Two week old baby won't latch well-help!

[9jawife]

Two weeks ago yesterday I had my beautiful baby boy. The birth unfortunately ended up being traumatic, which we were all unprepared for after the world's easiest pregnancy. I'm convinced it affected my breastfeeding efforts. We got so much help from the hospital's lactation consultants, but we just couldn't get it. He will latch, but not properly. His lower jaw isn't wide open enough and his lower lip curls in instead of out. It really HURTS, and more important, I know he isn't getting much milk that way. And there is only so much pumping I can do--let alone the fact my brand new Medela electric pump isn't working! Now, my nipples are flatish, but not too bad. I can bring them out by pumping or just tweaking them with my fingers. The lactation consultant we saw recommended a nipple shield, but even that isn't getting him to take a deeper latch, and now I'm in serious pain. I'm sure the bottles don't help with nipple confusion, but I have to get him fed somehow in the meantime. Any suggestions? I really want to breastfeed more than anything! Thanks.

 

[cupcake23]

I always found watching videos helpful; here's some on deep latch technique

https://youtu.be/7gyKXdji6XE

https://youtu.be/3DpstkhgV5k

You could also pace the feeds from the bottle so baby is working harder for the feed and hopefully when on the breast would stay on longer

https://youtu.be/UH4T70OSzGs

Don't forget to re latch baby if its painful, it's better for baby to learn to latch on properly than it become so painful you don't even want to breastfeed. Use nipple cream and take paracetamol for the pain, keep well hydrated and remember with support and lots of information it will get better.

All the best.

 

[charlotteliz]

Have u checked he doesn't have a tongue tie?

 

[9jawife]

Have u checked he doesn't have a tongue tie?

He did have a mild one, I had the pediatrician cut it at his 2 week appointment.

 

[Egyptiangirl]

Oh we'll if he has had tongue tie it will take awhile still for him to get the latch right. My lo had tongue tie and it took a few weeks after the snip before we saw real improvement in his latch which was shallow like yours. I don't think newborns can latch on perfectly anyway. My lo does now that he's much bigger but he had such a small mouth when he was younger I don't think he could latch deeply even if he had wanted to. So hang in there and give him a bit of time. But defo pull him off and latch on again if its painful as this is how hell learn. Good luck!!

 

[fatandlumpy]

Have you tried the 'rugby ball' hold? It's where you hold the baby to your side instead of your front

The Yanks call it the 'Football hold'.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8F2iE5Zx20I

As Euan was so wee (only 6lb 3oz) and I have big boobies (EE... used to be a C/D prior preggy) it was the safest way (so he didn't suffocate) and gave the best, most consistent latch. You can prop them up with loads of cushions either side as well and go hands free!

Keep at it, but don't upset yourself as you're doing a great job

 

[meant2bamom]

My LO was the same, slight tongue tie and same latch issues. I went to consultants as well and they told me to try the "lower lip flip". It helped a bit but to be honest it still really hurt. The only thing I can tell you is don't give up!! Now my LO is 6 weeks and we are both doing well, I have no pain as her latch has improved and she is getting tons of milk.
I was in your position st two weeks, try to push through, it should be better by 4 weeks.

 

[meant2bamom]

Oh and I forgot to add, I kinda push on her chin when she latches so she gets more on her mouth. Also I found holding my breast in a U and not a C really helped ( I use the cradle hold).