Response to those who privately asked for more information is shared here so
that all LACTNETTERS can have it on hand.

 

Sometimes the babies are 2-10 weeks old; the suck is very lethargic
(especially when the mom has a superabundant supply).  The babies frequently
object to the suck retraining, until they get used to it, partially because
they are feeling GI-tract sensations, strong peristaltic motion, that are
foreign to them.  You can actually see them squirming in the diaper area and
pulling up their legs as if they are about to release gas or a BM.  I will
stop until the baby calms down and then I try again.  Occasionally, the
babies have developmental delays and/or neurological/tongue-tie issues that
go along with incorrect sucking.

The suck retraining that I use was taught by Chele Marmet at a La Leche
League conference many years ago.  Chele has a handout that you can probably
order from her private practice, The Lactation Institute in Encino, CA.
Contact:  818/995-1913 or www.lactationinstitute.org
<http://www.lactationinstitute.org/> 

The most important step is to make sure the index finger is inserted deep
enough to stimulate correct sucking; otherwise it is no better than sucking
on a pacifier.  I use the finger because you can feel when the baby is doing
something wrong, and can remove it quickly or teach the baby to stop the
incorrect use of the tongue.  Often, the babies are not cupping the tongue,
not sucking vigorously, and not sustaining a long burst of sucks.  The suck
retraining helps with all of these issues, which in turn, helps stimulate
frequent BMs and much more effective breastfeeding.  That also ensures that
the babies are able to extract milk when the supply has down-regulated. 

I hope this is helpful.

Lee Galasso, MS, IBCLC, RLC

Lactation Specialist

The Lactation Center of Westchester/Putnam

Westchester County in NYS

914-245-2206


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