I guess I'm just stubborn, but I never give up.

Get the mother to recline--like in a chair that leaves her only about 20%
upright. Then put the baby on so that his body is vertical, just like the
mom's. This might help.


--
Marie Biancuzzo, RN MS                      Perinatal Nurse Consultant
PO Box 1562                                        Phone: 703-758-0092
Herndon, Virginia 22070-1562     email: [log in to unmask]


On Thu, 7 Sep 1995, Pat Bucknell wrote:

> 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)
>
> --
>
> p
>
>