Tracheomalacia is an abnormally soft area in the cartilage of the trachea.
When the baby inhales, the negative pressure created pulls the wall of the
weak area in the trachea inward, causing a narrowing which results in the
high-pitched noise. (Stridor)  Assuming that the baby is otherwise normal
(I'm assuming abnormalities of the vessels to and from the heart have been
ruled out) I wouldn't write off breastfeeding altogether.  If the mom is able
to persevere, (which it sounds like may be an important factor) the baby
might do much better given some time for the airway to grow.
Good luck!

Kathy Leeper, MD
(The Pediatrician in Lincoln, NE
working on opening up a Breastfeeding Support Center---Feb of 2001!)

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