Exclusively pumped w/DD, tips on successful BFing w/ DS? (a little long)

Jlroberts57 · May 2014

Back when I was attempting to BF my DD I had a major issue with flat nipples. I tried several things like using breast shields, and pumping a little to draw out the nipple. But it became frustrating and exhausting, nothing was working, and I really regret that I gave up too soon. I was able to exclusively pump for her and I produced great, but after not being able to get her to latch after several days, we weren't sure what else to do. And in our area we really didn't have a lactation consultant available, and weren't sure where to turn either. Pumping worked out so well that I just continued on until about 5 months.

Anyway, to now. I have noticed that my nipples are protruding more and I'm really hoping that I will be more successful. I am a lot more confident now, and we live in a better area with a great consultant I've already talked to. But I kind of feel like a total beginner because I haven't experienced much of what other BFing moms have. I never really had sore nipples while pumping, so Im trying to prepare myself! What I am really looking for is any advice, tips, resources that will help me stay confident (and patient), and I know it wont be a walk in the park. DS is due next week so Ive been trying to look for different resources but im not finding anything much that tells me what it will REALLY be like. Would love to get more perspective than just "bonding with your baby" I know theres much more to it than that!

JustGoWithIt · May 2014

Have you (or anyone else) heard about the lansinoh latch assist? I too was not successful with BF or pumping with DS#1 for several reasons, one of which was flat nipples. We tried the shield too, which in the end was probably helping, but my supply was lacking. Nevertheless, I've been doing a ton of research in hopes that I will be successful this time. I found the latch assist product on Amazon & bought it. It was like $10. No idea yet if it works since I'm not due until July, but in theory it looks like it could help to avoid the shield.

Unknown · May 2014

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VickyTGAW · May 2014

The PPs are on it-- my suggestions echo theirs, particularly the breast milk on the nipples and air drying.

But one thing I can provide is a positive precedence for you! I EPed for my first son (from a combination of him being late pre-term and flat nipples)... and had great success with breastfeeding my second son. He started nursing right away in the delivery room.

Differences I noticed:

1) With direct breastfeeding, my postpartum cramping was significantly more noticeable (though I hear that could also be because it was my second child). For the first four days, every time I breastfed, I had that tough cramping, but it did pass.

2) I did experience pain the first two weeks initially with the latching on the left nipple, but it usually subsided pretty quickly (I assume as the nipple got better positioned in his mouth). At the time, it seems like "When is this nipple ever going to get a chance to heal?!? We're using it every few hours!!!" but somehow, all of a sudden two weeks in I realized, "Wait a second, this doesn't hurt anymore."

3) In the early days, I did try to mettle a lot and try to get in a situation where his sucking felt like the breast pump. That might have been misguided. It doesn't really feel like a breast pump after all.

4) And then.... when I was EPing, I liked to think it was harder, but I didn't know. Now that I've done both, I can say that I personally found the direct breastfeeding to be a lot easier. A lot easier. I'm a hiker, so it was particularly empowering to go out hiking without a cooler and bottles and we can do longer outings without scheduling the journey around visits to the breast pump. Maybe that will be helpful motivation in the early days? It may hurt and feel tough now, but the effort is going to pay off in dividends???

I hope this helps. Best of luck to you!

Agape. · May 2014

I am just a lurker on this board as I am pregnant with second baby and I could have written your question/post word for word. You are not alone in this experience and with all the great advice that was posted I don't feel alone in what I thought was a rare experience from being an EPer with flat nipples to a STM who wants to be prepared and successful at EBF. Thank you for posting this!

Jlroberts57 · May 2014

Thank you everyone! I actually did find the latch assist thing on Amazon and bought it, (why not for only $10-totally worth a try!) So glad to know I am not alone and to get such good encouragement!

CHS2005 · May 2014

I am on #3. I would say getting the baby and yourself into a pattern of good latches from the beginning. It might take work, particularly if your LO is not inherently good at latching, but it's well with the effort for long term success. Work with a LC at the hospital and after if you need. They are great help. Also, my DH participated in working with the LC with me and it was really helpful later on to have him "see" from a third person perspective what a good latch looked like. He was able to help me get it right so it didn't feel like I was all alone in getting it right. HTH

tobemrsdurham · May 2014

I have flat nipples too and am Bf'ing #3 riiight now. Def try the breast shields too! We are using a nipple shield. Lots of nipple cream; I had to get an RX for APNO from my OB.

tobemrsdurham · May 2014

I could not nurse my first two so this was a challenge but we figured it out-- it was hard!

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Exclusively pumped w/DD, tips on successful BFing w/ DS? (a little long)

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