3. Difficulty in Feeding: Unmasking the Hurdles
One of the more subtle but significant symptoms of SBS is a sudden difficulty in feeding. The otherwise eager feeder may now show a marked reluctance or even outright refusal to feed, coupled with a struggle to suck or swallow.
A typical feeding session, previously filled with anticipation and satisfaction, might now turn into a battleground. The baby may display a sudden lack of interest in feeding or could struggle with latching on, sucking, and swallowing – basic feeding instincts that they had previously mastered.
What adds to the caregiver’s concern is the abruptness of this change. Without a clear external cause, this sudden aversion to feeding can seem perplexing. The absence of any visible signs of illness such as fever or rashes further clouds the issue.
Another factor amplifying the worry is the infant’s otherwise keen interest in feeding. Babies often associate feeding times with comfort and security, and a sudden disinterest in this activity can signal an underlying problem.
Hidden beneath this unusual feeding behavior is the distress caused by SBS. The otherwise unexplained struggle with feeding mirrors the silent struggle the infant is going through, making it a vital symptom to consider in the context of SBS. (3)
