IN my experience, when a baby is sucking in the bottom lip, it is usually because the tongue is not remaining seated over the lower lip, so that every time the baby swallows, the tongue pulls back, to assist the swallow.
Sometimes this can be helped by getting the baby deeper into the breast, making sure the chin is forward, ears lobe over the shoulder blade, slightly extended neck, have the mom recline enough or turn enough so that gravity helps the baby drop the chin more forward. Also check for a tongue-tie, perhaps type 3 or 4. Look for a high palate, which ususally accompanies a t-t. Check out biological latch-on videos. My only gripe with these videos is that I see babies with arching backs and shoulders which don't help a baby with a suck issue, tongue issue, jaw issue, lip issue. Sometimes on here, when we discuss the ideal latch or position, it's important to realize that ideal is subjective - it depends on the maternal nipple/breast physiology/anatomy as well as the baby's physiology/anatomy. So many moms want the "textbook" "cookbook" how-to manual, forgetting that breastfeeding is a lot like sex - it's cave-man, lizard-brain activity and when there are troubles, getting professional opinion is great, but this is ultimately relational. How would you like it if someone was grading your every encounter with your partner? Might be necessary if you have a specific activity (such as getting pregnant) but it's still NOT NORMAL! Just my humble opinion, having seen 30, yes, 30 patients yesterday!
-----Original Message-----
From: Lactation Information and Discussion [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Elizabeth Howard
Sent: Thursday, November 26, 2009 3:24 PM
Subject: sucking in bottom lip
Hi, any and all suggestions to help 8 week old baby from sucking in bottom lip while nursing would be gratefully accepted. Thanks.
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