Role of Body Composition in Large for Gestational Age Infants (LGA) With Oral Feeding Difficulty

This study investigates why some large-for-gestational-age (LGA) infants — babies born bigger than expected — have difficulty feeding by mouth. Oral feeding problems are common in these babies but poorly understood. Researchers believe that excess body fat measured by body composition testing may affect the baby's oral feeding ability and metabolism. The study uses safe, non-invasive methods to measure fat and lean mass in LGA babies and relates this to their feeding performance. You may be eligible if: - Your baby is large-for-gestational-age (LGA) and was born at 35 weeks or later - Your baby has oral feeding difficulty - Your baby's body composition shows a fat mass z-score above +1.0 (measured by air displacement plethysmography) You may NOT be eligible if: - Your baby requires respiratory support - Your baby needs tube feeding for more than 60 minutes per session due to blood sugar concerns - A swallow study (VFSS) has shown unsafe swallowing - Your baby has a surgical GI condition, significant neurological problem, or major genetic/congenital anomaly Talk to your neonatologist or neonatal feeding team if your large newborn is struggling to feed by mouth and you want to understand how body composition may be affecting feeding outcomes.