Barbara Wilson-clay said: Maybe these tongue curlers have slightly
overactive
gag reflexes and use their tongues to prevent triggering.  Anyway, these
are
just a few thoughts. 

I have to agree with this.  In my experience, when I see a baby who won't
let a mom's breast go well into the mouth, I usually do a suck check - and
even with my very experienced hands, and watching very closely for cues
from the baby - I find that the gag reflex is triggered very quickly and
much further to the front of the usual spot.

However, even when this is so, I have found it possible to get the babies
to breastfeed well with patience from the mom, teaching her how to have the
baby suck on her finger and teaching her the baby's subtle signs that she
may be getting too far in.  Slowly baby allows moms' finger in and she lets
him suck for 4 - 5 minutes before offering the breast.  She then gets the
baby to the breast and he can take her breast deeper in.  

Usually I have mom pumping after feeds to have "extra" milk so baby is able
to get milk easily - and after a few weeks there is a balace  between the
baby's ability to accept enough of the breast, perhaps oral cavity growth
also -  and mom's good milk supply - and things have  worked out.  


Jeanette Panchula, BSW, RN, IBCLC
Vacaville, CA

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