When doing some research on test weights, I found a letter to the editor 
that commented that we do not know if a swallow is 0.1ml or 1.0ml.  I have 
noticed when doing finger feeding (where I control the volume) that many 
babies swallow with a very small bolus size.  I see near-term babies like 
this readmitted to the hospital.  The strength of their suck improves a lot 
when they are re-hydrated.   thank heavens for good scales, Rachel Wahl RN 
IBCLC

>Date:    Fri, 15 Sep 2006 11:06:41 -0400
>From:    mathew j goodman <[log in to unmask]>
>Subject: reflexive swallowing?
>
>Hi There,
>I do home visits for first time BF mom's.  I see them within the first week 
>for one visit.  Occasionally I come upon an infant 4 - 5 days old with 
>significant weight loss (10% or more), stools less than expected, jaundice, 
>  and concerning feeding pattern.  For these infants I do a pre and post 
>feed weight.  Sometimes during the feed I will see/hear evidence that the 
>infant is swallowing frequently in bursts.  Mom offers breast compression 
>and the swallowing picks up. " Wonderful "  I think.,"Perhaps we have 
>turned the corner."  Then the post weight will reflect a "whopping" 3cc or 
>10cc feed.  Sometimes Mom's milk ?? "in" .  Sometimes infants are 35ish 
>weeks.
>I am led to believe that these infants swallowing reflex is triggered by 
>some milk (or saliva) but then they continue to swallow.  Non 
>nutritive-swallowing?  What do you all think?
>
>Valerie Goodman R.N., IBCLC
>Charlottesville VA
>
>mathew j goodman
>[log in to unmask]
>EarthLink Revolves Around You.

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