Thank-you for the reply.  I think you're right that I just need to see a lot of normal palates to see what is not normal.  It would be really helpful if there were multiple photos of palates available to help those of us who haven't looked into many babies' mouths.

I am interested in hearing more about when you and other experienced LCs think it is a good idea to do an oral assessment on a baby.  I too, think it is intrusive.  As a LLLL, I never put my finger into a baby's mouth (other than my own children) and as an IBCLC, I don't think I should do so unless necessary.

Under what circumstances do you or others think it is indicated to do so?

I'll list some that I can think of here:

-A non-latching baby who has been given the opportunity to try to latch in biological nurturing positions and when other techniques also fail to help them latch

-A baby who continues to latch shallowly (and is causing mom pain or has low milk transfer) when given the opportunity to latch more deeply

-When baby is causing compression and damage of the nipple even after attempting better latch and positioning techniques 

-Laura Spitzfaden

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