EA/TEF and Breastfeeding

[Krye1011]

Hello!

I have a two week old who under went surgery for a Esophageal Atresia and Tracheoesophageal Fistula when he was 3 days old. Once I was able to breastfeed him, I was told that he needed to sit upright in order to eat. Ive been doing the football hold but was wondering if there were any other holds that I could try? We're having a difficult time getting the hang of latch on. Even with a wide open mouth and a lined up ear, shld, and hip...Im still wincing during nursing. So I thought that maybe a new position would help out?

Any thoughts?

Thanks!

[goodygumdrops]

It's really hard to describe this over the internet. In this scenario, you may try to have your little one straddle your upper thigh, sitting upright. Futher, you might want to work with an IBCLC until you have the latch worked out.

Good luck

[momofHOME]

We have a child with TEF and EA too! She is now almost 6 months old. We have another barium swallow study tomorrow morning. Question - are you getting the SYNAGIS injection for your baby? I am having a hard time making a decision on it. Would love to hear your thoughts. I hope you were able to breast feed your little one.

[PatioGardener]

I had to do the same for severe reflux.

I sat up, reclined back a little, with baby lying on top of me.  There are some pics here: http://www.biologicalnurturing.com/ just let it scroll through the photos until you see the upright ones.

If I find more I will repost.

Good luck!

[MimiMomof3]

I am a EA/TEF mom too. My baby was born with EA/TEF type c long gap. I breast fed her (once she was released) until she was 13 or 14 months old. I would scoot as far to the right in my recliner as I could and I would place her next to me on the seat. I would lean towards her holding my left breast to the right level for her while stabilizing the back of her head. It is complicated, but you get used to what works for you and better still she will get used to it too. I kept MacKenzie completely upright while feeding her.  I also used the method described with your child sitting on your lap facing you. My daughter was on synagis until she was 18 months old. I have created a support group on facebook for family of those born with TEF/EA and also people who were born with the condition (  http://www.facebook.com/#!/group.php?gid=49652608806 ).  You are all welcome to join. There are 338 members of the group currently and I "meet" more every day. This January is the first National EA/TEF awareness month.  We are trying to raise awareness of this condition. I hope to talk to you all again!

Sincerely,

Maryann Boden