Question

A baby born to a cocaine-addicted mother at 30 weeks gestation had a LBW, at 2.91# and 15.71".

1- Identify potential developmental feeding problems in early infancy, including what appropriate hunger cues might be missing.

2- Identify two programs the infant would be eligible to participate in.

Answer 1

1. The Feeding of an infant with Low Birthweight is challengeable. The baby is weak and at high risk of malnutrition. Some of the potential problems are

• The baby doesn't have the energy for feeding and they fall asleep.
• The baby may fall upset frequently while feeding.
• May have a cough, gag, and spitting up of milk during and after feeding.
• Poor responsiveness to hunger.
• Baby get frustrated with the bottle feed.
• Baby does not take enough calories in formula feed.

This can be rectified through the solutions of

• Maintain oxygen Status during infant feedings.
• Make the environment dark and quiet and less exposure to the light.
• Provide small and frequent feedings.
• Provide latching on training to the baby.
• Consult pediatric dietician in order to meet the caloric needs.
• Maintain the proper flow of milk from the bottle.
• Gastroesophageal reflux and aspiration should be treated properly.

2. a) The infant can undergo Infant feeding program to meet the essentials of breastfeeding and complementary feeding. The program also makes awareness about the nutritional need for a woman.

b). Neonatal and infant feeding Disorder Program: This will help to improve the quality of life of the infant and to treat the cause of feeding difficulties in the infant. They rectify the difficulties through an innovative approach.