By: Red Door Pediatric Staff
Difficulty with feeding is a concerning issue for parents and caregivers. Proper nutrition is crucial for typical growth and development. When infants are not getting enough to eat, it can lead to a variety of health problems. If you are experiencing feeding concerns with your infant, it is important to understand the potential causes and seek appropriate help.
Causes of Infant Feeding Issues
- Breastfeeding is a skill that both the baby and mother learn together. Sometimes “finding the groove” when breastfeeding isn’t easy, your infant may not latch properly, or if you may experience pain during breastfeeding.
- If you are not producing enough milk, a low milk supply can be caused by hormonal imbalances, medications, stress, and certain medical conditions.
- If your infant has structural concerns (i.e., lip or tongue tie), it can impact their ability to latch and breastfeed effectively
- Some infants may be slow feeders or may fall asleep during feeding
What to Do If Your Infant is Not Getting Enough to Eat
- A lactation consultant can help identify the cause of your baby’s feeding difficulties and offer advice on how to improve the situation. They can provide support and guidance on breastfeeding techniques and ensure that your baby is getting enough milk.
- A pediatrician can help identify any underlying medical conditions that may be causing feeding difficulties.
- Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs) who are trained in feeding specialize in diagnosing and treating swallowing disorders. They can assess your infant’s feeding skills and identify any structural or functional issues that may be impacting successful feeding.
Feeding issues in infants are often treatable, with the right support and intervention, your infant can get the nutrition they need. Do not hesitate to reach out for help if you are struggling or worried about feeding your infant.