Another had a baby, 3 weeks premature but not too small
>and very healthy, who nevertheless did not latch-on to the breast for 6
>weeks.  Both used a tube system.  The only problem either of them had
>was that baby kept sucking the tape right off!

I find that using the tube system at the breast without tape works much
better.  It is a bit tricky to teach the moms, but is worth the effort.
When first teaching, I tape the tubing above the areola to give mom a bit of
an anchor.  Once the tube in securly in the baby's mouth, tape is not
necessary.  Eventually, moms can get baby to latch without the tape.  I find
that Chloe Fisher's technique of latch-on works very effectivly when using a
tube system at breast.

I was thrilled last week to actually work with a mom who asked for a tube
system.  Her baby had a physician's order for supplementation.  She said -
"do you have that funny tube thing for supplementing?"  Turns out she used
it with one of her children that was a preemie.  I gave it to her, got her
started, and she went to it.  Baby nursed like a champ!

Donna Zitzelberger RN BSN IBCLC