Feedings Offer Bonding Opportunities But Be on the Lookout for Eating Difficulties

by Kerri Cooke

The newborn and infant stage can often be magical for new moms, but there is a learning curve when it comes to caring for a baby. One of the biggest challenges can be feeding difficulties that may or may not resolve quickly. Breastfeeding takes getting used to. And there is now more help than ever within the hospital and without on how to properly breastfeed. 

However, if breastfeeding or bottle feeding continue to be difficult, it could indicate that your child has a feeding disorder. Pediatricians can potentially detect issues at a newborn’s first check-up, but for other babies, figuring out they have a feeding disorder can take weeks or months. It is estimated that up to 25% of infants encounter feeding difficulties. 

It’s imperative to know the signs of feeding difficulties so your baby can be treated as soon as possible. Megan Musso, MA, CCC-L/SLP, IBCLC, owner and speech pathologist at Magnolia Pediatric Therapy with a special interest in treating feeding and swallowing disorder, details what to watch for during feedings: 

• Poor weight gain 

• Feeding times consistently over 30 minutes 

• Coughing or choking 

• Falling asleep 

• Arching of the back  

• Gagging or considerable amounts of spit-up 

• Fussiness while or after feeding 

• Refusing to eat while hungry 

If breastfeeding: 

• Poor latch 

• Painful nursing 

• Short periods between nursings  

The cause for feeding difficulties can range from congenital conditions with the infant to maternal conditions. Infants can have weaknesses or other issues with their mouth, face or throat muscles that makes breast or bottle feeding difficult due to problems being able to suck, swallow and breathe at the same time. Other hindrances to successful feeding can be a tongue-tie, lip-tie or cleft lip/palate. A baby who is premature or has digestive problems can find it hard to eat. A mother could struggle producing ample milk or have flat or inverted nipples, which could cause difficulty eating and latching. 

Magnolia Pediatric Therapy provides help and resources for those breastfeeding or bottle feeding. Musso says her teams consists of “speech pathologists trained in myofunctional therapy, which is therapy specific to optimizing oral motor patterns required for successful feeding, as well as certified lactation counselors and an international board-certified lactation consultant.” 

What can mothers expect from a consultation? Musso says the appointment can consist of an “in-depth review of maternal and infant health history, physical assessment of mother and baby’s oral/structural anatomy, a weight check for the baby, including weighted feeds to see how the baby is transferring at the breast (if applicable), and a personalized and detailed feeding (bottle or breast) care plan. Subsequent visits may include suck training therapy to help improve oral motor skills required for successful feedings, assistance with a pumping/feeding schedule and even transitioning to solids when the time is appropriate.” 

For more information on Magnolia Pediatric Therapy, visit magnoliapediatrictherapy.com.