Hi all,

 

For those who were confused:  Baby took only 18 ounces of milk from the
breast.  Mom is not yet pumping - tho she just picked up a pump today and
will start tonight.  I don't see 18 ounces as being enough for this little
one.  She weighs 11 pounds as of 3-11 - and an 11 pound baby needs more than
18 ounces to gain and do well - at least in my experience.  If she had
continued at her prior gain of 1 oz per day avg she should be weighing in at
just over 13 pounds.  

 

I watched baby BF today - as with any typical 4.5 mo old she is now doing
the nurse for a minute - come off - look around - nurse again routine.  The
biggest thing I saw was that she can easily fall off the breast.  Mom
doesn't need to break baby's suction to take her off - she gives a tug and
the breast just slides right out and she says it has been this way for as
long as she can remember.  Baby can open her mouth W-I-D-E.  Big, HUGE open
mouth.  Also, baby's tongue is rather long.no tongue tie.  Tongue has great
mobility, lateralization and extension.  She even sucked on my finger for a
while - we played.  :-)  I decided to see what would happen if I put a bit
of downward pressure on the tongue (you know - suck training technique) -
she immediately gagged.  So, I turned my finger pad down (nail bed up) and
massaged her tongue in little circles, played with her lips, just kinda
messed around keeping it happy.  I applied the tiniest bit of pressure on
the front of her tongue - immed gag.  I gave her a break - she pulled my
finger back into her mouth to chew on and play with.  I tested the gag
reflex a couple more times - this kid has the most sensitive gag reflex I
have ever seen - and I can't recall if I have ever seen a baby gag with a
slight pressure on the front (near the tip) of the tongue.  What is up with
this??  

 

I told the parents I was doing my research and looking for answers to help
strengthen this suck.I also told them I hadn't worked with this particular
scenario more than a couple times.  So - thoughts?  What techniques would be
good to help?  This little one does not  take a binky/dummy/paci but will
suck on mommy and daddy's fingers.  I suggested that they start by playing
simple tug of war with her with no pressure on the tongue just yet.  Let's
desensitize a bit.  Keep it happy.

 

I need more ideas!  Thank you so much for those who have already sent some.

 

Warmly,

J

 

Jaye Simpson, IBCLC, CIIM

Breastfeeding Network

Sacramento, CA

www.breastfeedingnetwork.net

 


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