Grunting Baby & Flat Baby: Understanding Infant Breathing & Tone

Question
what is a grunty baby? i can only find reference to one that grunts while nursing.  i don't that is right. also a flat baby. is that one that is limp due to a lack of oxygen? i am having trouble finding these answers. thanks

Answer
Hello Sally. A grunty baby is one who is making a vocal noise with each effort of taking a breath. It is an indication that the baby is having trouble with breathing and usually needs expert help. A flat baby is one who has no muscle tone after birth, is not breathing and probably has no heart rate- it is in serious trouble and needs neonatal resuscitation. I hope that answers your question.