Why do newborn babies experience some oxygen deficiency while feeding?

Neonatal babies may experience mild hypoxia during feeding due to factors such as excessive sucking effort, nasal obstruction, or incomplete development of respiratory function. It is recommended to identify the specific cause and proceed with differential diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

1. Excessive sucking effort

Neonatal babies are very small and have not yet learned how to breathe properly while feeding. If a baby sucks too eagerly or forcefully during breastfeeding, it may lead to breathing difficulties, resulting in decreased blood oxygen levels and causing mild hypoxia during feeding.

2. Nasal obstruction

If the mother's feeding position is incorrect, the baby's nose may become blocked by the breast during nursing, leading to rapid breathing. In severe cases, this can result in mild hypoxia during feeding.

3. Incomplete respiratory system development

Due to underdeveloped respiratory function, newborns may have weak respiratory compensation ability and irregular breathing patterns. During feeding, this may increase the burden on the lungs and lead to symptoms of mild hypoxia.