A friend had a baby who needed a tracheotomy  and  continued to b/f.  She 
had it for a different reason and babe  was older and bf was established 
therefore , she  continued to bf her  to toddlerhood, and  believed that 
with the  protection that bf gave her against coughs and colds et made life 
easier for the child and  for her

Helen
LLLL


 I have taken care of babies with this syndrome, years ago, but don't recall
> any particulars. I am not an expert on this, however I did a search for
> prune belly syndrome and there are associated anomalies. A feeding problem
> is not typically seen, from what I've read. Pulmonary hypoplasia from
> oligohydramnios and/or the large abdomen can occur and this seems possible
> to be the baby's problem. Was baby also premature and had some respiratory
> distress? Was baby on a ventilator early on and now has some chronic lung
> changes?
> The baby seems to have an oral aversion and I think it could be because
> feeding makes it harder for him to breathe. I would explore the option of
> placing a gastrostomy tube, if that is possible with this particular 
> defect.
> Then baby could gently and at his own pace be introduced to oral 
> behaviors,
> and gradual oral feeding. In my experience with chronically ill babies 
> (many
> years experience), it can be a great relief for parents to not have to
> "battle" to get the baby fed. Often the parents can just accept whatever 
> the
> baby can manage to eat by mouth, knowing they can give an intermittent
> G-tube feeding, or run a pump during the night.
> I know that breastfeeding is possible with a tracheostomy, I think
> positioning that keeps the airway open is critical of course, the
> assymetrical latch with baby's head extended, not flexed. However, I would
> not suggest breastfeeding -- at this time -- until baby is further 
> evaluated
> as to his respiratory function. I would suggest skin to skin, which could
> occur with baby held chest to chest, but a little above mom's shoulder, or
> lying side to side, or just cradling somewhat upright in mom's arms. 
> Protect
> the airway is the mantra.
> If mother is willing to keep the milk expression going, and I would
> encourage her to do so, and to try to increase her supply, then at some
> point in the future, they could breastfeed. Also, babies do grow more lung
> tissue and can improve over time and have the tracheostomy closed. 
> However,
> it is possible that this baby will not breastfeed, I don't know his lung
> capacity and neuro status. I certainly believe there is very good 
> potential
> for this though.

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