Jeanette- I read your post and the 6/5 response.  34 weeks gestational
age babies may or may not be ready to feed-  each is different.  You
described a very weak suck and gag reflex , and questioned if this baby
could swallow.  Being NG fed.  Very brief medical history was
presented.  In response to your question if the NG tube was a cause of
the weak gag and swallow--no.  Suggestions made to your original post
included using the SNS or haberman feeder.

An evaluation by a OT or Speech Pathologist needs to be made.  NDT
training is not necessary to evaluate this infants ability to begin oral
feeds.  Please listen to what this baby is saying.  Pushing feeds on a
baby who is not ready is dangerous!  You run the risk of aspiration.

Sounded like you are very interested in learning more about infant
feeding. Is there a OT or SP in your area you could spend some time
with?  Is there is a regional level 3 NICU or children's hospital  within a
day's drive?  An experienced  mentor would be worth her weight in gold.
There is much to learn from someone who is trained in infant feeding
assessment.

Laura Wham RN IBCLC
Primary Children's Medical Center
Salt Lake City, Utah