This question came from a colleague of mine who doesn't have
access to Lactnet.  She has been working with a mother who has #3
baby--previously nursed other two.  This baby evidently has a
smaller mouth that its siblings.  Mother's nipples are and inch
in diameter as well as an inch long, with sinuses 1/4--1/2"
behind base of nipple.  LC did digital exam on baby's mouth and
it's only 1--1 1/4" from edge of soft palate to edge of the lips.
Therefore baby can't latch on deep enough to compress the sinuses
Mom is pumping and feeding the baby ebm, but the question is--how
long will it take for baby's mouth to grow enough to "fit" mom?
Baby was first seen at 3 weeks and it is 3 weeks later with no
change in "mouth" size.  What is the average depth of a baby's
soft palate?  At what rate does it grow?  Do these questions
have answers?  Mom can pump with the Medela flange without the
insert, just barely, using vegetable oil to avoid nipple abra-
sion.  LC would describe the nipples as "meaty" and they have
seemed to mom to get "more fibrous" with each child.  Any hints
info, or suggestions?
Pat Bucknell
Avon Lake, OH (20 mi W of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame)
               (haven't been there yet, hope to soon)

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p