Poor feeding in infants is a term that describes babies who do not feed frequently enough, drink enough during a feeding, or express little interest in feeding. While the term “poor feeding” is not a diagnosis itself, it is an important issue to address. Poor feeding in infants and other feeding concerns are common and the solution may be simple, but it can be a symptom of a complication or condition.
Babies who lack interest in eating or who cannot eat as much as they should, may not receive the hydration and nutrition required to maintain their health. This could lead to poor growth, weakness, low weight gain, dehydration, and other concerns. Poor feeding may also lead to failure to thrive if it continues untreated.
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Symptoms of Poor Feeding in Infants
Poor feeding can cause a number of symptoms, which can range from mild to severe, depending on the underlying complication or condition. Persistent feeding issues can lead to slow or inadequate growth, as well as weakness and fatigue. Since struggles with feeding are fairly common, parents and doctors often do not become concerned until there are significant complications, such as:
- Weight loss.
- Lack of weight gain.
- Choking or vomiting.
- Severe dehydration.
- Aspiration pneumonia.
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Poor Feeding in Infants May Indicate a More Serious Diagnosis
Poor feeding in infants may be a symptom of a more serious condition. There are many conditions that can cause poor feeding and other feeding concerns, which may present in a variety of ways. Some congenital disabilities, for example, make it physically difficult or painful to latch on and feed. Other causes of poor feeding in infants may include:
- Neurological conditions.
- Metabolic disorders.
- Genetic disorders.
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
- Structural abnormalities, such as cleft lip or cleft palate.
A doctor should consider all of your child’s symptoms together to determine if there may be a pattern that points to a specific condition. To reach a diagnosis, the doctor will most likely look at your child’s family and medical history, conduct a visual examination, and ask to witness a feeding to observe the complications firsthand.
In some cases—especially when the child does not respond to initial treatment—the doctor may want to order blood tests, medical imaging, or gastrointestinal (GI) studies. Specific laboratory tests can also rule out or confirm a diagnosis.
Treatment will depend on the diagnosis and cause. It may vary from lifestyle or feeding changes to medication or surgery.
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Poor Feeding in Infants May Be Evidence of a Birth Injury
In some cases, poor feeding may be the first indication or a more serious condition that occurred as a result of a birth injury. To learn if you may be able to take legal action based on the circumstances of your child’s delivery, you can speak with a birth injury attorney from your state. Many law firms offer free case evaluations so families can learn more about their cases.
If you qualify to take legal action, an attorney can help assign liability and gather evidence to hold the doctor, hospital, or another party responsible. Evidence in this type of case may include your child’s medical records, records of the pregnancy and delivery, and medical expert witness testimony.
Once you and your attorney have a strong case backed by evidence, you can pursue compensation for your child’s injuries. This could allow you to recover current and future damages, including:
- Medical care expenses, such as diagnosis and treatment.
- Any special needs, such as special formulas or medication.
- Ongoing care costs.
- Time you took away from work to provide care.
- Out-of-pocket expenses.
- Pain and suffering your child experiences.
Each state has its own deadlines for filing a medical malpractice case. Your attorney can help you understand the timeline in your case and act accordingly.
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Get Help Today from a Birth Injury Lawyers Group Team Member
The Birth Injury Lawyers Group can help you learn more about your legal options during a free case review. We can discuss your child’s struggles with feeding, other symptoms, and diagnosis. We will evaluate your opportunity to build a case based on the details we learn about your child’s birth and potential injuries. Call us now at (800) 222-9529 to get started.
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