Melinda,
IMHO, this baby is not only guarding his throat but has other issues. I have
seen many babies who will not let much pass through their lips after heavy
suctioning. Finger feeding, or cup feeding if he won't let the finger in
easily, would be my first choice in congunction with getting baby a cranial
sacro therapist. I might also suggest getting rid of the pacifier and letting
the baby suck on mom's finger between feeds. Lots of skin-to-skin, warm baths
with mom and no or minimal seperation from mom. Body massage should also help
this little one.
Linda Barrett, IBCLC