Published
SKIN TO SKIN! Can't say enough about it. Even if he doesn't latch it helps with milk production, temperature regulation, and blood sugar as well. If the baby is still having issues the mom needs to pump to help her milk supply and the baby should be fed the colostrum whatever she gets with a dental syringe. Continue to work with latching and supplement AT the breast if needed. Down's babies have a hard time as you know from their tongues, but can and will be successful breastfeeders...patients and love! Good luck, I hope you get this before the pt goes home.
I'm surprised that they haven't been able to make a positive Dx regarding the Downs. How do the baby's palms look? Not sure if it's true or not, but I've heard for years that evidence of a single crease is as accurate as any test, obviously barring a defect with the hands itself. Supposedly only occurs with Downs and no other birth defect.
I forgot to look at the baby's palms. Unfortunately the girls regular Dr. was on vacation and I think the Dr. that was covering was just waiting for her to be back in a couple days to deal with it. I do believe the babe was transferred today though as we are a very small rural hospital and he probably needed to be somewhere that they could do more for him.
nkochrn, RN
1 Article; 257 Posts
I've been working with a newborn tonight trying to get him to latch on and breastfeed. He roots around, opens his mouth wide and then doesn't even attempt to latch on when he gets to the breast. He moves his tongue ALL over the place. There is a possibility of Down's Syndrome. Just wondered if anyone has any suggestions for getting him to latch on.