Chris writes:
>Instead of syringe feeding, I'd try the syringe-sucker-outter method of the
>nipple eversion (pre-made product Ev_rt It by M_t_rn_al C_nc_pts).  In the
>days before this product was approved by the FDA, we cut off the tips of
>syringes  (but jagged edges were a problem).  Has the mom used a breast
>pump right before latching baby?.....IMHO, if I had to use
>something other than the mom, I'd use a Hab_rm_n by M_d_la.

I'd like to respectfully disagree with this suggestion as the best
alternative. Babies need generous amounts of unstructured time at the breast
in order to learn how to breastfeed, extended skin-to-skin contact >2-3
feedings will often resolve latch-on difficulties with flat or inverted
nipples- babies don't need good nipples to latch on- we have all seen babies
that would latch onto a wall (or an arm, or a neck) if given a chance- we
just need to give them the time to lick and nuzzle and smell and touch and
consider the breast and then they will probably latch on, if not some fluid
enticement at the breast and forming a nipple by compressing and shaping the
breast may help, if tools are needed, I'd urge you to try whichever product
you recommend for personnal comfort before recommending it to a mother.  The
old cut-off reverse syringe may be the best solution in a situation.  Based
on availablility of commercial products and institutional acceptance of a
reverse syringe- it can provide a quick and easy solution- this technique
was written up several years ago in JHL.  If the syringe is reversed- it
does not have a rough edge on the breast. In my experience health care
providers and mothers like this solution. The commercial product puts
pressure on a different part of the anatomy (as does a breast pump- assuming
one is available) and may cause extreme discomfort in some people.  (Go in
the bathroom and try it yourself!) I think this would be an inappropriate
use of a specialized feeder designed for severly impaired infants. Cathy Liles