>      My question:  Is there some sort of device, kind of like a nuk
> nipple that can help train a baby to suck with his mouth open when he is
> not feeding?  I think a finger would be to narrow, but some sort of
> pacifier-type device is what I have in mind.
>      I've never seen anything like this for sale, so would appreciate any
> homemade solutions as well.
> Thanks,  Cathy Gaston, IBCLC


In "An Overview of Solutions to Sucking Problems" by Susan Meintz Maher,
she suggests a couple of very effective and "home-made" solutions to the
problem of baby not wanting to open wide enough while sucking. Encourage
the baby to suck on a curled knuckle or even an (!) elbow.  I have
suggested the knuckle idea to mothers, and it seems to be quite helpful.
Since fingers are conveniently supplied in graduated sizes, there is a
range of sizes from tiny (Mom's pinky) to Dad's middle finger. The
finger is curled and baby takes the second joint from the end into his
mouth. I've never actually seen a baby suck on an elbow.

If baby gags when the nipple is far back in his mouth, try "walking back
on the tongue" described in LLLI's _Breastfeeding Answer Book_ as well.

Catherine Mallon, LLLCanada
Sherwood Park, Alberta