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Transitioning from BF to EP

hydrangeagirlhydrangeagirl member
in Breastfeeding
I had another LC visit yesterday to improve LO's latch, feeding efficiency, and to encourage weight gain; he is 2 months old today.  Tongue tie was ruled out.  However, his latch needs major work and I am not sure I am going to be able to fix it.  He has a problem with extending and pushing down on his tongue when he engages my nipple- this is causing problems with milk transfer and feeding efficiency; I need to start "suck training" with him.  Does anyone have experience with this?  What were your results?

His BF sessions are exhausting and sometimes painful for me.  For the past 4 days I've been pumping after each BF session and giving him expressed milk to encourage weight gain; he has gained 7oz since last Wednesday so I know this is helping tremendously.  In the event I can't fix his latch, I will have to EP; I am very, very sad about this.   

Sorry if this is a stupid question but is there anything I need to do to transition from BF to EP?   Also, for those who EP, do you still let your LO go to the breast for comfort sucking?  I really would love to continue to do that with my LO.  

TIA for your insights, 
Me, 41; DH 38; TTC since July 2012, 1st round of Clomid, BFP on 10/19, what an incredible blessing!  M/c on 7w3d; D&C on 11/30; 4th round of Clomid 100mg = BFP on 04/19!!! M/c #2 at 7w; D&C on 5/30, then repeat D&C on 7/1.  Saline u/s on 8/2, uterus looks great!  Will start TTC in 09/13 w/ Clomid 100mg. Surprise natural BFP on 8/25!!! Beta #1=95, #2=182, #3=404!  EDD 5/4/13...Grow baby grow!


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Re: Transitioning from BF to EP

  • Sam0905Sam0905 member
    My little guy has been seeing a speech therapist that prescribes Beckman Oral Motor Exercises. I've never heard of "suck training" but this is probably the same type of thing since the exercises are supposed to improve his latch and increase suck strength. I've definitely noticed improvement since we started, but still have a bit to go. He doesn't leak as much with bottles and is finally able to latch without a nipple shield and transfer some milk. ATM we are still doing nursing attempts, with pumped milk from a bottle and then I pump with every feeding. Like you, I'm also considering EPing but I struggle with that decision because I just want to nurse so badly! Congrats on the weight gain though! Whatever ends up happening, your LO will be well fed and taken care of. Hopefully the suck training works, but if not - at least you'll know that you tried. And I definitely feel ya on the exhaustion with the feedings - it's like we're doing 3x the work for each session and it's not easy. Good luck to you!
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  • hydrangeagirlhydrangeagirl member
    Thanks ladies.

    @theresat858 I am very encouraged that suck training was successful for your LO.  I am praying that it will work for us.  Did you use the feeding syringe/tube in his mouth to reward when LO sucks correctly or just your index finger alone? 

    @Sam0905, sorry to hear that you are struggling too.  I really am heartbroken that his latch is so poor, but am determined to do whatever I can to improve it.  If you Google suck training, there is a lot of info about it.  Maybe it might be an additional resource for you to try.  Good luck to you as well :)
    Me, 41; DH 38; TTC since July 2012, 1st round of Clomid, BFP on 10/19, what an incredible blessing!  M/c on 7w3d; D&C on 11/30; 4th round of Clomid 100mg = BFP on 04/19!!! M/c #2 at 7w; D&C on 5/30, then repeat D&C on 7/1.  Saline u/s on 8/2, uterus looks great!  Will start TTC in 09/13 w/ Clomid 100mg. Surprise natural BFP on 8/25!!! Beta #1=95, #2=182, #3=404!  EDD 5/4/13...Grow baby grow!


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