She was fed via transpylonic tube six weeks due to her aspirating EBM (she had a paralysed vocal cord).

At 6 weeks the Barium test was normal, so I breastfed her (helped by a lactation consultant); I am also a midwife.  I was confident I could feed her so I discharged her home (against Dr's advice ).  She remains breastfed at 8 months old; her weight is 6.4 kg; at birth it was 2.1 kg.  My paediatrician is happy with her.  However, the respiratory specialist and ENT surgeon still persist in telling me she needs tube feeding and a fundoplication to reduce risk of chronic lung disease (she has had x2 infections); as they say all these kids "need tube feeding."  I know is not true.  I regularly take her to the paediatrician who says she is doing well.

I consult a private speech pathologist and lactation consultatnt who tell me Kirra-Lee does not aspirate when she feeds, as she is contented, and her breathing is normal.  The respiratory therapist says there are kids who silently micro-aspirate!!  The paediatrician says we probably all do!!

The outcome of my persistence and belief that Kirra-Lee is happy breastfeeding has paid off.  She has good swallowing and oral stimulation needed for speech (which if tube fed, she would not have had).  She is developing along under 3%, cannot sit yet at 8 months, but nearly there.  She suffers reflux, for which she takes Losel daily.  Some days are good, others are really hard where she cries all night and day.

She is due to have hand surgery in the next year, which I would love to find the leading specialist in the USA (to straighten her forearm; from forefinger into thumbs).  In Australia here is not a lot of experience.

She has a continuous stridor, which I find distressing and which worsens when she cries as she ends up breathless and very sweaty??  Her lower airway is always clear.

Anyway, she loves her breastfeeds; at times it's the only normal thing we have left.  She attempts solids at present, but never seems hungry or interested!!  I would love her to eat more instead of feeding continuously.  However, we love her with all our hearts, the little soul, she's had it tough; hopefully the future is better. 

Regards,