Barbara,
What an elegant solution!  Massaging the front of the lower gum also
stimulates the tongue extrusion reflex- tongue extension that allows baby to
get nipple farther back into his mouth when he latches.
        Sometimes eliciting a wider gape helps get the lip out: the lips wind
up pulled in if the baby is closing his mouth as he latches on.  Pulling him
in to the breast faster, or stimulating him to open the mouth wider (usually
by brushing the lower lip gently with mom's nipple) often allows the lips to
touch the breast while they are still flanged.
        Thanks for the compliments! (Blush)
Catherine Watson Genna, IBCLC  NYC  [log in to unmask]