Hi Joanna,

Some time back on Lactnet the effect of suctioning on a baby's response to
breastfeeding was discussed. I can't lay my hands on the info at present -
perhaps someone else will remember more details. Basically the baby was
saying - keep out ! You mentioned vigorous suctioning - maybe that is the key
here.
Also on Lactnet was the idea of re-birthing for babies who refuse to latch on
- mother and baby get into the bath together, baby is  placed on mother's
abdomen and allowed to crawl up to breast as in the Righard video. Feedback
was that this works !

Good luck !

Beverley Rae, MSW CSW IBCLC
Manhasset, NY who needs a filing wizard so she can access all this great
information lying in piles on the floor