Carrie writes:

I had no  idea he would refuse the breast.  I knew there would be some pain  
involved, but I believed his love of nursing would override any pain that he  
would experience.


Since the little guy indicated he wanted to nurse but then didn't what  might 
be happening is the release of this formerly bound muscle now means he has  
range of motion but perhaps very little power and temporarily poor 
coordination.  He just wasn't able to develop the muscle as it might have been due to the  
restriction. I agree that suck exercises might help, but these can be active 
and  fun with a 21 month old, sticking your tongues out at each other, rolling 
it (  if you can!), sliding it from right to left, clucking noises, tapping 
each  other's tongues, same kinds of things with an infant but it can be to 
music,  with funny faces, and both of you. This is all assuming he's had a few 
days to  just heal first, usually 3-4 is recommended...
 
Good luck, Carrie. Maybe he will get a little stronger and latch again  
half-asleep when he forgets he couldn't last time he tried...:)
 
Peace,
Judy  

Judy LeVan  Fram, PT, IBCLC, LLLL
Brooklyn, NY,  USA




**************Ideas to please picky eaters. Watch video on AOL Living.      
(http://living.aol.com/video/how-to-please-your-picky-eater/rachel-campos-duffy/
2050827?NCID=aolcmp00300000002598)

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