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Babies: 0 - 3 Months
a few BF questions...
I asked these questions on the BF board but it seems pretty quiet over there today, so just looking for some answers here too!
1) We're almost 4 weeks out and my LO still isn't latching well...I'm still getting the "lipstick nipple" every time he eats (worse on the left side than the right) I've been told I can use a nipple shield- any advice/guidance on these? Also, will it be hard to wean him from it, and how long will I have to use it?
2) Along those same lines, we want to start introducing bottles soon, but because of these BF problems, I'm hesitant. I've heard horror stories, however, about waiting TOO long and having the baby outright refuse a bottle. Anyone here still having some BF issues but started bottle feeding anyway? If so, how is it going?
Thanks in advance everyone!
This discussion has been closed.
Re: a few BF questions...
Never tried/had to use a nipple shield, so can't give advice there.
As for the latch, though: how are you putting him on? Are you putting your fingers behind the areola and compressing until he closes his mouth around you? Are you waiting until he's opened wide? (Sometimes you may have to wait a while for him to open as wide as he can.) Are you quick to put him on after he opens wide?
Do you mean lipstick nipple as "really bad" and consistent? Does it hurt?
This happened to me for a while, because DD had a hard time opening up wide enough all the time. It didn't hurt much, she got the milk she needed, and she's been growing like a weed since then.
I would say to try the tips above. If it hurts, try talking to LLL representative or an LC. If it doesn't hurt and you're just worried that you don't have a picture perfect latch, don't worry. Your baby will get better at latching as he gets older, and it won't be an issue until then.
Also, we introduced occasional bottles at 3 weeks, and she's not had an issue yet with either breast or bottle. She may just be an easy going baby, I don't know, but you won't know until you try.
Again, unless it hurts, I don't think it's a big deal, and definitely not big enough to warrant not trying a bottle.
I used nipple shields for DD the first 6 months she was BF'ing. I had no issue weaning her from it, which was nice because there were a few times we were out and I had forgotten it. But I needed to use it one side until she was about 6 months old (I have one nipple that is not fully formed) I just used one and switched it when she switched.
They come in different sizes, just like bottle nipples, so I would suggest getting one of each size and see which one he prefers.
I would see how the nipple shields work before introducing the bottle. You don't want him to refuse the breast because he finds the bottle easier. And if he takes to the shield it might help with bringing in the bottle.
You could also try nursing on one side, and then when you would normally switch give him the bottle. Then pump the "unused" side. This worked for us. We introduced the bottle at 2 weeks so DH could feed her.
GL!