Lori this baby sounds like a perfect candidate for the co-bathing routine I
wrote about a couple of days ago.  If you search the archives you should
find a lot of information on it.  It can work like magic.  And if it doesn't
you haven't lost anything anyway.
Regarding teats (bottle nipples) - one of the LCs here in Brisbane has been
involved with a speech pathologist in the study of using a long teat.  Her
rationale, which I totally support, is that some mothers just will not
accept anything 'different' ie if they can't breastfeed, then they bottle
feed and that's it.   The teat shape she has the most success with (ie using
a bottle and teat for varying lengths of time, before getting baby back onto
the breast) is just the usual common shape, but it's long.  when the whole
thing, up to the screw cap, is put into the baby's mouth the tip of the teat
more or less reaches the junction of the soft and hard palate.  I have found
that this encourages the baby's mouth to be a bit wider than ususal on a
teat and the tongue has to come down and forward.  It must be a slow flow
one though, because the baby can't bunch its tongue up at the tip to control
the flow like they do with the usual short teats.
Another point you mentioned about the up and down jaw action (and also
someone just recently mentioned a baby who clamped down on the nipple) - I
sometimes have success reverting that action into a good one by massaging
the tempero-mandibular joints (where jaw joins head) while baby sucks.  I
teach mother and partner to do it too, but only while they are chomping.
The mother can only manage one side, but sometimes that seems to be enough.
Having just read those posts about Gr B (I too have great respect for it)
it's always worthwhile getting a baby who won't suck on anything checked out.
Perhaps this case could be used as a catalyst for you to get permission to
develop policies which ALL staff have to follow - I can imagine your
distress at all the changes of management this poor mother experienced.
Actually from your post it doesn't sound like you work there - maybe when
the mother is feeling stronger she may be able to write a letter suggesting
their care could be greatly improved.
Good luck
Denise
Brisbane, Australia
mailto: [log in to unmask]

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