Jeanette,
Your NICU baby sounds like he really isn't ready to feed orally, though he
should have a pacifier to mouth when he is being gavage fed.  If he is not
neurologically impaired, he might do fine as he grows.  High palates are not
unusual in premies- their muscle tone is low, and the tongue does not have the
strength to press against the palate to spread it.  This too can change with
age.  I'd say giving him a pacifier is the first step here, and when he sucks
and swallows his own saliva, he can start to be introduced to mom's recently
pumped breast....  Another developmental aid is to 'nest' him in flexion in
his isolette - the physical therapist should be doing that, if there is no pt,
you can use rolled up receiving blankets to hold him in a flexed position on
his side,  if appropriate for his respiratory function; or else at least put a
roll under his knees to flex his hips if he must be supine.
Catherine Watson Genna, IBCLC  NYC  [log in to unmask]