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A baby must be able to effectively remove milk from the breast during breastfeeding to obtain enough milk to gain weight and "tell" the breasts to increase or maintain milk production. Therefore, ineffective milk removal can result in poor weight gain due to inadequate intake of milk by the baby, which is then followed by a drop in the amount of milk being produced for the baby.
A baby's ability to suck and remove milk may be affected in different ways. Prematurity, labor and delivery medication, and conditions such as Down syndrome, may initially make it difficult for a baby's central nervous system to remain alert or coordinate suck-swallow-breathe actions. Acute health conditions, such as jaundice or infection and chronic conditions, such as cardiac defects may also influence a baby's level of alertness or the ability to suck. A "mechanical" issue, such as tongue-tie or a cleft lip or palate might directly interfere with a baby's ability to use the structures in the mouth for effective sucking.
Sometimes, the cause is obvious, but often it is not. However, it is important to recognize the signs that a baby is unable to effectively remove milk during breastfeeding so that steps can be taken to remedy any problem.
Signs of Ineffective Sucking
Signs of ineffective sucking may include the following: The baby who consistently:
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does not wake on his/her own to cue for feedings eight or more times in 24 hours.
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cues to feed 14 or more times in 24 hours.
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latches on and then lets go of the breast repeatedly.
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pushes away or resists latch-on.
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falls asleep within five minutes of latch-on or after sucking for only two or three minutes.
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does not suck almost continuously for the first seven to 10 minutes of a feeding.
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continues to feed without self-detaching at the first breast after 30 to 40 minutes.
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feeds for more than 45 minutes without acting satisfied or full after a meal.
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produces fewer than three stools in 24 hours by the end of the first week (for the first four to eight weeks).
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seems "gassy" and produces green, frothy stools after the first week.
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produces fewer than six soaking wet diapers in 24 hours by the end of the first week.
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has difficulty taking milk by other alternative feeding methods.
Ineffective Latch-On or Sucking
Feeding Therapy
A baby must be able to effectively remove milk from the breast during breastfeeding if he/she is to obtain enough milk to gain weight and "tell" the breasts to increase or maintain milk production. Therefore, ineffective milk removal can result in poor weight gain due to inadequate intake of milk by the baby, which is then followed by a drop in the amount of milk being produced for the baby >>>
How to Increase >>>
When a difficulty with latch-on or sucking persists beyond the first several days after birth, it can be discouraging. Although most babies will learn to breastfeed effectively if given time, it is important to work with the baby's physician and a certified lactation consultant (IBCLC) if a baby has difficulty sucking. Until the issue resolves there are several things you can do to help breastfeeding progress while you >>>