Specialist feeding input

Sometimes, the feeding needs of an infant will warrant specialist services or tertiary level investigations. The following indicators will justify investigation by local GP and/or referral to tertiary level services:

• Parent (or therapist) has noticed that baby is “wheezy” or chest is “rattly” after feeds. Sometimes referred to as “wet vocalisations”.
• Weight gain is poor despite local interventions.
• Baby seems unreasonably lethargic.
• Recurrent chest infections.
• Problems “managing” feeds: e.g. gagging, choking, and vomiting.
• Baby seems to lose colour or have difficulty coordinating breathing with feeding.
• Weak suck or trouble managing oral secretions.
• Sudden onset of feeding difficulties.
• Severe irritability and behavioural problems during feeding.
• Extensive time taken to complete suck feeds.
• Baby is feeding tube dependent limiting opportunity to progress with oral intake and normal mealtime experiences, where initial reason for tube feeding is no longer an issue.

If the infant presents with the above signs, please suggest the family contacts their paediatrician.