It does seem to me that some of these babies (as Lynn described) who not
only refuse the breast, but actively resist it by pulling back and pushing
away from the breast, may be in pain. Often when I talk to these mothers
they will tell me either that a vacuum extractor or forceps were used, or
that it was a very fast, precipitate labour. This makes me wonder if the
baby might have a headache or perhaps pain in his neck or shoulders from the
birth that makes it painful for him to be moved towards the breast to latch
on. (I'm pretty sure forceps would give ME a headache...)

With this in mind, I usually try to experiment a bit with the baby to see
what positions are most comfortable for him. I do this away from the breast,
just holding him in my arms. Some seem better if they are "curled up" and
for those babies I might suggest the football hold position. Some are better
when "straightened out" and they are often more comfortable if fed
side-lying.

Some seem very sensitive to any pressure on their heads - they push back and
cry. For these babies, I have sometimes used a receiving blanket to help the
mother latch the baby on. The mother holds the baby in a cradle hold, with
the receving blanket behind the baby's back and head. When the baby seems
ready to latch, I pull him in close using the blanket (I am holding the top
and bottom of the blanket). This seems to even out the pressure on the baby,
so that he is more comfortable. (It's easier to do than it is to explain!).

Teresa Pitman
Guelph, Ontario

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