Dear Lactnet Wonderpeople-
     I am working with a beautiful mother and baby who are having a difficult
time getting started.  The baby, now 10 days old, roots eagerly, attaches
deeply, sucks once or twice and stops.  Now, I've seen that a lot, especially
with babies getting bottles and when mom has a good supply.  But this baby
won't stay on and suck even if the flow is good.  Using an SNS, a syringe,
stimulating MER first, nipple shield, all fail to keep this little one
sucking.  Mom's supply is good, nipples graspable, baby healthy, big (> 9
lb.s) and vigorous.
    They got off to a good start in the hospital.  Nursed right after birth,
kept mom and baby together, lots of nursing.  Then, on day 2, baby stopped
nursing.  No idea why.  Before fullness started.
    Mom and Dad have fed baby with syringe, cup, spoon, dropper.  Now using
Avent slow flow bottle because they are tired of other methods.  They
understand that the bottle may hinder the baby's learning to BF, but they are
weary and discouraged.
    I've encouraged lots of skin to skin, offer the breast when not feeding
time, nap together, baby on mom's chest, co-bathing, stimulate MER before
putting baby to the breast, try her before she fully wakes up.
    What other ideas do you have?
All suggestions will be greatly appreciated!  Thanks for your in-put!

-Debi Page Ferrarello, RN, IBCLC
 in Abington, PA where it's a beautiful Indian Summer day