Makindo Medical Notes

🍼 Infant feeding issues can arise due to developmental, physical, or behavioural factors. ⚠️ Addressing these problems early helps prevent long-term nutritional consequences.

🔎 Common Feeding Problems

• ❌ Poor latch or sucking difficulty
• ↩️ Gastroesophageal reflux (GERD)
• 🥛 Food intolerance or allergies
• 😢 Colic or excessive crying
• 📉 Slow weight gain or failure to thrive
• 🚫 Feeding aversion or refusal

👶 Signs & Symptoms

• 🌀 Frequent spitting up or vomiting
• 😮‍💨 Choking, gagging, or coughing during feeds
• 😭 Persistent crying or discomfort post-feed
• ⚖️ Inadequate weight gain
• 🤱 Breast refusal or fussiness at the breast

📌 Note: Always consult a paediatrician if your infant shows persistent feeding difficulties or poor weight gain.

🛠️ Management Strategies

• 🪑 Ensure proper positioning during feeding
• 💨 Frequent burping to reduce swallowed air
• 🍽️ Offer smaller, more frequent feeds
• 🍼 Use specialised bottles for reflux/GERD
• 🥛 Trial elimination of maternal dietary allergens (for breastfed babies)
• 🥣 Consider thickened formula (only under medical advice)

🚨 When to Seek Help

• 🚫 Baby consistently refusing feeds
• 💧 Signs of dehydration (few wet nappies, dry mouth)
• 📉 Poor weight gain over time
• 🌡️ Symptoms of allergy (rash, swelling, breathing difficulty)

👩‍⚕️ Feeding difficulties can sometimes indicate an underlying condition. Referral may include lactation consultants, dietitians, speech & language therapists (for swallow assessment), or paediatric specialists.

💡 Clinical Pearls

• Reflux peaks at 4–5 months and usually resolves by 12–18 months.
• Failure to thrive always warrants a structured growth and feeding assessment.
• Colic is self-limiting but distressing — reassurance and supportive care are key.
• Allergy (e.g., cow’s milk protein intolerance) can mimic reflux and colic — keep it in the differential.