With reference to the situation Jay described where a baby had unusual tongue
movements - I recently helped a mother whose baby appeared to have a short
tongue.  When he cried the tip of his tongue was always close to the alveolar
ridge.  The mother had blood blisters on the tips of her nipples at three
days post partum.  I more than half expected to see a short frenulum, but the
underside of the baby's tongue appeared to have a fleshy band.  When sucking
on a finger the baby would cup the finger with his tongue, but not extend his
tongue very far forward in his mouth.  I went to the pediatrician with this
mother.  He said that this was an "unusual", but not an "abnormal" tongue.
 His only reccommendation was to limit time at the breast!  What was helpful
to this mother, particularly in the early days of engorgement, was to express
milk before nursing in order to make it easier for the baby to latch on as
effectively as possible.  By one week the blisters had healed, but nipples
were still sore.  It seems that this may be one of those situations that
reslove themselves as the baby grows.   Any other suggestions anyone?

Happy Thanksgiving to all you Americans.  We're going to New York City to
celebrate with some other Brits.

Lesley Robinson, IBCLC, LLL Leader
Corning, NY