I have a baby who is 3 weeks old and having some issues with latching. He 
was born at 38 weeks-natural delivery. He seems to suck well except he
tends to retract his tongue. Mom has very sore nipples with a healing
fissure on one nipple. I let him suck on my finger and I noted he tends to
pull his tongue back.  Although, he does tend to begin to suck correctly with 
his tongue over his lower gum but only on your finger or with a pacifier or 
bottle. Mom states even if she can get him to suck correctly on her finger he 
stills pulls his tongue back while on the breast. She is currently pumping now 
and I encouraged her to continue to work on the latch.  

I am not very good at deciding what tongue exercises to do or determining if 
the problem is related to posterior tongue-tie or some other issue.  I read 
books, but I always feel inadequate when I get to this point.  She really wants 
to breastfeed, but I don't know what else to suggest.  He does have a strong 
suck, and his tongue curls around my finger.  Is there any tips on getting baby 
to bring his tongue out more when latching? Thank you.

Christine Lichte, IBCLC

             ***********************************************

Archives: http://community.lsoft.com/archives/LACTNET.html
To reach list owners: [log in to unmask]
Mail all list management commands to: [log in to unmask]
COMMANDS:
1. To temporarily stop your subscription write in the body of an email: set lactnet nomail
2. To start it again: set lactnet mail
3. To unsubscribe: unsubscribe lactnet
4. To get a comprehensive list of rules and directions: get lactnet welcome