I have posted before about my friend's baby with anoxic encephalopathy. He is now 1 month of age, and still in the hospital, entirely because of feeding issues. There have been a lot of setbacks getting a plan in place to feed this little guy. Anyway, the current plan is for him to have a G-tube placed on Friday, Dec. 3, and to continue working with the speech pathologist on feeding. He had a video swallow evaluation today, which apparently did not show aspiration, but did show that he has a hard time organizing a bolus and swallowing in a coordinated fashion. He also has a very weak suck, and is unable to maintain feeding long enough to get an adequate volume. The speech pathologist has therefore recommended adding something to the breastmilk to thicken it for all feedings (the dad said it would be thickened by formula, but I'm not sure he's right, I will call the speech path. myself tomorrow.) No one has even suggested that he even be allowed to go to breast. Does anyone know the data on thickening feeds improving feeding, or preventing aspiration? Surely it would be okay to let this baby have at least non-nutritive sucking at the breast? He will be home next week anyway, and be switching to a different speech pathologist, but I don't know enough about thickening. His swallow eval, and an earlier barium swallow apparently show no reflux, either. His suck problems are neurological, and not anatomical as near as anyone can tell. Anyone have any success with a baby like this? I did find a free rental pump for mom. Thanks to all who responded with great ideas for getting a pump for her! Jennifer Tieman Family Physician Mom to 4, including my toddler nursling Caroline Rose *********************************************** To temporarily stop your subscription: set lactnet nomail To start it again: set lactnet mail (or digest) To unsubscribe: unsubscribe lactnet All commands go to [log in to unmask] The LACTNET mailing list is powered by L-Soft's renowned LISTSERV(R) list management software together with L-Soft's LSMTP(R) mailer for lightning fast mail delivery. For more information, go to: http://www.lsoft.com/LISTSERV-powered.html