Are you wondering if your baby would benefit from a feeding evaluation? Maybe you’re unsure if what you’re experiencing is ‘normal’ and having some difficulty with feeding your baby? If so, this blog post will identify signs your baby may need a feeding an evaluation.

Signs your baby May Need Breastfeeding Support

Breastfeeding is the biologically normal way to feed babies. And while it is natural, it is also a learned skill, for both you and your baby! If you notice any of the following signs, it may be helpful to seek breastfeeding support:

Mom signs & symptoms:

• Continuous pain while breastfeeding
• Nipple damage or trauma (i.e., cracking, bleeding, bruising, misshapen or ‘lipstick’ nipple)
• Frequent engorgement or plugged ducts
• Recurrent mastitis
• Low milk supply
• Dip in supply around ~3 months

Baby signs & symptoms:

• Labeled as ‘colicky’
• Shallow or unsustained latch
• Falls asleep quickly during feedings
• Feeds take >30 minutes
• Constantly wanting to nurse
• Difficulty opening mouth wide
• Lips curled inward during feeding
• Lip blisters
• ‘Milk tongue’ or white coating on the tongue
• Reflux
• Slow weight gain
• Milk leaks from the lip corners
• Recessed jaw
• Clicking sounds heard during feeding
• Mouth breathing
• Low tongue resting posture

Signs Your baby May Need Bottle Feeding Support

Bottle feeding is often overlooked when it comes to discussing feeding challenges. But it is possible to have challenges with bottle feeding too. You’ll notice many of the signs listed below are similar to those from the previous section:

• Feeding takes excessively long time (i.e., >30+ minutes)
• Fussy, cries, frequently unlatches
• Sleeps through most/every feeding
• Milk leaks from the lip corners
• ‘Milk tongue’ or white coating on the tongue
• Clicking sounds heard during feeding
• Appears to chew the nipple
• Coughs, chokes, and/or gags during feedings
• Slow weight gain
• Reflux
• Recessed jaw
• Parental stress

Signs Your Baby is Having Difficulty Transitioning to Solids

Most babies are start transitioning to solids and cup drinking at ~6 months. The following signs can indicate the need for seeking solid support:

• Stress during feedings for baby and/or parents/caregiver
• Appears to suck on foods vs. chewing them
• Pockets foods in cheeks
• Grazing and snacking all day
• Prolonged gagging even with continuous exposures to foods offered
• Refuses/turns head away when attempts are made to feed
• Resists touching or tasting foods
• Takes long periods of time to chew foods
• Difficulty to transition to a open and/or straw cup
• Has a limited food repertoire, <20 foods

Next steps to take if you have concerns

If you have identified one or multiple signs mentioned above, your baby may benefit from a feeding evaluation with a speech-language pathologist (SLP), occupational therapist (OT), or lactation consultant (IBCLC). A feeding evaluation can give you a better understanding about what you and your baby are experiencing. During this time, a thorough history should be reviewed alongside completing a feeding observation and oral motor assessment. This will help you identify potential oral motor dysfunction/weakness, and/or tongue, lip, and/or cheek ties, as well as provide you with helpful recommendations to help improve feedings at home.

If you’re located in Northern Virginia, I offer home visits! Virtual appointments are also available. Contact me today to schedule a free 15 minute consultation!