Problems feeding 2nd born (when I thought I was a BF pro)

[icklemonster]

I BF'd DD for 10 months so the last thing I was expecting was problems with my 2nd born when it came to breastfeeding. His latch at 2.5 weeks is still nowhere near as good as DD was on day one. I don't think I realised how lucky I was that DD just 'got it' from the word go.

I have been to a lactation consultant and DS does have a slight tongue tie, but the LC thought with some practice and good positioning we might be able to work around it, and see how we go for the next couple of weeks. Still feeding can currently takes ages - not the feeding itself, but getting a good latch can take 20 minutes - then he has to eat. If it was my first born it wouldn't be so bad but how on earth am I supposed to cope with DD too now that DH has gone back to work? I just had some questions to help me get through for anyone who has had a difficult time with their 2nd born and how you get around dealing with a toddler:

Has anyone else had problems with their 2nd born breastfeeding?
Has anyone overcome a tongue tie without getting it cut?
Is feeding on demand always a possibility or did you have to force timings - i.e. 2 days a week I have to collect DD from playgroup, what happens if DS needs feeding when I need to leave? (It's a 15 minute walk both directions)?
How did you cope with growth spurts?
What tips do you have for keeping older child entertained while feeding? (Especially as I have to really concentrate on getting DS's latch correct so I can't interact easily with DD)

Please someone tells me it get's easier!!! Right now I'm too scared to even go to the park alone with DD & DS in case DS needs feeding. The thought of feeding in public when we're having these latching problems fills me with dread

 

[noon_child]

I think if there is any way that the TT is affecting his latch you should just get it snipped. It is a very quick procedure and the sooner LO gets the hang of bf the less problems you'll set yourself up with. You don't want your supply getting affected and having to spend even more time increasing it.

 

[_Meep_]

I would absolutely get it cut. LO latched, fed, put on loads of weight and never caused me any pain.

She also went on fortnight-long nursing strikes frequently and would only dreamfeed from the age of nine weeks, until we finally got her posterior tie diagnosed and revised at 4.5 months.

I wouldn't take the risk!