I am corresponding with a mom over the internet who had a premature baby
(36 weeks) about 3 weeks ago. She's had trouble with the baby breaking
the seal, sucking air, and refusing to return to the breast after a
5 minute or so feeding.  I had guessed the baby might be fatigued and
suggested more frequent feedings; I also suggested she have her older
baby, whom she is also still nursing, nurse first so the baby recieves
the hind milk. She is still having problems, and the baby seems colicky
to her. Here is her latest email:


>She continues to break the seal (and suck air ?)...sometimes so much that
>she startles herself with the noise.  Is this a problem ?  Is she getting
>air ?  No amount of repositioning solves it (sometimes it helps VERY
>briefly).  - she's been colicky today - VERY BAD.  Just
>screaming and screaming and sometimes nothing seems to help.  She's
>sleeping now - finally - in the swing.  It has exhausted both me and
>David.

Unfortunately I don't have the experience to help a mom over the internet,
without actually seeing the baby's position, etc. Anyone with more
experience have a suggestion for this mom?

Thanks so much for your help.

Anne Pfannkoch, RN
childbirth educator