difficultly with latch

sarahandeddiejune212008

I'm trying to help a friend who is trying to nurse her new DD and is having trouble getting her latch. She was told that her DD cannot latch because her lower lip turns inward instead of being able to come out to properly latch.

I'm having a hard time believing that this issue couldn't be corrected. Has anyone ever heard of this?

She plans on pumping, but the hospital released her late Friday afternoon and she was unable to get her pump and the hospital did not give her one to use over the weekend.

I told her to hand express as much as possible over the weekend. I also suggested that after she gives her DD a bottle she try to get her to latch. I thought maybe if her lo isn't super hungry she might have more patience to attempt to latch.

Her DD was born about 2 weeks early. I don't know if this could be contributing to the problem, but I want to help her as much as possible.

TIA

CNYBride05

WSS and I'd be irate if I was her! What a horrible discharge!

ErinO21

A hand pump would be super helpful since they are affordable and handy to have around. Pumping for a few minutes can help draw the nipple out making it easier for LO to latch.

sarahandeddiejune212008

I thought it was crazy they discharged her. I know financially they cannot afford to buy a pump. She has an rx and is getting it from the medical supply place. I'd loan her mine but it got misplaced when we moved.

I was wondering if the issue was lip tie. The nurse didn't give her a specific name for the problem. I didn't have any issues like that when I nursed so I didn't know what to tell her.

Thanks for the help!

sarahandeddiejune212008

I think her medical card is paying for the pump and that's why she's waiting.

breffitt

Try a nipple shield. They are under $10 and can be purchased at BRU.

CNYBride05

What sort of answers were you hoping for? It seems like everything that we've suggested you've had a reason why it won't work. I'm terribly sorry for your friend's predicament, but if they can't afford a $25 pump, how the heck can they afford a baby?

sarahandeddiejune212008

I fully realize that not pumping is going to be detrimental to her supply. Honestly, I have no idea how she will afford her child.

However, I am happy that she is wanting to nurse her DD because of all the health benefits.

I was hoping to find more information on the lip tie and what can be done to correct it and help them have a successful nursing relationship.

I was very fortunate to have a relatively easy time nursing my children. I was thankful for this board when I did have a question. I haven't been here in awhile because my children are now toddlers. Thank you all for your advice.