Bonnie, You asked, "can this baby still achieve a deep latch?". It is
a very good question, considering the circumstances and time frame you
reported, but I want to say an optimistic, "Yes!".  I worked in the
Pediatric ward of a large county hospital for nearly three years. We
had the long-term care patients, which included the (former) premies,
up (to third floor) from the NICU. I saw OTs (occupational therapists)
perform MIRACLES! Babies who had been tube fed for months learned to
feed "properly". I think with patience and optimism, the OT that mom
and dad are doing ( by finger feeding) can be expected to work! They
must have an understanding of what it is they are doing---not just
feeding a new way, but teaching baby that it's OK to have a mouth FULL
of something---hopefully breast, in time. Hopefully they can "ooch"
the finger forward a millimeter at a time until it is touching the
junction between the hard and soft palates. I know of babies who
became nipple confused by finger feeding. It definitely is a step, not
necessarily the answer. I've been told you can actually manage to use
a bottle with a big nipple and a  deep "latch" to accomplish the same
thing--but I think the problem of the fast flow would be a hindrance.
What do the WISEONES think about using the bottle for this?
(Sylvia, would cranio-sacral therapy help here? What about therapeutic
massage or chiropractic? I am just now learning about these things in
regards to babies, myself.)
Bonnie, has the mother tried nursing in a dimly lit room and a warm
bath, as for a nursing strike?
Good Luck! Regards, Rowena Tucker,PA,LLLL,IBCLC





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