I am needing some hints or tips about breastfeeding my newborn. I have been struggling to get him to latch on fully, and am still experiencing sore nipples after feedings. It's been 5 weeks now. I am feeling discouraged and ready to give up, but greatly desire to continue. I just don't know how I can get him to open his mouth wider, so he can get a better latch. When I wait for him to open his mouth wider, he often starts crying and gets upset. I have small breasts and small nipples, so not sure if that is causing more of a challenge for me. Can anyone relate or have some advice?
Thanks to everyone for your encouraging responses, and hints and tips. All of them were helpful. I did end up seeing a lactation consultant, who discovered that my son has thrush! She said this could definitely be causing my soreness, and the burning/tingling after nursing. I noticed his tongue was white, but thought it was because of spitting up, etc. What do I know?! We both have medicine now, and we have began treating this. We also worked on latching techniques. I think/hope that once this is cleared up, things will be smooth sailing! Unfortunately, all the extra milk I had saved has to be tossed, since it's contaminated. The lactation consultant suggested that if I pump milk, I should use it that day only. Not sure when I can start storing milk again (probably after its cleared up???). Anyways, thanks again everyone!
This web site has great video clips of latching on.
http://www.drjacknewman.com/index.php?option=com_content&...
Hi.
Don’t be discouraged. I had the same problem last year when my son was born. Being my first baby, I consulted the lactation consultants. Have you tried all the different positions? Initially the cross cradle position wouldn’t work for me so I tried the football hold. For a few weeks he was comfortable .Then I fed me lying down in the bed with him cradled closed to me. That really works with the baby sleeping instantly. Whichever position you are comfortable in, make sure he latches well. Try and adjust the latch and don’t worry if he is howling away, because you don’t want sore nipples, right?? When he latches, just pull his lower lip further down until your lower areola is covered. That’s it! That will do the trick. I did it each time I fed my little one and he would latch on fine .So you just need to be more patient I know it’s so tiring and emotionally draining. My little one is 9 months old now and still hasn’t given me any sore nipples.
I have smaller breasts and nipples, so do not be discouraged, small actually helps to latch on well and your baby wouldn’t have to open up wide to latch.
See a lactation dr. if you havent done so,its a big help.
All the best and be patient, everything will work out well.
Don't give up. I know it's frustrating and you may even feel like your failing, but your not! Remember, your lil one is learning just like you are. My ds took 12 weeks, yes 12, before he would even latch on! I was constantly pumping, doing skin to skin contact, trying to latch him every day. And just when I was about to quit, because my supply was extremely low...one day, he latched and now that he is going to be one, he has no interest in weaning! Go figure. My pediatrician is the one who sent me to an excellant lactation consultant. My advice would be to hook up with one of them. Hospitals offer groups for free, as well as many ob/gyns, have support groups. My advice also, is to find one that you can work with, that you feel comfortable with. Believe me, I went thru about 5 different women, before I found one that worked for and with me. It's amazing because even in the new moms group I joined, we all complained about the lactation consults at the hospital. And about half of them gave up breast feeding for that reason! VERY SAD! So again, do not give up, find a lac. consult to work with, and also try using lanolin on your nipples. This really helped me. Just make sure it is 100% lanolin. Oh, also, the size and shape has nothing to do with it. My breasts are huge, a J cup, and I had inverted nipples, that took FOREVER to stay out when trying to feed. So again, dont give up, try different holds, a boppy, my breast friend pillow, etc. If you relax, your lil one may relax also. They pick up on tension and you won't let down as fast either if you are tense. Hope this helps. Sorry it's scatter brained. =)
Congrats on the little one! I breastfed both my girls who are almost 5 and almost 2. My second daughter surprised us when she was born with Downs Syndrome. The hospitals LC said it wasn't common for babies with DS to nurse, but I was determined. It took awhile, but she got the hang of it and nursed until she was over a year old. Her speech therapist is still commenting on how breatfeeding contributes to mouth closure, mouth/lip strength,swallowing, etc. I knew breastfeeding was best for boosing immunity and many other benefits, I had no idea how many benefits there really are. Hang in there!
I think the advice you got earlier about finding a support group is really good advice. I went to the group at Goshen Hospital with both my girls. Naomi Hoover is amazing and so supportive 24/7. Positions can also really make a difference. Both my girls preferred the football hold until they were 3 months old or so. Also, sometimes I'd get my daughters "sucker" warmed up on my pinky finger, then she'd open more readily for the nipple.
Good luck!
Good for you for giving your baby the very best you can give! I love all the breastfeeding responses you've gotten, you've got some great things to go on now.
Experts say that it can take 6 weeks for babies to really "get it". I remember, the day my daughter turned 6 weeks it's like a light bulb went on and we got it. Ok, maybe it wasn't the acual day, but it was around then. I was sore up until then. They say that a proper latch shouldn't cause soreness, I'm not really sure I agree. Are you fair skinned or red headed? These people seem to become more sore.
The other thing is try rolling your breast in his mouth like a hamburger. Think about how you bite a hamburger and do that same thing with him.
Hope this helps, if you continue to have trouble see a lactation consultant or call a La Leche League leader or attend a meeting. That's what they love to do!
I also had trouble getting my son to latch on well and something that really helped with soreness is called Soothies, you can get them at the drugstore. basically it is a gel over a breast pad that feels cool to the touch and is totally safe for you and baby (my midwife suggested) It would totally relieve the pain to make it tolerable to nurse. After a couple of days I was totally healed up and then your tissue will eventually toughen up in a sense. He is almost 5 months old and still doesn't latch great but I have actually gotten used to it and it doesn't hurt at all now. I think that when you are already sore until you heal it will just keep getting worse unless you can get something to comfort your nipples.
COngrats on the baby! and way to go for wanting to breastfeed.. I LOVE BREASTFEEDING! I cant imagine formula feeding (no offense to formula moms) I personallly can not offer much advice but i can offer a welcome to my breastfeeding support group that i myself and a few mommy friends go to.. it is at community north hospital on wednesday nights ( i think they have a tuesday morning also) at 5pm if you are interested it is GREAT just a bunch of moms breasfeeding some with no problems some have everything underthe sun go wrong.. there are lactaion consultants there (it is free of charge) and these are like the best women in the world!!! if you areinterested in some one on one personal help PLEASE let me know just send me a message! good luck keep "fighting" the good fight!
Hi J.,
Don't give up. You have what you need to be successful at breastfeeding and that is the desire. I nursed all of my kid for 12 + months each and I remember soreness very well. I have small breasts as well and that is irrelevant to the success of nursing.
My biggest piece of advise is to consult a lactation consultant, if you have not done so already. Regardless if you gave birth at Fairview, they have a wonderful breastfeeding drop-in group that meets weekly at the Fairview Wellness Center on Wooster Road. They will show you how to do a proper latch and will have loads of other helpful tips on how best to hold the baby, how to care for sore nipples, etc. You will also meet other new moms who are seeking breastfeeding advise and you might learn from each other.
To keep up your milk supply, it is imperative that you continue nursing and the sooner you figure out the positioning, the better it will be. Believe it or not, it should be painless!! There is hope!
Good luck.
A.
P.S. I just remembered that my son used to tuck his lower lip in as he latched on and nursed and I would always forget to check and nursing was PAINFUL. My husband would remind me to check his lower lip and I would pull it out. I also just remembered how I would touch the sides of my babies' cheeks to trigger the rooting reflex and just as the baby opened up his/her (four kids, remember) mouth, I would put his her mouth right on the breast and it's important that the areola be in the mouth, not just the nipple. Oh, it coming back to me now. I stopped nursing my youngest 8 months ago.
A.
Tickle him under his chin. this is suppose to help them open their mouth. If he doesn't latch on correctly, break the seal with your finger, tickle him and try again. You can also contact a lactation consultant. Most hospitals have them as do WIC clinics. You could also contact La Leche League in your area. Have you tried using the gel pads you put in the fridge? I got some from the hospital. They slip inside your bra and really help with the pain. The size of your breasts shouldn't have anything to do with your ability to nurse. Also, try different holds. My dd preferred the football hold over the other types. I think it's great that you want to continue nursing even though it's challening for you. Hang in there!
I know exactly what you're going through. I had the same problem with my son for the first 3-4 weeks of breastfeeding (OH THE PAIN!!). What worked best for me was tickling his mouth with my nipple. He would recognize what was going on and that's when he would open his mouth the widest. This is where you have to be quick. As soon as it's open, just shove it in his mouth and he should latch on best at that point. Please, please, please don't give up. I had my thoughts about quitting when it got tough, but before you know it, you two will be pros at this.
Good Luck!
Do Not Give Up! Join your local La Leche League.
