------- Forwarded Message Follows -------
From:          Self <Single-user mode>
To:            [log in to unmask]
Subject:       Latch on
Date:          Mon, 7 Apr 1997 23:13:30

Hi everyone.  I am Val, a IBCLC in private practice, working from
home.  I am also a RN RM.  I have been unsubscribed from Lactnet for
2 months and am trying to resubscribe this evening, but its not going
to well.  I am desperate for some advice so have begun typing this in
hopes that the resubscription goes through, otherwise I will just
send it.
I have a friend, aged 37, second baby born 2 weeks ago today, no
sucessful BF yet.  First baby she BF and comp fed from age 6/52 to 9
months, now problems again.  This baby was born vaginally at 37 weeks
gestation, spontaneous labour.  Cord around the neck and a true knot.
Baby was jaundiced and recieved phototherapy for 24 hours.  Baby at
first too lethargic to suck, now cries for a feed, good oral
searching,latchs on and promptly falls off.  Mum, very determined,
tries for up to 2 hours.  Baby doesn't cry all this time, very
placcid, only crys when baby is placed back down.  Mum is expressing
after each attempted feed and bottle feeding EBM and then offering
formula after that.  Baby takes all this.  Loosing weight still.  Mum
appears to have lots of milk.  Attachment and positioning good.  Baby
has on oral problems and has been checked for hypothyroidism etc., no
medical problems.  Any suggestions on helping to maintain the latch
on?  Mum very keen, realizes that nipple confusion is an issue, but
the baby has to be fed.  Baby sucks from a bottle reasonably well.
Mum may try a nipple shield if no luck in the next day or so.  Any
suggestions would be appreciated, she is a good friend, but
unfortunately 2 1/2 hours away from me.
Val in Busselton, Western Australia
RN RM IBCLC