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Subject:
From:
Fiona Coombes <[log in to unmask]>
Reply To:
Lactation Information and Discussion <[log in to unmask]>
Date:
Thu, 18 Dec 1997 07:57:12 +0800
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Hi everyone
I saw a baby today that had me stumped, and I thought I would ask
1600 experts - what a wonderful resource Lactnet is!!!
Baby is 2 weeks old, born at term, unmedicated 3 hour labour, mum and
baby fine after birth. Baby weighed about 9lb at birth
From birth baby has not fed well. She roots and searches, gapes wide,
gets the breast into her mouth well with tongue well forwards, then
just cries, thrashes around, or takes a few sucks and then comes off
crying and struggling. Things don't improve once letdown occurs.
Eventually baby might latch on and suck for a few minutes, then falls
asleep for a while. Awakens screaming, tries to feed again, big
struggle etc etc. She lost 500g since birth, regained some, and has
not gained over the last 5 days.
 Mother has average size breasts and
nipples, which protrude well. She has fed two other children with no
problems. Baby has average oral anatomy, and sucks a finger well. She
has also been comped with a bottle over the last few days, and will
suck well, although she takes a minute or so to close her mouth
around the teat - sits there wide mouthed and crying with the teat in
her mouth.
We tried different positions, sucking finger then transferring to
breast, making a 'breast sandwich', even a nipple shield (to try to
'hit the spot' on the palate to stimulate a suck). Nothing worked!!
Baby seems otherwise well, with good muscle tone, symmetrical
movements, and is vigorous but very unhappy most of the day (I expect
through hunger, although she is getting about 60 ml of EBM with each
feed now).

What else can I do. Mother is really keen to feed, but is finding the
long struggles and constant crying a real trial. With two other small
children to care for, she is considering weaning.
Any suggestions from the assembled wise ones??

Fiona


Fiona Coombes MBBS IBCLC               [log in to unmask]
Lactation Consultant, Family Physician
Perth Western Australia

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