Sima,

I was wondering if you assessed the babies suck with your gloved finger?
When moms describe to me the "biting" pain, I have often found with my
digital exam of his suck, that he is "chomping" versus "sucking".  Its not
an easy fix.  I explain how the tongue is supposed to be massaging the
nipple (or my finger), moving it in and out of his mouth.  Instead, he is
just compressing and releasing.  The moms who have a great supply and are
practically leaking in the babies mouth, have babies that can sometimes
manage to eat just enough, but it will usually affect their supply down the
road.

I usually send them home doing some "tug of war" exercises - with their
finger, or a paci, or a bottle nipple. (no flames please)  If they aren't
gaining well, supplementation may be needed to help teach the baby how to
use his tongue correctly and thus improve the transfer of milk from the
breast. This usually involves a demonstration on paced bottle feeding along
with the tug of war (which is just gentle counter pressure to teach the baby
to keep a grasp of the nipple), so that we don't jeopardize the
breastfeeding relationship!

If improvement doesn't occur within a few days, I usually recommend cranial
sacral therapy.  I've had good results with both.

Linda Hill RN, IBCLC
Austin,TX

NOT enjoying the 3rd week of 103-106 degree weather!

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