Bottle Feeding Aversion
Bottle feeding aversion may occur in babies (those who are medically well as well as those who are on tubefeeding or have other issues), but show signs of refusing to drink from the bottle. Feeding becomes a struggle and is stressful to both the caregiver and the baby.
Some signs of bottle feeding aversion may include:
- Dream feeding: only drinks from the bottle when drowsy or asleep.
- Taking less milk than expected when awake.
- Taking a very long time to complete the milk volume.
- Turning head away or not opening the mouth to the bottle.
- Arching their backs very strongly.
- Requiring rocking or other distractions in order to encourage baby to drink from the bottle.
- Fussing or crying when bottle is presented or sometimes when placed in a cradle position before bottle is presented.
Caregiver stress are often reported. Caregivers often report and share the following:
- They are worried about weight gain and hydration as baby is not drinking well and takes much less fluids than recommended.
- They had previous experiences where their child or baby was able to complete larger volumes but is now unable to.
- They have tried many different bottles and teats.
- They have tried changing of environment.
- They have tried changing the feeder.
- They have tried changing the position baby is held to ensure a good feed.
- They feed almost every hour or two hourly to ensure baby drinks enough.
- They feed for more than 30 min and sometimes even an hour or more.
Why does bottle aversion occur?
- Negative or unpleasant feeding experiences, e.g. force feeding.
- Reflux or discomfort during or after feeding
- Overfeeding
During the first assessment session, the speech therapist will do a physical examination of your child’s oral structures and sucking skills. The speech therapist will also observe your child feeding from the bottle or breast.
She will then provide suggestion to optimise the feeding, such as:
- Changes in feeding position or techniques
- Changes to feeding schedule
- Other feeding equipment
- Exercises to promote a more efficient suck
We will also work closely with your paediatrician or gastroenterologist, to ensure that your baby’s hydration and nutritional needs are met.