DESPAIR NOT. YOUR DOWN SYNDROME CHILD CAN FEED (IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE

ZULKIPLE IBRAHIM

In conjunction with the World Down Syndrome Day on March 21

PETALING JAYA (Malaysia), March 20 (Bernama) -- "Maybe one day my son would
just figure it out by himself and starts to swallow food?"

That was a question posed by this writer during a consultation with a speech
and swallowing pathologist here recently.

The reply that came back was the least inspirational.

"Unfortunately most Down Syndrome children do not simply outgrow this
problem", said Dr Cindy Lian, a speech and swallowing pathologist at SpeecHelp
Clinic at Jalan Bukit, Section 11/2 here.

The specialist, who wished to be addressed as Cindy, was referring to this
writer's 18-month-old son who is a Trisomy 21 (Down Syndrome) case.

SMALL MOUTH

According to Cindy, there is a growing concern over feeding problems in
children with Down Syndrome.

"Sometimes, parents of children with Down Syndrome do not report having
difficulties with their child's feeding unless expressly queried.

"A Down Syndrome child has a small mouth. Hypotonia (muscle weakness or low
muscle tone) in the tongue, cheeks and lips as well as tongue protrusion make
feeding difficult but not impossible", she said.

She said a baby with Down Syndrome may have trouble creating a tight seal
around a feeding bottle teat or breast and may have weak suckling.

BOTTLE FEED

However babies with Down Syndrome can be breast or bottle fed like any other
child, Cindy said.

According to Cindy, feeding a baby with Down Syndrome requires patience and
perseverance as the baby is sometimes a difficult feeder.

"Even though your child has Down Syndrome, it does not mean that he cannot
breast feed. Your baby needs to be stimulated before a feed. To do this, firstly
make sure the baby is awake and alert.

"Lay baby in your arms and gently stroke his lips, cheeks and tongue. This
should encourages sucking".

"Try using an orthodontic teat. They are designed to resemble a nipple, and,
the flow of milk is not too fast. This will encourage the baby to suck properly
apart from strengthening facial and oral muscles which are also important for
speech.

Babies with Down syndrome may tire quickly while feeding (particularly if
there are heart or other health problems) so it may be helpful to give small,
frequent feeds to start with.

"Don't be put off by the notion that your baby can't be breast feed because
he has Down syndrome. The only way to find out if successful breast-feeding is
possible is by giving it a try and in most cases, it is possible", she added.

Cindy can be contacted at SpeecHelp Therapy and Resources, No. 20, Jalan
Bukit, Section 11/2, 46200, Petaling Jaya, Selangor. Tel no: 03-79542288
(fax:03-79542288).

She is also available at cindylian@speechelp.com.

-- BERNAMA