Most definitely, premies typically have a weak suck. I'm not there, so I
can't see how weak this is, but a 37 weeker is technically not premie. (I
believe the AAP definition is less than 37 weeks, not less than or equal
to, but I'd have to look that up for sure.) So, the baby might have
something else going on. But, to answer your question, yes, premies do
have a weak or absent suck. Their entire neurologic system is
underdeveloped so all reflexes are underdeveloped; suck, swallow, gag,
hand grasp, everything!  Remember that sucking is a reflex, not
dissimilar to any other reflex, and the neurologic system alterations are
especially apparent.

--
Marie Biancuzzo, RN MS                      Perinatal Nurse Consultant
PO Box 1562                                        Phone: 703-758-0092
Herndon, Virginia 22070-1562     email: [log in to unmask]


On Fri, 21 Jul 1995, Janet Simpson wrote:

> Hello all'
> I have another question about the little guys.  I have a WIC mom who's baby
> was three weeks early.  Baby has not been able to nurse at breast due to lack
> of suck power, (as Ped. called it).  I sent her in to see our LC at WIC, to
> get help with this one, since I haven't a clue.  Mom told me that when she
> tried to put baby to breast baby licked the nipple and just kind of played
> with it, didn't really latch-on well.  Can anyone of you wonderfully
> knowledgeable folks out there give me  a good description of common premie
> suck (or lack thereof) patterns/behaviors?  This mom asked if her baby's
> behavior was typical, and I just didn't know.  >:{
> Thanks in advance! (TIA)
> Jay (Janet) (Whatever my name is!)
>
> *******************************************
> Breastfeed your babies and be their
>           Breast Friends!
> *******************************************
>