Painful latch only on one side

MrsAMB07

DD latches easily on the left side, but the right side is so painful. It's not new, but it seems to be getting worse rather than better over time. Now it's a noticeable difference in the two sides. I know it's a shallow latch because it's a "lipstick" nipple when she comes off. I've seen an LC and use her tips, but it's still so painful. Has anyone had a similar situation? Did it improve as your LO got older? Any tips or tricks?

We're still working on latching correctly each time, but it's just so frustrating!

24Trishap

I had the same issue and the LC suggested that I mimic how I feed her on the good side. I tried that and it has gotten a little better over time! Good luck!

RDK24

24Trishap said:

I had the same issue and the LC suggested that I mimic how I feed her on the good side. I tried that and it has gotten a little better over time! Good luck!

I did the same thing. If your LO latches well on the left, keep her in that same position and just move her on over to your right side so her head is at exactly the same angle. Will take some experimenting with pillows, etc. to get her propped just right.

And I know this seems obvious, but have you also tried just waiting her out until she opens her mouth really wide and then kind of pushing her onto the breast? If you put your hand between her shoulder blades and kind of mash her into you once her mouth is WIDE open, that can help.

MrsAMB07

Thanks, I'll try your tips. Opening her mouth wide has been an issue, so I'm sure that's part of it. I hope it improves as she grows. I'll try mimicking the same position and see how that goes. Thanks!

flcl

I went through the same thing with my LO until about a month ago... no issues with the left side but the right side was always so painful.  I tried mimicking the same position but it was so awkward for us.  I ended up just helping him open his mouth up wide and getting as much in there as possible.  Over time, that helped and now that he's bigger, it's no longer an issue.  GL!