What happens when your newborn infant suddenly cannot tolerate feedings like they used to? When they spit up more, or develop unusual symptoms like abdominal distension and bloody stools? These concerning changes could be red flags for necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), a life-threatening intestinal disease that primarily affects premature infants. If your child has been diagnosed with this condition due to medical negligence, speak to a NEC baby formula lawyer as soon as possible.
What Is “Poor Tolerance of Feeding”?
Poor feeding tolerance occurs when your infant has difficulty digesting breast milk or formula. You may notice that they are throwing up more, that their bellies are swelling, or they are not ingesting the same amounts as they did before. In some cases, the baby may not take any breast milk or formula at all.
These feeding difficulties often appear suddenly. Your baby might feed normally one day, then show discomfort during or after feedings the next. While occasional spit-up is normal for newborns, persistent or worsening symptoms could be a medical emergency. Seek immediate treatment at the nearest hospital.
How NEC Can Lead to Feeding Issues in Babies
NEC causes inflammation and infection in the intestinal tissue that leads to cell death. This damage can significantly impair a baby’s ability to digest breast milk or formula. As the condition progresses, sections of the intestine may die off, causing holes or perforations to form. Bacteria can enter the abdominal cavity via these perforations.
The intestinal damage directly affects feeding tolerance. When intestinal walls become inflamed and compromised, normal digestive processes are disrupted. Infants struggle to process even minimal amounts of formula, resulting in visible discomfort, a swollen belly, and sometimes a complete refusal to feed.
Other Symptoms Associated with NEC
Beyond feeding intolerance, babies with NEC can present several distinct warning signs that parents and caregivers should watch for. If you notice any of the following symptoms, seek medical attention as soon as possible:
- Abdominal distension (swollen, tight belly)
- Bile-colored (green) vomit
- Bloody stools
- Lethargy or decreased activity
- Temperature instability
- Breathing difficulties or apnea
- Low blood pressure
- Decreased urine output
- Bradycardia (slow heart rate)
Your Legal Options After Your Child Develops NEC
NEC can result in lifelong complications for your child, including short bowel syndrome, nutritional deficiencies, growth delays, and developmental problems. In severe cases, this condition can be fatal. Families often face substantial medical expenses due to specialized care and significant emotional distress from watching their children suffer from this disease.
In these situations, your family may have grounds for legal action. NEC has been linked to certain cow’s milk-based baby formulas that are commonly given to premature infants in the hospital. Across the country, families are filing lawsuits against formula manufacturers Abbott Laboratories and Mead Johnson, holding the corporations accountable for the harm they suffered.
These lawsuits can help provide compensation for:
- Immediate medical expenses
- Long-term care needs associated with NEC
- Lost wages from caring for the child
- Physical and emotional pain and suffering
- Other damages resulting from this serious condition
If your baby has been diagnosed with NEC and you believe it may be linked to baby formula, the attorneys at Shapiro Legal Group, PLLC can help. Our firm is representing families nationwide who have been affected by this devastating condition—trust us to fight for you. Contact us at (800) 220-0984 to schedule a free consultation and learn how we can assist your family during this challenging time.