Hi,
I have been lurking for some time now but would appreciate some help with
this mother and baby.I work as a private LC as well as working in a
voluntary capacity for LLL as one of their professional liaison leaders.

The baby was born by Caesarian section 3 weeks ago and has been exclusively
B/F (nipple shields for 2 feeds only on Day 2-3).No antibiotics or thrush
symptoms in mum or baby.She had sore nipples at my first visit (day 10) but
with a change of position breastfeeding became painless.Weight gain is fine.

Her baby however is making a 'clicking' noise when feeding and has done so
since birth.I checked that the baby has a wide open mouth when attaching to
the breast and that her bottom lip is flanged out,plenty of the underneath
of the breast in her mouth.I observed at length,the baby feeding on the
breast when mum was lying down to feed.
I observed 2 things, firstly the bottom lip rolled up then flanged out in a
very quick motion when the baby was sucking.This did not occur with every
suck but was definitely associated with the 'clicking 'noise.
Secondly I observed at other times, the baby sucking with a QUARTER of her
lower lip pulled in( near the junction of the upper and lower lip) and this
was also associated with the 'clicking' noise.
I asked mum whether the baby sucked her fist/fingers.She informed me that
her baby was born with blisters on each fist and the midwife had said that
the baby must have been sucking on them in utero.This baby is still sucking
her right fist.The clicking noise is more noticeable when feeding on the
left breast and the sound comes from beneath the breast(Mums comment).
I feel this clicking is related to the way the baby is sucking on the right
fist..I have suggested  putting mittens on to deter the baby from sucking
this way but this has not helped so far.Is there anything else anyone can
suggest or is this a matter of mittens, pulling down the bottom lip(when
able..the rolling action is very fast) and time.Has anyone else come across
this before?

I look forward to your comments .
Barbara Fletcher RN IBCLC LLLL
Auckland
New Zealand

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