Correcting a shallow latch.

lindsay.lou

My DS has a very shallow latch. The problem is that he opens up nice and wide and takes the breast very well. His initial latch is great, but then he immediately scrunches his nose, pulls himself off the breast a little (creating a shallow latch), and then starts sucking/feeding.

Everything I've found online for help is focused on getting the baby to latch on good, but my son latches on fine (initially), then pulls himself back a little. I have no idea how to keep him latched on and prevent him from pulling back besides forcefully holding him on (which, OBVIOUSLY, I would never do). 

ANY advice?? 

Jackiemkn

My son had a terrible latch at the start of things as well.  He would some how pinch my nipples shut and it hurt soooo bad.  For us it was simply a matter of time and finally I tried an unusual postion and it changed everything.  I sat him upright on my knee facing my breast and used my forearm to hold him under his arm and cradle his back while my hand supported his head, the other hand held the breast and did some compressions to help him get going.  The latch stufff is tricky for some of us.  I hope you find your solution quickly.  GL

crysmike

DD did something similar, and pushing on her chin (at latch and throughout the feeding) seemed to help her open wide. I added a verbal cue with it "Open Wide!" so that eventually, I could just give the verbal cue and she would respond to it. GL!

sangarepa

DS does this as well.  I don't know if it is okay to do, but for us, I have started flanging his lips for him.  Also, I tell him to open wide and make my mouth the shape I want him to make.  

Is he gagging on your nipple or is it possible his tongue is not in the right position? 

lindsay.lou

sangarepa:

Is he gagging on your nipple or is it possible his tongue is not in the right position? 

Could be either. He does sometimes make "gaggy" faces and I can also feel his tongue rolling around in there, so I don't think it's correctly placed.