How to describe quality of suck/swallow reflex for infants?

Published

Just as the title says, how do I describe the quality of the suck/swallow reflex for infants on my care plan? THANKS!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Emergency.

Honestly, every nurse I've spoken to just says "good suck" or "poor suck". Nothing fancy at all.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

ok thanks mike ! Wasn't sure : )

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I work on post partum and I use: good, strong, poor, weak, and unorganized suck.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Can also include how long it takes the baby to nipple _____cc of formula. Any gagging? Any s/s choking? If you try to remove the bottle, does it slide right out, or does the little bugger have it vacuum locked so tight you could lift him/her out of mom's arms with the bottle alone?

(ok- don't try that one :D)

Up Vote Up Vote ×

A good first feed is 15cc. It depends on the baby how long it takes. I've seen a baby suck down 30cc for their first bottle feed and I've sat with a baby for 30 minutes trying to feed him, only to get 3cc down. He was one of my worst feeders. Poor, disorganized and thrusting tongue. To help the poor feeders you have to support their chin with you hand and kind of push it forward, while stimulating them when they are sucking. You do this by rubbing their cheeks or head. It also helps to unwrap them. The name of the game is aggrevate the baby so he'll stay away and feed. LOL.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion