For an infant, breast/chestfeeding and sucking is the normal form of feeding. If an infant is born with an underlying neurological, muscular, genetic or anatomical disease or if neurological changes occur due to complications, this form of feeding may be disturbed. Since the interaction of breathing-sucking-swallowing requires the coordination of over 60 muscles and several cranial nerves, even small changes in physiology can throw the system out of balance. Congenital-Heart-Disease, Down Syndrome or a disorder of the central nervous system due to pre- or postnatal trauma, infection or structural defect differ in their symptoms, but what they all have in common is that sucking and oral intake of food can be impaired. When working with infants or lactating parents, children with sucking disorders due to an underlying disease may also be present. It is important to know which underlying diseases can have an impact on sucking and how the children and families can be supported to enable or improve oral feeding and to be able to assess which interdisciplinary team would be useful to ensure the best possible care.
Learning Objectives:
1. Name at least three different underlying conditions that can cause sucking dysfunction.
2. Describe the clinical signs and symptoms that may indicate an underlying condition as a cause of sucking dysfunction.
3. Explain the clinical lactation support needed in cases of sucking dysfunction related to an underlying condition and when to refer to another provider.
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