I've been having trouble the last few days with the initial latch. It seems like my breast is too full for him to get a good grip. Poor kid, milk ends up dripping on his face while we try to work this out, and he gets really frustrated. Any tips? I'm hoping to avoid having to pump at the start of each feeding, particularly in the middle of the night.
"For a long time there were only your footprints & laughter in our dreams & even from such small things, we knew we could not wait to love you forever."

Re: Breast too full for latch?
the only way my baby can latch because my breasts are so full is with a nipple shield. they are not always recommended by LC's but it works for us.
I would check with your hospitals LC and see what they recommend. GL
"And where was I before the day that I first saw your lovely face? Now I see it everyday and I know that I am the luckiest."
Same here, worked great for us! I only had to use the shield for a few days.
I would try everything BEFORE using the shield.... your LO can get used to it, and won't latch any other way. While that isn't the biggest deal in the world.... NIPing can be VERY rough with a shield and a cover... and then what if you forget it....
(been there, and done that! LOL!!)
Use warm washcloths on your breasts, then hand express over the sink till they feel softer.