Breastfeeding A Baby With A Neurological Problem

The nervous system consists of the brain, spinal cord and nerves. It controls the information received through the senses and regulates the activity of the body (volitional and involuntary).

When a baby has a neurological problem, it means that something in the nervous system is damaged. Infants with this disorder usually have: low muscle tone, weak sucking reflex and swallowing problems. But it is possible that the muscle tone will be increased, which again leads to problems with twisting.

Breastfeeding is a process that requires the muscles in the face to work quite hard. This means that a baby with a neurological problem is often not able to be breastfed or to some extent (ie babies are not able to get enough milk they need).

It is important for the mother to receive the necessary professional help and support from specialists (doctors, nurses, breastfeeding consultants). Although breastfeeding a baby with neurological problems is possible, the mother's training and guidance in each case can be a challenge even for experienced neonatologists.

Why is breastfeeding so important for these babies?

Babies with neurological problems need breast milk because it:

• is more nutritious and easier to digest than formula;
• supports the immune defense through the substances contained in it , which are missing in formula;
• reduces the risk of infections;
• helps reduce allergies;
• helps the digestive system to mature;
• protects against gastrointestinal disorders;
• reduces the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS);
• and promotes eye and brain development.

When breastfeeding:

• create a special bond with your baby, which is important for a child with special needs;
• the baby's mouth and tongue are improved, which will help his speaking skills;
• muscle and nervous system coordination develop.

How can I help the baby?

Feed it often - 8 to 12 times in 24 hours. You may need to wake the baby to feed him.

A baby with low muscle tone usually sucks better when his head and body are level. It is good to support it with pillows on your lap.

If the child tends to bend his body like an arch, try to keep him with his knees bent (as if sitting on his knees) and his back slightly bent. Wrapping it in a blanket in such situations can help.

When the baby does not want to start breastfeeding, you could express some breast milk by hand on the breast or use a pump to stimulate the flow of milk. This can encourage it.

Try breastfeeding with a sling and release your hands to support your chin and jaw.

 
Once the baby begins to suckle, look for movement of the jaw, ear and temple. If you don't see one, the sucking is probably not as strong as it should be.

Sometimes the "dancer" position can be used to support the baby's chin.

Slide your hand under your breast forward so that you support it with 3 fingers, not 4. Form a U-shape with your thumb and forefinger to fit under your baby's chin. This will help him press the nipple and areola between his gums.

If the baby is not able to be breastfed, you will need to express breast milk that is otherwise available, as it is the best food for the baby.

In such situations you can use a feeding cup for children with special needs. 

It is a soft silicone tip in the shape of a spoon, which is carefully placed on the lower lip of the baby. A bottle is attached to the soft nozzle, in which the required amount of milk is placed. You can squeeze the soft silicone suction part of a special needs device to help your baby get more milk. Using this cup may be the right tool for your baby and you may not need nasogastric tubes.

Most babies are discharged from the hospital as soon as they are able to feed the amount of milk they need to develop properly.

How will I know if my baby is getting enough milk?

Your baby should be breastfed every 2 or 3 hours (8 to 12 times in 24 hours), including at night.

Pay attention to the type of urine and stool in the first week after birth:

If the mother intends to breastfeed a baby with a neurological problem, she should be strongly encouraged, even when the baby has sucking abnormalities, except for the rare and most severely affected babies who remain dependent on feeding through gastrostomy. The various techniques for stimulation, positioning can be extremely useful in training the mother by specialists. The most important thing is for the mother and the team she works with to be patient, because the benefits for the child are worth the effort.