Regina,
PVL is the result of an intraventricular hemorrage that increased
pressure in the brain and damaged or killed the brain cells outside the
ventricles.  Depending on the severity, children can have different
neuromotor and cognitive effects.

A baby with PVL is often a poor feeder, and her intake must be carefully
monitored, particularly if she seems excessively sleepy.  Low energy is
an early sign of low milk intake.

If the baby has low muscle tone, which many babies with CP or PVL do,
you can teach mom to provide excellent support and stability to the baby
during feeding.  Chin or jaw support might be necessary if the baby has
excessive jaw excursions.  Sometimes swaddling in flexion helps them
feed, sometimes skin to skin contact is better.  If the baby is not able
to get enough milk at the breast with these and similar interventions,
mom will need to pump or express to maintain her milk supply, and baby
will need to get that extra milk some other way.

Good luck, this is a tough issue.

--
Catherine Watson Genna, IBCLC  New York City  mailto:[log in to unmask]

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