LACTNET Archives

Lactation Information and Discussion

LACTNET@COMMUNITY.LSOFT.COM

Options: Use Forum View

Use Monospaced Font
Show Text Part by Default
Show All Mail Headers

Message: [<< First] [< Prev] [Next >] [Last >>]
Topic: [<< First] [< Prev] [Next >] [Last >>]
Author: [<< First] [< Prev] [Next >] [Last >>]

Print Reply
Subject:
From:
"Catherine Watson Genna, IBCLC" <[log in to unmask]>
Reply To:
Lactation Information and Discussion <[log in to unmask]>
Date:
Thu, 18 Jan 2001 19:26:23 -0500
Content-Type:
text/plain
Parts/Attachments:
text/plain (45 lines)
Hi Denise,
Sorry this is a late reply but it is an important topic.
There are several types of SI dysfunctions.  The one you describe is a
subtype where the child is hypersensitive to stimuli and becomes sensory
defensive.  SID seems to be a brain "wiring" problem that makes it
difficult for a child to organize sensory input and use it to modulate
motor output.  Children with any SID tend to be poorly organized, have
poor kinesthesia (knowlege of where their body is in space based on
feedback from muscle stretch sensors) and proprioception (deep touch
sense).  They are often hypotonic, or less commonly, hypertonic.  Is it
any wonder they have difficulty feeding?

In general, kids who are sensory defensive prefer deep touch and firm,
large movements to soft, brushing strokes.  These kids may like being
swaddled or wrapped in layers of clothing while breastfeeding.  Air on
their skin may be too much to bear at first.  Clothes should be soft
cottons with no tags and few seams, gentle elastic rather than tight
waistbands, form fitting rather than loose to minimize distraction from
discomfort.  They might respond well to feeding in a babysling, where
they are contained and held firmly.  They need a lot of practice to
perfect a motor skill, and need as similar an environment as possible to
perform their best. For example, a child with SID may nurse better on
one breast than the other, and may do better on the less favored breast
if held as similarly as possible to the way they are held on the favored
side.   Occupational therapists who are SI certified will have specific
ideas to help in each individual case.

Another good resource on the web is http://www.sinetwork.org , which has
pages for parents and professionals.

Funny thing, my son with SID loves to hug, cuddle, and be close to his
loved ones, even at the ripe old age of 14.  I bet breastfeeding and
attachment parenting had something to do with the fact that he seeks
human contact when he can't tolerate the hamster's little toenails on
his hand, or a tag in his shirt.  (And all his feeding difficulties had
something to do with the fact that I am an LC!)
--
Catherine Watson Genna, IBCLC  New York City  mailto:[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(TM)
mailer for lightning fast mail delivery. For more information, go to:
http://www.lsoft.com/LISTSERV-powered.html

ATOM RSS1 RSS2