A newborn's ability to eat and digest food is essential to growth and development. Most babies are able to take feedings with normal absorption of the milk followed by normal bowel movements.

Difficulty in any of these areas can be a temporary adjustment or a sign of a more serious problem. The Gastroenterology and Child Nutrition Program at Boston Children's Hospital is a unique, multidisciplinary program that helps children with gastrointestinal diseases (GI) and nutrition problems that may require multiple specialists. We provide a full range of services for patients with gastrointestinal diseases, hepatobiliary, pancreatic and nutritional problems. Our Growth and Nutrition Program is specifically designed to help children with poor growth and feeding difficulties, and is the first of its kind in the country.