Anyone else feel they need six hands to breastfeed? I know we aren't even two weeks into it yet, but I was hoping to be better at this by now. The lactation consultant helped with latch. Correct latch hasn't been an issue... Getting her to calm down long enough to latch initially is a PITA.
According to the LC, I need to hold her head and my breast to get a correct latch... Also I'm supposed to hold her hands out of her mouth, prevent my breast from blocking her nose, and keep a cold rag on hand to keep her awake... The rag doesn't work BTW... It just makes her mad enough to break the latch.
And if I hear, " A correct latch shouldn't hurt" one more time, someone is getting kicked in the knee caps.
I just feel like I'm doing everything wrong. I have no intentions of stopping especially since LO is eating great and growing. But I've had three tearful breakdowns today trying to get her to calm down and just latch on... Maybe it is just a rough day. Thanks for letting me vent!
ETA: Someone please tell me my nipples won't be this sore forever!!
Re: I need more hands!!
sorry you are having a rough time with bfing. It does get easier, and no- your nips won't be sore forever.......as long as lo is latching correctly. They will remain sore- if she doesn't latch on right. A correct latch, in fact won't hurt (unless your nips are already sore.) ((blocking knee caps)) Also, your lo can feel you tensed up and that may be the reason why she wasn't calm enough to latch on right. It takes some time to learn to bf, for you and your lo. What helped me when I was learning how, I sat in a quiet room, with just me and my lo and I was cool, calm and collected. Try not to tense up, and just know that it will get easier! Don't quite, because I know it sounds easier, and more appealing at times, but keep to it, and you, and your baby will get the hang of it.
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Try gel soothies or an ice pack for sore nips.