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Breastfeeding
GoodyWife06
member
Is there still hope??
GoodyWife06
member
I cannot believe how difficult breastfeeding has been. For the first week I couldn't get DS to latch on at all, despite the attempts of 3 lactation consultants. After a week he started latching on, but it hurt SO bad. I went back to the lactation consultant, and she basically couldn't find anything wrong with his latch that would explain why it hurt so bad. After several consultations we decided that I should try a nipple shield, and that helped with the pain. But last week DS suddenly decided he wanted nothing to do with the nipple shield. He would scream when I tried to use it and eventually just bite down hard on my nipple. So I'm back to going without the shield, gritting my teeth to get through each feeding. Basically the bottom of my nipple is red and raw by the end of the feeding, and it almost feels like his tongue is "thumping" against my nipple over and over. I thought it would be better by now (DS is 9 weeks old)....is there still a chance it will get better as he continues to grow? Any advice?
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Re: Is there still hope??
Hmmm...something is definitely not right. I would seek out the help of another LC - one thing I have found in my BFing woes is that all LCs are not created equal and some are downright awful!
Has your DS been evaluated for a tongue tie? Possibly a hidden type 4? That is what my DD has and I cannot tell you how many LCs and pedis have missed it or said she doesn't have it, but one LC who is amazing, is the one who found it for me. We are going to be seeing an ENT soon to have it evaluated.
LC after LC told me everything was fine even though my nips were torn to shreds, creased, the pain was unreal & my DD wasn't gaining weight. Obviously something was not right! Persistence is (hopefully) paying off for us, but it has not been easy. We have been able to overcome the pain a bit through really working on a deep latch, lots of nipple cream, pumping when necessary and motrin.
Good luck!
It should have gotten better already. Is the LC you saw certified? They aren't all certified and it can make a huge difference. Maybe try and find another LC to see you?
It sounds like he isn't latching on deeply enough and is just sucking on your nipple. He needs to have your areola in his mouth as well or it will hurt. His lips should be turned out (think fish lips). You want him to latch on with a wide open mouth, chin first. As soon as he opens wide, smush his little mouth on there as fast as you can. Remember, it's not going to hurt, your breast is nice and soft. :-) If he latches on fine at first and then it starts to hurt, one thing you can try is gently pulling DS's chin down with your finger once he latches on. It may be that his initial latch is fine but then he slides off and starts just sucking on your nipple as he eats. DD did this for a while. Luckily, she was usually so interested in eating she let me pull her chin and open her mouth and reposition her without freaking out. She learned not to slide off pretty quickly once I started doing that. Also, does it always hurt? If you take him off and reposition him is it any better? If so, do it. He'll learn to nurse the "right way" pretty soon. You are better off making him mad short term than having to stop BFing because he is destroying your nipples. Sorry I don't have anything better to suggest. Good luck!!
PS there is a website out there with a lot of good BFing videos by a male doctor (whose name I can't remember right now) that may be helpful to you. HOpefully another poster will know it.
https://www.drjacknewman.com/
DS is gaining weight fine (thankfully), it's just the pain I'm dealing with. The lactation consultant is licensed; she works at the hospital. She suggested I stop using Lanolin....is there another type of nipple cream that might be helpful?
As far as his latch, it really does look like he is on deep enough. I definitely ram him mouth into my boob as soon as he opens wide (my mom visited last weekend and cracked up every time she saw me do it.) I know he's not sucking just on the nipple, but for some reason it feels like that's where his tongue is hitting. I always check to make sure his lips are flanged. I've tried pulling down on his chin (something the LC suggested) but it's like his jaws are made of steel. And it hurts from the moment I put him on to the moment he comes of. Breaking the latch and re-adjusting makes no difference.
Thanks for all your advice. Maybe I need to find a new LC....
Why did she suggest stopping the Lansinoh? I have never heard of this before...
You are doing everything right! Hang in there mama!
Oh, it might help to get hooked up with La Leche. Visit their website and try to catch a mtg in your area. I found the mtgs to be just ok, but the leader was AMAZING! She & I keep in touch via phone and email and she is a wealth of knowledge.