As a new parent, it can be frustrating when your newborn shows signs of a feeding difficulty. Whether you are choosing to breastfeed or formula-feed your baby, feeding difficulties are when your baby does not eat enough to gain weight and thrive as a newborn. Feeding difficulties can happen because the baby refuses to eat, they cannot keep anything down, they are having trouble swallowing, or they simply do not eat enough.
Feeding difficulties are alarming for a new parent, and it is important to ask your doctor what needs to be done to remedy the situation. Prolonged feeding difficulties can lead to developmental and health problems in babies, as they need plenty of milk and nutrients to grow. Therefore, if your baby is not gaining weight at a rapid rate or if they are showing obvious signs of feeding difficulties, you should talk to your doctor immediately.
In most cases, if you spot feeding difficulties early on, your doctor will recommend a wait-and-see approach. A few instances of feeding problems often are not cause for concern, and your baby may just need more time to get used to regular feedings.
However, if the problem continues and your baby does not gain weight at a regular rate, your doctor will likely recommend that they begin treatment.
If you are using a certain type of formula and your baby is having feeding difficulties, the easiest course of action is to switch to a different type of formula. The same goes for if you are attempting to breastfeed your baby and they are refusing to eat. You may simply need to switch to formula and see if the feeding improves. While this often works, it is not a foolproof plan, and you may require additional interventions.
In addition to changing the type of formula you are using, you may also want to consider switching milks altogether. For instance, if your baby is refusing to drink breast milk or formula, you may need to switch to goat’s milk or cow’s milk. However, you should always consult your paediatrician first to make sure they approve of the switch.
Some infants will have negative reactions to alternative sources of milk. Therefore, it is paramount to consult your physician and have allergy medications on hand in case your baby has an allergic reaction.
Another simple change you can make is to alter your baby’s feeding position. Rather than having them lying back in a reclined position, they may need to be more upright. Once again, however, you should consult your physician before making any changes. Altering your baby’s feeding position could cause a negative reaction if they do not, in fact, have a feeding disorder, and they simply need more time to learn how to feed.
It is also possible that your baby is having feeding difficulties because they have acid reflux. If this is the case, you will need to get prescription medications to treat the acid reflux. In most cases, this will be either omeprazole or lansoprazole. If the medication is effective at taking away your baby’s reflux and they can feed normally, their condition will start to improve the more they eat.
In most cases, feeding difficulties will resolve on their own or with minor changes or medications. In some instances, however, feeding difficulties can happen because of an underlying condition, such as hypothyroidism, heart defects, and more. Therefore, you should pay close attention to your baby’s feeding habits and talk to your doctor if they are showing any signs of feeding difficulties.