While neither GHI or Mojave are known for neuro issues like spider complex morphs, occasionally something else could cause it either from incubation, parasites or extreme temperatures. I don't think that's likely though. It sounds maybe like the meal was a bit too big and she was having trouble pushing it down. They do contort their bodies while swallowing to help push it in.
One of the guidelines that gets thrown around here alot is either feeding prey that is only slightly larger than the widest part of your snake or the 10% of the snake's weight.
Depending on her weight and how large of a hatchling she is, a weaned rat may just be a little too big. I have a clutch that hatched out on the smaller side and they're eating rat fuzzies at 3 months still. (I also have 2 rats who who have very large pups in their litters as well...but that's another thing entirely)
It's normal for snakes to lift the first 1/4th of their body up and almost look like they're stargazing when eating though. I jokingly say that's when they're 'slurping the spaghetti' since it's mostly just getting the tail down after that
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