Weak suck... 11 weeks EP

[bethie]

Still EP at this point. Still trying. My supply is over 30 ounce a day... happy with that and hoping can cut down a bit on pumping?

BUT the baby will open mouth now (took 2 weeks), will latch now (another two weeks), and now suck for awhile. If he could just suck HARDER... we would be there..

Give me some tips!!! :

[thepeach80]

What bottle are you using? We had that same problem w/ Ilana and the bfing specialist told us to the use the Ventair standard nipples. Nothing comes out of them unless baby sucks and it makes them work. Her suck got a lot stronger just doing that.

[bethie]

goimg to buy those online now... using haberman

[MaryJaneLouise]

Are you working with a lactation consultant or occupation therapist? I believe there are some exercises that can be done to help suck coordination & strength.

[RoseDuperre]

Girl, we could be twins, at least with what you've posted so far, as I don't know the specifics. I'm at 10 weeks EPing and desperately working to get dd on the breast. She can manage it for a very short time but also has a weak suck. Luckily, like you, I have a good supply, for which I am very thankful.

I've been using the Breastflow bottles, and that seems to have helped. She couldn't even manage that at first, so I'm happy that she shows signs of improvement. You might want to try that bottle out as well.

GOOD LUCK MAMA! I'll keep going if you will. Seriously, I hit points of exasperation and depression, but I am nowhere near ready to 'give up'. We can do this! Our babies are only going to get stronger. If we keep associating the breast with feedings, they will be ready to switch when they have the strength.

[pdxmomazon]

I have no experience with this, but my daughter's suck is/was inefficient. We saw a craniosacral therapist on Thursday and I could see her suck change as she did the treatment (not painful) She had gained 2 oz between monday and wednesday, then gained 5.3 between wednesday and today- i know her sucking improved! it might be worth a try!

[bethie]

I've not tried CST yet, but I will get on the ball and try that out... We went to a speech therapist and nothing there... maybe an occupational therapist? I was hoping it was a tongue tie but saw an ENT for that... a particular ENT that cuts them and he said he didn't have one...

[RootSnort]

Occupational therapist should be able to help you. I might call the local lactation consultant and see if they know someone who is especially gifted.