4 day old refusing to latch

kweagle

My son was born 4 days ago and I have only gotten to latch at one feeding and even then he gave a few suckles and pushed away.  He did this a few times then called it a day.  I have been pumping in the in-between time so he can still get breast milk, but only producing 15-25 ml in total per pump, so I have been having to supplement with formula.  The lactation consultants I have seen said I have flat nipples and they do not stick out long enough.  I have been pumping to bring them out and trying that way and that has not worked.  Anyone experience this and have any tips? 

Just some background I also had a breast reduction 10 years ago, I don't know if that makes a difference with latching.  The consultants are happy I am just making milk and keep telling me if I have to pump exculively thats a win, which I know it is I would just really love to breastfeed.

 TIA!

RichInLove

Here's some info I found:

 

https://www.motherandchildhealth.com/Breastfeeding/Becky/inverted.html

 

Also, I think that I would try to see another consultant. Pumping exclusively is admirable, for poeple that can do it, but it's exhausting. See if you can fix the issue early. 

daisyterp

I would also check this website- about BF'ing after reduction, surgery, etc. 

https://bfar.org/

 

keywi100

Have you tried nipple shields (like the ones made by medela)? I know that quite a few people are against them because you sometimes have to ween the baby off of them but they are the only things that worked for me and my flat nipples.

MrsCarroll.6-10-07

I agree with the PP. Get a new LC, pay whatever you have to, they will help you. And they should help you repeatedly if they are great. Paying for a LC will save you money in the long run over formula costs. Also, try a nipple shield. I had to use one on my righty only for a couple months this time around and I had no problems weaning DD2 off of it.

faith194

DS didn't latch for 2 weeks, but I tried every feed.  The nipple shield didn't work. I didn't produce milk for 5 days, nor did I pump anything after the initial pump at the hospital until my milk came in. We had to supplement from the get go, and I was an awful pumper.  We ended up going to exclusive FF due to MSPI(the elimination diet did not work after 4 weeks), but he did nurse for 2 or so months.

Keep at it! Don't lose heart that latching will never happen.