Paediatric feeding difficulties are issues that not only disrupt family life and routines but also precipitate numerous health complications for children. The impact can extend far beyond the immediate family, causing significant financial and psychological stress to whānau. Feeding challenges can begin from birth, become progressively challenging over time, coincide with periods of illness or be linked to developmental diagnosis.
Aotearoa wide, estimates suggest that more than 250,000 children will experience feeding difficulties at some point in their childhood. The psychological toll on families can be tough. The stress surrounding mealtimes can fundamentally alter family dynamics, leading to increased anxiety and depression among parents. Many parents report feeling overwhelmed and unsupported, with some experiencing marital or relationship strain due to the pressures of managing feeding difficulties. Additionally, the emotional fatigue from continuous caregiving and the financial stress can lead to social isolation, further compounding the psychological burden.
Parents often find that their relationships with food and mealtimes are drastically changed, making these times more stressful and less enjoyable. The co-occurrence of feeding difficulties with other special needs further complicates daily life, making it harder for families to maintain a sense of normalcy and emotional stability. While some families find support through online communities, health professionals, and local services, many others feel isolated and unsupported.
Paediatric feeding difficulties impose a heavy financial and psychological burden on families in New Zealand, by understanding the comprehensive impacts of feeding difficulties, we can better support the wellbeing and resilience of all whānau affected by these difficulties.
Reference
Corney, S. L., Rush, G., Taylor, S. A., & Jackson, B. N. (2024). Impacts of raising a child with a feeding difficulty in Aotearoa New Zealand. The New Zealand medical journal, 137(1596), 52-71.
Rebecca Barnard