Can babies with laryngomalacia breastfeed?

Understanding Laryngomalacia and Breastfeeding
Laryngomalacia, often referred to as “floppy larynx,” is a congenital condition characterized by the softening of the tissues surrounding the voice box (larynx). This condition can lead to a partial blockage of the airway, resulting in noisy breathing, particularly during inhalation. For many infants diagnosed with laryngomalacia, breastfeeding can present unique challenges, but it is generally possible.
Feeding Difficulties in Infants with Laryngomalacia
Babies with laryngomalacia may experience feeding difficulties due to their condition. The soft tissues in their larynx can collapse during feeding, making it harder for them to transfer milk effectively. This can lead to frustration for both the baby and the breastfeeding parent. Many lactation consultants emphasize the importance of addressing these challenges early on to ensure that the baby receives adequate nutrition while also managing the symptoms of laryngomalacia.
Strategies for Successful Breastfeeding
Despite the potential difficulties, many infants with laryngomalacia can successfully breastfeed with the right support and techniques. Here are some strategies that can help:
1. Positioning: Proper positioning during breastfeeding is crucial. Keeping the baby in an upright position can help minimize airway obstruction and facilitate easier milk transfer. This position can also reduce the risk of aspiration, which is a concern for babies with swallowing difficulties associated with laryngomalacia.
2. Pacing: Slowing down the feeding pace can also be beneficial. Allowing the baby to take breaks during feeding can help them manage their breathing and reduce the risk of choking or gagging.
3. Consultation with Specialists: Engaging with lactation consultants who have experience with laryngomalacia can provide tailored advice and support. They can offer techniques specific to the baby’s needs and help monitor feeding progress.
Monitoring and Support
It’s essential for parents to monitor their baby’s weight gain and overall health closely. Regular check-ups with pediatricians can help ensure that the baby is thriving despite the challenges posed by laryngomalacia. In some cases, if breastfeeding proves too difficult, parents may need to consider alternative feeding methods, such as bottle feeding with thickened formulas, which can sometimes help manage the condition.
Conclusion
In summary, while babies with laryngomalacia may face challenges when breastfeeding, it is certainly possible with the right strategies and support. Parents are encouraged to seek guidance from healthcare professionals to navigate these challenges effectively, ensuring that their infants receive the nutrition they need while managing the symptoms of laryngomalacia.

How to breastfeed an infant with laryngomalacia?

How To Manage: Expect shorter, more frequent feeds. This allows enough time for plenty of breathing breaks in between swallows at the breast. Nurse in a position to place baby’s head extended back and baby is sitting more upright or inclined (Football, Laid-Back, Dancer)

Can laryngomalacia affect bottle feeding?

Most babies with laryngomalacia have no trouble breathing or feeding, even when their breathing sounds concerning. Breathing usually gets louder when lying down, sleeping, crying or feeding. Babies with severe laryngomalacia may have these symptoms: Apnea (long pauses in breathing).

What does laryngomalacia sound like when feeding?

Most babies who have laryngomalacia start having symptoms within a few days to weeks after birth. These symptoms may include: Noisy breathing. Difficulty feeding or gasping/choking noises while feeding.

Is laryngomalacia worse when feeding?

Indeed, patients with laryngomalacia can have coughing and choking during feeding, feeding difficulty, dysphagia, aspiration, failure to thrive, or worsening of stridor during feeding.

How should a baby with laryngomalacia sleep?

Children with this condition do better if lying on their sides or stomachs, sitting upright, or at a 30-degree angle. The child should also be held in an upright position for 30 minutes after feeding and never fed lying down.

Why is my baby gasping for air while breastfeeding?

Most often, babies are choking and gasping at the breast because mom has a lot of milk and/or the flow of her milk is so fast that the baby struggles (just like adults can only handle guzzling so much of a drink rather than drinking it at a more reasonable pace).

Does tummy time help with laryngomalacia?

First line treatment for laryngomalacia includes positioning and treatment for gastric reflux. Typically, parents will be instructed to position their child on their stomach when they are having difficulty breathing.

Is laryngomalacia linked to SIDS?

In the most severe cases, laryngomalacia has been described as a cause of sudden infant death syndrome [70].

What aggravates laryngomalacia?

All babies reflux, but children with laryngomalacia may have more than other babies. Acid reflux, if it reaches the upper portion of the swallowing tube (esophagus) and voice box region, can cause additional swelling of the floppy tissue seen in LM.

What are the red flags of laryngomalacia?

Signs and Symptoms of Laryngomalacia
Infants with LM have intermittent noisy breathing when breathing in. It becomes worse with agitation, crying, excitement, feeding or position / sleeping on their back. These symptoms are often present at birth and are usually apparent within the first 10 days of life.