Okay, so I am at the point where I dread BF every time. I am in so much pain with every feeding. My nipples have finally recovered from being cracked and bleeding (I know it's only been a week, but it felt like forever) but still - it hurts so bad when he feeds. I'm guessing it's the latch, even though I am trying to adjust his mouth and following the instructions on latch that I find in my breastfeeding books.
Anyway, unless anyone has a magical tip (I'll try anything!), I am trying to get in touch with a lactation consultant. How do they work? Do they typically have offices? Do they take insurance? I know these may be stupid questions, but I don't really know where to begin....
Thanks for any help in advance!
Re: Lactation Consultants?
Have you checked the hospital where you delivered? Ours provided LCs at no charge and we were able to go back after delivery as many times as we needed at no charge.
Check out La Leche League as well (they have free meetings).
https://www.babycenter.com/404_what-does-a-lactation-consultant-do-and-how-do-i-find-one_8876.bc
https://www.kellymom.com/lcdirectory/index.html
You could also ask your pedi or OB for recommendations.
Thanks, Ladies! I am doing some research on Kellymom - so hopefully I can get more info on latching.
Sadly, the La Leche meetings that are in my area are all in the 3rd or 4th week of the month. I can's wait that long for help
I'm going to call LC's tomorrow. Thanks again!
So I'm guessing that I'm not getting his lower lip as far down as it needs to go - I have been pulling down on his chin, but maybe if I switch from cross cradle to football hold? I'll try that next...
I had a lactation consultant at the hospital, but at the time I had to supplement his feedings with formula (we used a syringe and a small tube so that he was supplementing but still eating at the breast). We had him latched on correctly there, but I'm guessing that it's slipped since then. They do a class the 2nd Thursday of the month, but there is no LC on call for new moms who are discharged.
I'm checking out other hospitals in the area to see if anyone else offers classes or something...
DD didn't put her lower lip far enough down for the first 3 weeks. It only bothered my left side and I was always taking her off and gently pulling down her chin. It was hard and then she suddenly "got it." She's done it two other times in the last 6 months to the same side but it's just a matter of taking her off and letting her get back on correctly(she can do it on her own.)
GL!
Hang in there! I know you're trying all you can think of.
As for LC-I found mine through my Center for Women's health. I talked to one via phone at no charge, then went in to visit one (I think it cost $100 an hour, but since my pedi recommended it, my insurance covered it).
Even if you have a friend who has bf'd before, maybe they can come over today and watch you if you can't get ahold of anyone else. My nipples were very sensitive and I didn't feel like bfing was pain free until about 8 weeks. And it hurt a lot in the beginning, I would also dread bfing (even though the other ladies on here say it shouldn't hurt too much) But it was like he finally got it, and it got better.
Depends on the LC. Our LC's around here (the 2 that I have seen) have offices. They charge around $150 for the first visit. Insurance did cover my visit, but you pay the LC and then submit to your insurance. Check with your company to see if that would be covered.
GL!