Are you struggling with feeding challenges with your young child? Learn how to identify and manage feeding issues from the start.

As a new parent, feeding your baby is one of the most fundamental and nurturing experiences. But what happens when feeding becomes a challenge? Whether it’s a baby who won’t latch, difficulty nursing, or unsettling noises when your child breathes, these issues can quickly turn what should be a comforting routine into a source of stress and worry.

Personally, I know this was the loneliest and most confusing time for me as a parent to three children with feeding issues. Not knowing what was wrong, how to help, and what to do can be really stressful and can feel really defeating when you don’t know where to start or what is the root cause of your child’s issues. So, after the long journeys that I have been through, I thought it was important to help other families like mine in their journey to understanding feeding issues in their young child, and how to get started towards a solution, diagnosis, and thriving as a family. 

Identifying Common Feeding Issues

Feeding issues can manifest in many forms, from a baby refusing to nurse to signs of discomfort during feeding, such as arching their back or crying excessively. Some common feeding problems include:

• • Latch Problems: A poor latch can make nursing painful and inefficient, leading to frustration for both mom and baby. This could be a sign of a lip or tongue tie. 
  • Slow Weight Gain: If your baby isn’t gaining weight as expected, it could indicate an underlying feeding issue.
  • Excessive Spit-Up or Vomiting: Frequent spit-up can be a sign of reflux or other digestive concerns, like a food allergy.
  • Noisy Breathing During Feeding: If you notice a loud noise when your baby breathes during feeding, it might be related to anatomical issues that need attention, or could be a reaction from food sensitivities.

• Skin Reactions: After feeding or eating, you notice rash, hives, or dry skin patches like eczema that can be very itchy and uncomfortable. This can be a sign of a food allergy or intolerance. 

Why Early Intervention Matters

Understanding and addressing feeding issues early on is crucial. Left unaddressed, these problems can lead to more significant concerns such as poor growth, developmental delays, or ongoing feeding aversions, not to mention serious stress on you, the parent, and the child. For us, undiagnosed feeding issues in our eldest daughter led to serious problems down the line including obstructive sleep apnea, and orthodontic intervention to help with a narrow palate and weak jaw.  Early intervention can help identify the root cause of the issue, whether it’s a latch problem, a medical condition like tongue tie, or even something as complex as childhood asthma affecting your baby’s ability to nurse or bottle-feed comfortably.

How to Advocate for Your Child

As a parent, it’s essential to trust your instincts. If you feel something is not right, don’t hesitate to seek help. However, many parents often find themselves dismissed or told that their concerns are “normal.” Advocating for your child means:

• Being Persistent: If you don’t get the answers you need, it’s okay to seek a second opinion or ask for a referral to a specialist.
• Educating Yourself: Understanding the potential causes of feeding issues empowers you to have informed discussions with healthcare providers.
• Building a Support System: Connecting with other parents, support groups, or online communities can provide valuable insights and emotional support.

Finding the Right Help

Feeding issues are often complex and require a multidisciplinary approach. Pediatricians, lactation consultants, speech therapists, pediatric gastroenterologists, otolaryngologists (ENT), and dentists  may play a role in diagnosing and treating your child’s feeding difficulties.

If you’re struggling to determine what’s causing your child’s feeding issues, take our free quiz to identify the possible underlying causes and get guidance on the next steps.

Conclusion: Empower Yourself with Knowledge

Feeding issues can be daunting, but understanding the possible causes and knowing how to advocate for your child can make all the difference. By seeking early intervention and building a strong support system, you can help your child overcome these challenges and thrive.

Remember, you’re not alone on this journey. With the right resources and support, you can navigate the complexities of feeding issues and ensure that your child gets the care they need.

Here for you always,

Amber
Owner, #momboss