Feeding difficulties in newborns

Feeding difficulties in newborns: Finding solutions

The process of establishing feeding, whether breast or bottle, is rarely perfect from day one. It is a skill that both mother and baby learn. Feeding difficulties can be very stressful, as nutrition is directly linked to the baby's health and wellbeing. It is important to recognize the problem promptly and seek help, rather than facing it alone.

Common problems with breastfeeding

Breastfeeding is a natural, but not always intuitive, process. The most common problems:

• Incorrect latch. This is the root of most problems. It leads to sore nipples, cracked nipples, ineffective breast emptying, which can cause milk duct blockage, as well as insufficient weight gain in the baby.
• Short tongue tie in the baby. It restricts tongue movement, preventing the creation of a proper vacuum for sucking.
• Flat or inverted nipple shape in the mother. This can make latching difficult, but the issue can be resolved with special techniques and nipple shields.
• Baby's sleepiness. Some newborns, especially those with jaundice, can be very sleepy and fall asleep on the breast before getting a feed.

Feeding difficulties with a bottle

With artificial feeding problems can also arise:

• Incorrectly selected nipple. A flow that is too fast or, conversely, too slow can cause the baby discomfort, leading them to refuse the bottle.
• Air swallowing. This leads to gas pain and spitting up.
• Bottle refusal.

If you encounter difficulties, do not hesitate to consult a lactation consultant or pediatrician. Timely advice can save your nerves and streamline the process. Read about the basics of breastfeeding and problem solutions on our website.