Robin Roots wrote:  The peds won't send them=20=home unless they've
stooled..



Rarely, by discharge, are medical problems the issue, having been picked up
before then.  Sometimes, babies don't stool because the peristalsis motion
is not strong in their bodies.  It may be due to:  the labor drugs affecting
their muscles; inability to suck correctly because of tongue-tie or exposure
to artificial nipples - we think even once can cause problems; lack of
energy due to not feeding at birth and frequently thereafter, etc.

If the peds want to help, they can advocate eliminating the problems:  They
can tell the OBs to stop drugging the babies by using unnecessary drugs
during labor (I can dream, can't I); they can clip tight frenulums at first
exam in hospitals; they can tell moms and RNs that no bottles or pacifiers
are to be used; they can promote feeding at birth, before any other
procedures occur, and frequently thereafter, etc.  (You can tell me I am
still dreaming.  :-( )

In the meantime, suck retraining might help.  It has to be done correctly or
it is just as bad as using artificial nipples.  Also, I would only put a
finger in the baby's mouth if it is absolutely necessary (i.e. if it will
avoid more negative actions).  Introducing a finger in a baby's mouth is not
to be taken lightly; it is not normal and may confuse the baby.  RNs and
moms can be given the caveat before learning how to do suck retraining
correctly.  However, I have seen so many procedures and devices used
incorrectly and without good cause that I would be afraid of this happening
with suck retraining; it might become an easy crutch that is abused.  A
strong warning might prevent that.

On the other hand, some babies are given a finger to suck on and it is done
incorrectly.  They are given a pinky, which is usually too small; the thumb
is a good size, unless you are working with small premies, but it is
uncomfortable to use for any length of time.  The next best size is the
index finger, and it should be introduced like the breast (i.e. touch it to
the philtrum, let baby tip head back, wait for a wide yawn, and drop finger
onto tongue).  Then allow the baby to suck index finger in until the
fingertip reaches the juncture of the hard and soft palates.  After several
(6 or more?) strong sucks, remove finger SLOWLY by dragging it on center of
tongue in order to help the baby cup the tongue.  The whole procedure can be
repeated once more.

My claim to fame:  Some babies I have worked with will have 3-4 BMs during a
3-hour consult - after days without any BMs.  It helps them feel more
comfortable, be less gassy, relax, get rid of "reflux," sleep better, and
feed better.  You can well imagine what that does for the parents.

I hope this helps some of you as you work with the babies.

Warm regards,

Lee Galasso, MS, LLLL, IBCLC, RLC

Westchester County in NYS, USA

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"Children Are Born with the Right to Breastfeed"



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