Jeanette, Your NICU baby sounds like he really isn't ready to feed orally, though he should have a pacifier to mouth when he is being gavage fed. If he is not neurologically impaired, he might do fine as he grows. High palates are not unusual in premies- their muscle tone is low, and the tongue does not have the strength to press against the palate to spread it. This too can change with age. I'd say giving him a pacifier is the first step here, and when he sucks and swallows his own saliva, he can start to be introduced to mom's recently pumped breast.... Another developmental aid is to 'nest' him in flexion in his isolette - the physical therapist should be doing that, if there is no pt, you can use rolled up receiving blankets to hold him in a flexed position on his side, if appropriate for his respiratory function; or else at least put a roll under his knees to flex his hips if he must be supine. Catherine Watson Genna, IBCLC NYC [log in to unmask]