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Latch problems b/c of slippery nipples?

TCsbrideTCsbride member
in Breastfeeding

DD was in the NICU until this past Sunday 5/31 and only the last three days were we able to direct breastfeed twice a day. During those visits I would try to hand express a couple minutes, then I'd just keep wiping her mouth and my nipple with a bup cloth until she got a good latch. Took btwn 5-10 min but then she'd suckle really good for about 15-20 minutes.

The day we got home from the NICU I got mastsis. I couldn't eat anything until today and even then, very small meals and only every 6 hours (my antibiotic has to be taken on an empty stomache - and trust me, it REALLY means it - I learned the hard way.) Regardless, my supply is WAY down now, yet I still have a TON of leakage. So DD can't get a good latch. I tried pumping but it just makes it worse because even after 1 or 2 min, it drips worse (guessing my let down). Plus, since my duct is clogged/low supply, DD doesn't want to work for it. She'll suckle for about 1 minutes and give up.

My mastisis is clearing up and my supply is going back up and the pain is down enough that I can massage the breast again, so I want to be ready to move from pumping 100% to direct feeding 100% (yet start building a stash for work when I return in 4-6 more weeks).

 So any suggestions for making her latch on easier? Any suggestions for keeping her from giving up? And when I am transitioning/get it worked out, it's correct to feed entirely from one side and then pump the other one right? Or should I feed her from one and then pump both, but obviously only one for a couple of minutes to make sure it's empty?

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Re: Latch problems b/c of slippery nipples?

  • cyndiathmacyndiathma

    Hmmm, slippery nipples were helpful for us...too dry and DS would slip off as well. I think it is more about the hold than the wet or dry. Get to an LC or have a phone consult...believe me it will make a world of difference.

    I found that holding baby firmly between the shoulder blades with one hand and holding my nipple in a C grip with the other hand really helped in the beginning. When the LC told me to stop holding his head a lot of things fell into place for us. We also used a nipple shield in the very beginning to help with latch...it only took a few weeks before we were able to BF without it, so do not worry about becoming dependent, just do what works and all the rest will fall in line. GL

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