Nervous Mother, Poor Feedings

4/1/2008

I saw a baby recently of a first time mom who was having great difficulty with bottle feedings. The mom seemed extremely anxious and distressed. She was frequently changing infant formulas, bottle and nipple types. The baby was spitting up frequently but had no pain during or after feedings.

Despite the feeding difficulties, the baby appeared to be gaining weight normally. The mom reported that many friends and family members were making suggestions as they felt it would help. She seemed confused and distressed by all the advice.

I took an extensive history of feedings and stool patterns. Mom showed me a feeding diary which was more detailed than most accounting audits. I then examined the baby and asked mom to feed the baby in the office. The baby was not quite at ease with the feeding but was not arching or resisting the feeds. I then fed the baby while mom was observing. The baby seemed much more at ease and relaxed after several minutes of the feeding. The mom was amazed at how easy it appeared. I also instructed her to throw away the feeding diary as it was only increasing her busy work load and anxiety. She told me that her sister suggested the feeding and stool diary to “monitor nutrition”. I almost never advise these tedious diaries for feedings.

This mom is a victim of well intended friends and families who offer conflicting and confusing advice. This mom was in need of support and relaxation not advice and criticism. There are many studies that have shown that nervous caretakers frequently report feeding difficulties and colic type behavior in babies. These difficulties range from poor feeding, to spitting up, and poor weight gain. Other recent studies have reported the finding of predisposition to obesity in babies where mom is extremely depressed or anxious. Babies are barometers of stress in their caretakers specifically the mom.

Once reassured that she was doing a great job and followed her own feeding instincts this mom and baby did beautifully. Mom called me today to report that feedings were going well and both mom and baby are thrilled. All advisors were instructed to send gifts, support, love and hold the well intentioned advice.

      

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