Tonight I saw a mom and barely 3 day old baby who were having serious nipple
pain issues.  I went through my evaluations - regardless of how good the
latch was mom was in agony.  Did an eval of baby's body - lots of twisting
in the hips to the left, shoulders uneven, very tight in neck and back.  Did
a suck eval - VERY poor suck - loose sloppy tongue motion, little to no
negative pressure...now I'm getting worried.  Tried baby on a bottle - Dr
Brown, Nuk, Platex drop in.NO GO.  Baby worked hard to get 5 mls  then fell
asleep.  Now I am very worried.  

 

Mom had LOTS of fluids in a 26 hour labor.  About 4 bags.  Baby dropped a
full pound in 3 days.  8'10" at birth and 7'9.8 today on day 3.  I know
there was a water weight component here but how much - and I also know baby
has not been eating.I know we are in trouble.

 

Called my Bowen Therapist Judy and asked if she had time to see a baby who
could not feed to evaluate and treat muscle issues.  (She is an RN (over 25
yrs) who worked Peds for years.)  She said to bring them in.  She was
getting ready to go home - it was 7:30.  She stayed for me because I told
her it was urgent.  This lady ROCKS!

 

After evaluating and treating baby - baby was able to create and maintain a
seal, a suck, and negative pressure and took almost an ounce in less than 10
minutes.  Her body was much more relaxed - her shoulders went to where they
were supposed to be - her hips were no longer twisting to the left, jaw no
longer lopsided - and most importantly - SHE COULD FEED!   

 

I knew this baby would end up back in the hospital on an NG tube if we
couldn't fix this tonight and at least get her able to eat.  Baby still
needs more treatment for extremely tight back and neck muscles - but at
least she is able to feed.

 

When people question me about referring to this type of therapy (and they do
all the time) I will forever use this experience as my example.  I will be
seeing the parents and baby tomorrow for a weight check, and Friday too.  We
will reevaluate breastfeeding in a couple days when baby has put on more
weight and wakes up easier.

 

It has been a long time since I have seen a baby unable to feed herself on a
bottle.honestly - it really scared me.  The mommies are grateful that their
baby can feed.I am grateful I met Judy.

 

Jaye Simpson, IBCLC, CIIM

Breastfeeding Network

Sacramento, CA

www.breastfeedingnetwork.net

 


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