Baby resisting the nipple

ritzgrrl

First of all, hello. I'm a STM with an almost 2-week old. I usually hang out on the S14 board or Baby Names, but now I'm back in the breastfeeding game. BFing didn't go that well with DD1, so I'm hoping for more success this time around.

I'm starting to think my baby doesn't like my boob. It's become a struggle to get her to latch on. She just fusses and sucks on her hands until 5 min later when I finally convince her to open her mouth. I generally use the football hold.

Once she latches on, she does pretty well although sometimes she seems like she needs more after she's done. She also gets bottles sometimes. Is that what's to blame? Nipple preference? Any tips besides giving up the bottles? I think I need them for my sanity.

CNYBride05

I'd lose the bottles for a bit until she's nursing more readily. Have you had her latch and transfer evaluated?

flcl

I agree with PP that if you can, skip on the bottles until you two are in a groove with nursing.  Some babies do get confused switching between boob and bottle so early.  If you have to use bottles, do you have ones that are BF friendly?  Are you (or whoever is feeding LO) using paced feeding?  Both can really help you maintain your BF relationship.  Lastly, have you consulted a LC?  They were so helpful for me, especially in the beginning when BF was one challenge after another.  GL!