged NG use.
• Analyze case studies to reflect on decision-making, collaboration, and outcomes across disciplines and services (clinic or homebased).

L. Hope Wills MA, RD, CSP, IBCLC started on her career as a pediatric dietitian in 1993. She has worked with community programs that include Early Childhood Educations Centers and Head Start to provide healthful meals to children. Ms. Wills’ career is currently focused on supporting children and their families in the First 1000 days of Life. She is currently working in a hospital-based clinic that supports infants transition from nasogastric feeding tubes to oral feeding.

Dr. Judy Hopkins, OTD, OTR/L, CLE is a seasoned pediatric occupational therapist with 30 years of dedicated experience supporting medically complex and disabled children. Since 1997, she has been a valued member of the Children's Hospital Los Angeles team, caring for infants in the NICU and hospitalized patients with feeding and swallowing disorders. In addition to her extensive clinical work, Judy is an expert in conducting and interpreting modified barium swallow studies. Read more here

Non-Member: $55
IDA Agency/Individual Member: $40
IDA Parent/Student/New Clinician Member: $30

IDA CE Hours: Nursing, PT, Speech and Language $15 (1.5 hour)
CDI CE Hours: LCSW, LMFT, LEP, LPCC (you will be invoiced)

ADA Requests: As a part of the Infant Development Association’s ongoing commitment to inclusion, we offer accommodations when possible. Please email IDA at [email protected] 10 business days prior to the event to request accommodations (ASL interpretation, large print, etc.).

Limited number of scholarships available

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