The first six weeks of Devin’s life were some of the most challenging I’ve ever faced. Navigating the whirlwind of postpartum hormones, compounded by depression and anxiety, was already overwhelming. On top of that, her feeding struggles added so much stress to our sleep deprevation and navigating being a first time parent. We initially thought she had a cow’s milk allergy or that her feeding struggles were due to a tongue and lip tie, desperately searching for answers. She did have a tongue and lip tie but her struggles still continued after the release. I voiced my concerns to her pediatrician and lactation consultants, only to have them dismissed. It wasn’t until I stumbled upon a TikTok video of another mother sharing her child’s experience with laryngomalacia that everything suddenly clicked. Devin was later diagnosed with a mild case, and thankfully, she will continue to grow stronger and eventually outgrow it. We are incredibly lucky that she did not require surgery, but many children with more severe cases do. That’s not to say the journey has been easy. Laryngomalacia can cause significant reflux, which explained so many of the struggles we faced. The most helpful interventions have been feeding therapy with an occupational therapist and thickening her formula—both of which have made a world of difference. I share this because laryngomalacia is often overlooked, and awareness is so important. If a baby is having blue spells or struggling to gain weight, more extreme measures may be necessary, and early intervention can be critical. No parent should have their concerns dismissed when they know something isn’t right. Trust your instincts, advocate for your child, and push for the answers they deserve.
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