Signs that your baby is having difficulty feeding

Stress signs to look out for

Your baby may be having trouble feeding if you notice that they are:

• losing a lot of milk at the corners of the mouth
• spluttering or turning red in the face
• spreading their hands, waving their arms and legs 
• getting irritable and pulling away from the teat or nipple
• holding their breath
• making gulping noises
• holding milk in their mouth
• breathing faster and irregularly
• losing the latch on the teat or nipple.

Signs of aspiration

Aspiration means food or liquid enters their lungs instead of their stomach.

Let your nursing team know if you notice any of the following signs during or immediately after a feed.

• coughing or spluttering
• wet or gurgly voice after swallowing
• tear-filled eyes
• persistent throat-clearing
• changes of skin colour (pale, blue or mottled).