Mrs. Teddy (or any other LCs of BF'ing gurus)

TKx2

I'm having a nursing issue I was hoping you could help with.  Paige started off nursing really well.  We were pretty sure I had a fast letdown because she was only nursing 5-6 minutes on the first side and 3-4 on the second, but she gained 9 ounces in a week.  But, for the last week or so we've been having some problems.  She has been fighting me when I try to latch her on.  I can get her on the left side if I basically force her but I cannot, for the life of me, get her to latch on the right side.  I've tried different positions, starting her on the left and trying to move her over, nothing works.  Because of this she's still hungry when she's done because she's only eating on one side.  I talked to her pedi last night and have an appointment for a weight check tomorrow and to talk about the fact that she's choking every time we lay her down (and he said he would send me to a LC if she's not gaining).  I just wanted to see if you have any advice on how I can encourage her to latch.  I'm worried that my supply on the right will suffer since she hasn't eaten on that side for almost 24 hours.  Should I pump that side for today and give her that milk from a bottle?  We've been giving her an ounce of fomula after she nurses because she's still hungry but I'd much rather give her pumped milk.  Overall, I feel like my supply is decreasing and I'm worried it's going to dry up because of her nursing strike.  My milk dried up very quickly with Adelynn (once I started EP'ing due to her reflux) so I'm worried it will happen again.  Thanks!

dojo1

I have to be forceful with Hank... Literally stuff mt breast in his mouth and hold his head firmly until he starts sucking.  It feels crappy, but maybe a firm hand is what you need too (unless she is crying and upset, then comfort her and try again because you don't want it to be a negative experience for her).

adamstodrake

I would definitely pump the right side. You can either give it to her now or freeze, no harm either way. It sounds like Paige may have reflux too. Could also be that her esophagus sphincter muscle isn't totally working yet (I think my DD is dealing with this). Hopefully your doctor can shed light on why she is striking on the right side. In the mean time... pump, you don't want that side to dry up.

TKx2

adamstodrake:

I would definitely pump the right side. You can either give it to her now or freeze, no harm either way. It sounds like Paige may have reflux too. Could also be that her esophagus sphincter muscle isn't totally working yet (I think my DD is dealing with this). Hopefully your doctor can shed light on why she is striking on the right side. In the mean time... pump, you don't want that side to dry up.

Yeah, we suspect reflux. We're trying to figure out if it's that or if it's a supply issue and she's getting mad because she has to work harder for it. I just pumped and got just over 1 oz on the left (she nursed on that side at 7:30) and 1.5 on the right (hasn't nursed for over 12 hours). I'm tempted to pump today and keep track of how much I'm getting but I don't want her to get too used to the bottle and refuse to nurse because it's more work for her.

stacieann15

Another thing you can try -- try expressing a couple of drops to have on the nipple when you are trying to latch her on -- so she knows there is food there?

TKx2

stacieann15:

Another thing you can try -- try expressing a couple of drops to have on the nipple when you are trying to latch her on -- so she knows there is food there?

I've tried that too...doesn't help. She's a stubborn little stinker

jbaron

Everything that you described is what DD is doing now.  We also suspected reflux. (DS had it bad but we didn't get it diagnosed until 2 months.)

I called the dr and he only had two questions for me.  Is she pulling away at the breast, arching her back, and crying whey I try to feed her?  Does she wake up from a deep sleep wailing?  We answered a HUGE yes to both questions and he called in a script for reflux medicine.  We go see him again next week, so hopefully things will get better before then.  DD was screaming for about 8 hours a day.  We have only given her the medicine twice, but she is already doing better.

I would not give her a bottle or formula, it could mess with your supply.  I would call your doctor to see what he/she says.

Best wishes... I feel your pain.  I hope your DD get some relief soon!

vtwd40

My LO was pulling away from her latch for a while due to her painful gas. It was terrible. There were definitely a few times that I had to give her pumped milk once DH got her to calm down. Fighting her just got me upset, which in turn, got her more upset. The first time I gave her pumped milk, I gave it to her in a bottle. I didn't want to either because I don't want her to wus out and just want a bottle. Then a friend told me that when she had to supplement with pumped milk, she was told to feed it through a syringe. I stole the syringe from one of her med containers and fed her with that. It took a long time and a lot of fills, but she was able to suck on the syringe basically like a nipple, so it made me feel better. Its an option if you don't want to give her too many bottles.

schmood

Have you tried a nipple shield?  DS was having some issues figuring out what to do, so the nurses at the hospital got me a nipple shield.  It gives him a longer flange to latch onto.  It has worked well for me.  I'm slowly trying to work him off of it though (even though he's only 5days old)  I'll usually start with it on the first boob, then try to get him to go without it on the second.  Doesn't always work...so sometimes have to use it on both sides. 

TKx2

schmood:

Have you tried a nipple shield?  DS was having some issues figuring out what to do, so the nurses at the hospital got me a nipple shield.  It gives him a longer flange to latch onto.  It has worked well for me.  I'm slowly trying to work him off of it though (even though he's only 5days old)  I'll usually start with it on the first boob, then try to get him to go without it on the second.  Doesn't always work...so sometimes have to use it on both sides. 

She actually has a really good latch. We're pretty sure her resistance is caused by either reflux or an issue with my supply. I'm thinking it's a combo of both.