Does anyone have any suggestions for a baby who sucks her cheeks right in
while feeding? The baby is 4 weeks old, and was referred because of low
weight gains: about 40gm per week (just over 1oz). She opens her mouth
beautifully and latches onto a good mouthful of breast, with her tongue
cupping the breast. But her sucking seems to be munching rather than
rhythmic, and her cheeks are drawn in+++. Also little evidence of swallowing.
I've suggested the mother expresses after feeds and gives the EBM in a
supply-line to increase milk supply and baby's intake.
Thanks for any suggestions. The only other baby I've seen with such
sucked-in cheeks lost weight on the breast and ended up bottle feeding.
Lisa Amir
GP/LC in Melbourne, Australia, who would have loved to go Kansas, but is
looking forward to the National ALCA conference in Hobart next month. Is
anyone planning a lactnetters get-together (how about the Friday early
evening?). Dr Hale is an invited speaker -perhaps he can act reporter again
:-) ??