Feeding Difficulties in Newborns

 

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There are many families who experience difficulty with breast- and/or bottle-feeding in the newborn period.  At the Step by Step Feeding Clinic, our goal is to support you and your infant in establishing more efficient and enjoyable feedings.

 

Feeding difficulties in the newborn period may be due to:

 

Oral motor incoordination

Oral hypersensitivity (gagging on nipple or pacifier)

Tongue and/or lip ties

Difficulty with state regulation (too sleepy, lack of hunger cues, etc.)

Gastrointestinal difficulties (reflux, slow stomach emptying, milk sensitivities/allergies)

 

Resulting issues may include:

 

Parent/caregiver stress

Poor weight gain

Breastfeeding complications (maternal pain/discomfort, poor supply)

Bottle refusal

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