I've been in contact with a mum who has an adopted child she has been trying to breastfeed for some months now. 
This baby was placed in October at 8 weeks (had been in nicu for 3 weeks). Mother saw a LC who told her that her mouth was too small and her suck too
weak...so she should wait for her to grow. Mum sought help from some LLLL but had trouble getting replies (I suspect the leaders contacted felt out of their depth). The mum is reluctant to seek help from an LC at this stage because her husband has lost his job and $$ is tight. 
Current situation with the baby is that she used to arch her back and cry when the breast was offered but now she is trying to suckle but can't. The baby has Arthrogryposis (contractures of her joints), torticollis and scoliosis. Her mother reports that she has a small tent shaped mouth and can't open her mouth to a full O as most infants.  She is 6 months old and 9 lbs 6 oz (her drs are quite happy with this weight gain).  She has been getting  120 ml of milk a day via informal donoring but that is just finishing. Mum has been getting her at the breast with a shield and Lactaid combination but she's only on the nipple by the sound and just not getting the breast stimulation to increase her milk supply and then there's the hassle of having to use the shield as well as the Lactaid at all feedings. 

The mum lives in metropolitan DC. She'd appreciate any ideas to try with her little one. 

Karleen Gribble
Australia


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