Hello I'm just looking for some quick advice please I'm BF my 4 day old so very new to everything. I have quite large breasts (36HH) nursing bra being worn and as my milks just come in am more than this currently. I haven't managed to make traditional cradle hold or lying sideways work, I was doing cross cradle position but since yesterday have been doing rugby ball which I'm finding a lot better.
My question is that DS latches on well and feeds really well for 5 mins or so and then he gets very sleepy he usually continues slow feeding but with 30-60 seconds between little bouts of sucking during the rests my nipple slowly comes out of his mouth so he's got less of it in (when MW saw position he's in when this is going on she said he needed to be taken off and put back on but if do this he sucks very hard during detachment but is then too sleepy for me to be able to relatch (I've tried winding, sitting up etc only thing which wakes him enough reliably is nappy change which I can't do every 5 mins) I wouldn't be worried abut his feeding pattern except than with him slipping off gently it does then start to get a bit sore and don't want this to get worse and cause more problems- does anyone know how I can stop him slipping in the first place or if I notice that he has moved a bit is there anyway I can get him to take more nipple back in his mouth without having to do a full detach and relatch? Thank you

Have you tried blowing on his cheek or gently stroking his cheek and ears to keep him awake while you feed him? It may be a bit difficult but if you can gently push down on his chin when you feel him slipping off may help him keep his mouth open so the breast stays in there. Feeding at the start is always hard until their mouths get a little bigger.

Have you tried rolling a face cloth or small cloth under your breasts when you try different holds? This can lift larger breasts up so the nipple is easier to stay latched on to. I am not as large breasted as you and have found this helpful at times.

Good luck.

I used to tickle his feet and cheeks, rubbing palms will stimulate sucking reflex. Also you can put a cold washcloth on his cheek. My lo was so sleepy in the beginning, but it does get better!

As for positions, I highly recommend getting a nippy pillow and sitting in a chair. I found it really difficult to larch while sitting in bed buts lot easier when in my rocking chair.

I had the exact problem with my boy 2-3 weeks back. He is 1 month old now. My only suggestion is to not give up. Keep trying different things people have suggested here but just keep at it. He will learn.

I did give my boy some formula when I thought he could not take enough but only after offering my breast. Also, I expressed milk and fed to him from a bottle. But I kept trying breast feeding and he is now able to latch properly. He does fall asleep sometimes but he continues to drink or wakes up and asks for more.

All the best.

I'd alternate positions if you've got a couple you can do. That way you're moving his mouth at each feed, so you should reduce any soreness.

As for the sleepiness-get LO naked and blow on him. Blow on his hair, maybe get a wet flannel and touch his feet with it. My LO wasn't super sleepy, but he was hard to wake for feeds.

Thank you everyone really helpful tips will get flannels out and start trying the above and switching positions more am already noticing differences everyday so hopefully william and I just need a bit more practice!