I wouldn't know where to start looking for research as a baby with no gag  
cannot protect his airway and is at severe risk for aspiration.  It is one  
of those things that seems "obvious" and that I learned 40 years ago!  Our  
OT strongly recommends no PO feeds for any baby without a gag reflex.  It  
may be that some infants can PO feed, but I have never seen one.  Perhaps  an 
OT has some real research.  I am amazed that a pediatrician would allow  PO 
feeding without a gag.
 
Nancy
Nancy E. Wight MD, IBCLC, FABM, FAAP
Neonatologist, San  Diego Neonatology, Inc.
Medical Director, Sharp HealthCare Lactation  Services
Sharp Mary Birch Hospital for Women and Newborns


In a message dated 8/30/2012 5:44:12 P.M. Pacific Daylight Time,  
[log in to unmask] writes:

Thanks,  Nancy.  And wow.  Baby is 4 months old.  Must admit I feel a  
little out of place being the one to approach this with the  doctor.   Do you 
have a resource at your fingertips I can  share?  I'll do my own search, too.  
Thanks again.
Amy  Peterson



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