Janet my experience is that as with many full term babies, premies do lick
the nipple at first and then it becomes erect . Some time later
the baby will shorten the lick time and begin rooting for the nipple. I
think it is wonderful if the mother and baby can sort this out together
without the "helpful fixing" hand of a professional getting involved until
asked for or needed.It is also an advantage to have skin to skin contact
over these iniation episodes or for as long and often as possible. Sue.L
midwife N.Z.