Thanks to everyone who responded (via private
e-mail) to my plea for advice. What a knowledge pool
we have here on Lactnet!
I saw the baby and mother yesterday (Friday). A week
of using the Haberman had really improved the little
guy's ability to suck while keeping his tongue in a
correct position. During the visit he was able to latch
on to the breast three times, and breastfed like a baby
in a "How To BF" video for about five minutes each
time. (BTW: A "flat nipple hold" worked best in helping
him discover how to draw in the breast tissue.)
Needless to say the mom was almost afraid to
breathe the first time -- she was so amazed he was
"doing it." Toward the end of each five minutes he
would retract his tongue, causing mom to feel a pinch
on her nipple. I showed her how to take him off and
help him get back on.
This certainly isn't totally resolved, but I am confident
this baby can transition to full time breastfeeding in the
near future. Mom is pumping and using the Haberman
in the meantime.
Thanks all!
Margery Wilson, IBCLC