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An infant with cystic fibrosis and a mother with an eating disorder: a difficult combination
1Section of Child Psychiatry, University of Oxford, Park Hospital, Headington.
The International Journal of Eating Disorders
|July 1, 1994
Insights
Mothers with a history of anorexia nervosa may struggle with feeding infants with cystic fibrosis due to body image concerns. These parents require specialized support and guidance for effective infant nutrition.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Nutrition
- Maternal Mental Health
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- Infant feeding challenges in cystic fibrosis (CF) are common due to malabsorption.
- Maternal psychological factors can significantly impact infant feeding dynamics.
Observation:
- A mother with a history of anorexia nervosa exhibited negative attitudes towards body shape and food.
- These attitudes complicated the feeding of her infant diagnosed with cystic fibrosis and malabsorption.
Findings:
- Maternal psychological history, specifically anorexia nervosa, directly influenced feeding difficulties in an infant with CF.
- Parental attitudes towards body image and food are critical factors in managing pediatric malabsorptive conditions.
Implications:
- Healthcare providers should screen for and address parental mental health concerns in pediatric feeding cases.
- Tailored psycho-nutritional support is essential for parents of infants with CF and malabsorption.
- Early intervention can mitigate long-term feeding issues and improve nutritional outcomes for children with CF.
Abstract:
The feeding of an infant with cystic fibrosis and associated malabsorption was made difficult by the mother's attitudes to body shape and food. She had a history of anorexia nervosa. Such parents may require special advice and support.