I am looking for the great wisdom of LN to help me with this case.
A mother recently delivered her first baby and I noted that the baby's cry
was abnormal (weak, slightly high pitched and airy).  She also appeared to
have labored periods of breathing but never grunting or flaring.  Many tests
were done and the final conclusion was Tracheal Malacia.  The parents were
told she will probably grow out of this within a year.  Meanwhile she is a
poor feeder.  She has always had a poor latch, with little suckling.  Mom has
large breast and slightly flat nipples.  A shield has been tried but baby
does not improve with this.  I have had mom pumping since day 2 postpartum
but she has not been consistent with this until the baby was over a week old
and readmitted for a viral infection.  Her milk supply has never been great,
getting 20-40 cc per pumping with a double setup large electric pump.
My question is: how does Tracheal Malacia affect eating and breathing?  Is a
push to breastfeed too big of a goal for this baby?  Any one with a back
ground in this disorder I would appreciate hearing from to help guide the
parents.
Meanwhile I will work to build up mom's supply.
Thanks,
Ann Perry RN IBCLC
Boston, MA

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