I am providing home health visits for a 5 week old, born with
diaphragmatic hernia which was successfully repaired.  However, he had 5
days of E.C.M.O., intubated and sedated ,so he could be stabilized for
surgery.  He is home now, doing well, except that he has a very weak
suck reflex and tires very easily.  His mother is pumping plenty of milk
to meet his needs and he is gaining well.  Feedings are give partly by
Haberman feeder and the remainder by NG tube.

Mother longs to breastfeed, but must wait until a speech therapist gives
the OK.  Right now, I don't think he would be able to draw her nipple in
far enough to get any reward for his efforts.

Has anyone else dealt with this problem?  What can I tell this mother to
expect?  Are there other intervention I can introduce to help this
situation?

Diane Perrone, RNC
Algonquin, IL  USA  Where flags at half-staff bring me to tears!
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