I kept the subject line the same, so as to be able to track the responses -
but "chin support" vs "pulling down on the chin" are totally different
actions and need to be addressed individually.

I have to admit having pulled a few chins LOOOONNNGG ago - before I learned
asymmetrical latch, putting the baby nose to nipple, putting the baby's
shoulder to the cleavage (per "Follow Me Mum" video), etc.....

Pulling down on the chin, in my estimation, causes the baby to want to clamp
MORE not less - I think of it as negatively as pushing the back of the
baby's head to get them to latch on!

Now, at times I DO put my finger down between baby's mouth and mom's breast
- but just to gently pull on the lower lip - and when I do this I
specifically inform the mom that I am NOT pulling on the chin, but just
pulling on the lower lip.  I even do it to the mom's own lip at times so she
can feel what I am doing.  (Of course all this with permission and gloved
hand.)

On the topic of "chin support"...could it be referring to the "DanCer" hold
- I'm specifically spelling it this way, as it is NOT related to a ballerina
or any other dancer's hand position - it is the name of Sarah Coulter DANner
and Edward CERrutti...a physician I had the great priviledge to hear and
whose name I fear most will never know.

We use this position at times to support a breast and a baby - the fingers
go up both sides of the cheek, giving them stability (especially useful for
preemies who have no fat pads) to help get better ability to suck.  This
position can also be seen in some OT and PT books - helping infants take
bottles more effectively.

Just some random thoughts while preparing ANOTHER presentation for
Wednesday...

Jeanette Panchula, BSW, RN, PHN, IBCLC
California

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