I'm hoping for some words of wisdom from you wonderful lactnuts on this
situation which is a new one for me.

I saw a 33 yr old mom with her first born of 6 weeks.  This baby has been
making "clicking' sounds at breast since birth.  After a bout with mastitis
2 weeks ago and a course of antibx, the clicking has become worse according
to mom and she has experienced typical signs of thrush (achy breasts,
burning during and after feeds; nipples feel like they've been "grated like
cheese").  This baby is thriving (bwt=8'1", 11'2" at 5 weeks of age).
Mother has great milk supply. Baby has never been supplemented and never
been given a soother.  Baby feeds 7 times a day, mother often wakes him to
feed, but not always. Treatment with Gentian Violet has been initiated.

This baby goes on to breast without opening very wide; could be described as

a "slurping latch-on".  Mother's let-down is strong after just a few clicky
sucks and baby is just able to cope with the volume.  The noise he makes is
more than a simple click and sounds more wooshy, as if he's also getting a
good amount of air.  Feeds go on for about 40 minutes or more, offering both

breasts.  His latch would seem weak, he is easily taken off the breast.  Mom

can feel a good tug at times and then can feel when he loses it, tending to
clamp slightly.  Digital suck reveals moderately strong suck; baby gags when

'S' spot stimulated (mom has also noted baby tends to gag if lots of breast
in mouth); palate seems normal, perhaps a tad short; tongue cups well and
reaches just over the gum line; tongue loses contact with nail.

I've asked mom to start suck retraining exercise and mimicking for wider
mouth.  I thought I would consider recommending stopping dairy if all the
above doesn't have siginificant effect after a week or two (mom is not a big

milk drinker; dad is anaphylactic with seafood- no other food allergies).

Any other thoughts?  TIA for your help!

Genevieve Courant MSc, RN, IBCLC
Sudbury, Canada  ( who had a wonderful time listening to Katherine
Dettwyler, Jack Newman, Kathleen Bruce and Betty Sterken in Toronto on
Friday!)