BFing ?

unaveragejane

Can we play "This is Normal, Right?"

L is 4 weeks old. He usually nurses on one side per feeding for about 25 minutes every 2 hours. Lately he will do both sides, so it takes 45-55 minutes. He eats sooo slowly! Normal?

Also, he is starting to latch without the shield. When he latched on the left, it hurts like heck for several minutes. His lips are flared and he's as deep on it as I can get him. Is this normal since I've been using a shield and still getting used to being bare or do I need to get the latch checked again?

painttheair14

1. Yes, that length of feeding is normal. So is shorter feedings. As long as he's having at least 6 wet diapers a day, you're golden!

2. It shouldn't hurt but maybe your nipples are just adjusting? I would see an LC is the pain continues past today and use some nipple cream in the mean time. Unless it's excruciating. Then get help now!

Eta: fwiw, my son used to take forever to eat too. Part of it may have been comfort nursing, but I figured I'd let him stay as long as he wanted.

Into+the+Kitty

Taking a long time to nurse is usually when they are upping your supply for a coming growth spurt. Like they're telling your boobs 'Still milking, here, guys, make some more.'

Rrrrrachel

That all sounds normal. The hurting should go away.

usernewname

Sounds normal. The extra sucking from growth spurts and comfort makes mine hurt all over again then it goes away in time for a new spurt.

lookame3639

Just check your nipple for and white flakey skin or cracks.

TJ1979

Normal Jane. Hang in there.

bumpuser5078523

I would visit an LC just to double check. It's easier to fix a latch problem early, rather than after they get used to it.

unaveragejane

Thanks, y'all!

usernewname

doeie04 said:

I would visit an LC just to double check. It's easier to fix a latch problem early, rather than after they get used to it.

So true. We're still trying to correct a shallow one.

unaveragejane

@potterowl‌ I have the Medela ones, and they were great when I had a cracked spot.

bumpuser5078523

usernewname said:

doeie04 said:

I would visit an LC just to double check. It's easier to fix a latch problem early, rather than after they get used to it.

So true. We're still trying to correct a shallow one.

Logan had a shallow one too, but we didn't catch it until around 6 months, and it wasn't bothering me, so we left it alone since he wasn't liking us messing with him.

usernewname

doeie04 said:

usernewname said:

doeie04 said:

I would visit an LC just to double check. It's easier to fix a latch problem early, rather than after they get used to it.

So true. We're still trying to correct a shallow one.

Logan had a shallow one too, but we didn't catch it until around 6 months, and it wasn't bothering me, so we left it alone since he wasn't liking us messing with him.

Good thing it wasn't bugging you. I can feel it but he will pull back when I try to do it properly. It's getting better though we his mouth grows.

Rrrrrachel

I feel like both my kids have had not great latches by the book, but we're both happy and they grow like crazy so whatever.

kassidybl

When DS moved from nipple shield to not, it did hurt for the first 2-3 weeks as my nipples got used to the directness of the latch. He's gotten to be a champ since then and just latches on wherever he happens to lay.

Amores0121

My LO has a good latch but I still have pain sometimes in the beginning, which I read can be normal as long as it subsides. Especially if I am really full. So I think it's normal.