can't get her to latch?

[Aimee84]

Hi
wondering if anyone can offer any advice, my daughter is a week old and I haven't been able to get her to latch on properly all she takes in is the nipple tip which is very sore. Are there any tips anyone can offer?
I'm expressing frequently to increase supply and then bottle feeding her and was topping up with formula but I'm now keeping up with her demands. I really want to breastfeed as it will b so much easier than expressing but I'm really struggling.
Any help gratefully received, thanks.

 

[Sprout]

Could it be that your breasts are a bit full for her to latch easily? Have you tried getting her on right after expressing?

Has she been checked for tongue tie?

Otherwise, just try to put nose to nipple and then put as much in when her mouth is nice and open.

It may be that she's become used to a bottle and just need to learn latching well again.

 

[Maud]

Has your HV watched her latch and offered any advice? I'd highly recommend going to see a breastfeeding counsellor for some practical help. The NCT do some drop in clinics and some have counsellors at baby groups, some hospitals have breastfeeding support groups, as do some mother and baby cafes. Your HV should be able to help you find your nearest group/help.

 

[Aimee84]

Hiya yeah midwife was trying to he llp her latch but she pulls away every time. I've gone into a local breastfeeding clinic and they are trying to help too.
I've tried expressing a bit first and that makes no difference. She definitely doesn't have tongue tie the lactation specialist checked her.
my nipples are now getting very sore from expressing, is this normal? What can I do to relieve this? I'm using lanisol cream and chilled cabbage so far?

Thanks for your help so far

 

[J_Anne]

I exclusively express and my nipples were more painful than when I BF my first. If you're using an electric pump, make sure the suction isn't on too high, it shouldn't be uncomfortable. Also check that the flanges fit properly, there shouldn't be any friction and only the minimal amount of areola should be going in. Keep on with the cream and let the air get to th between pumps. It was always my understanding that cabbage leaves dried up your milk. Lansinoh do a gel compress which can be used hot or cold.

Maybe you could try nipple shields? It might make it easier for your daughter is she's used to a bottle and it will save your nipples a bit too! I've never tried them but have heard they work well for some x

 

[TTT]

I would stop the bottle feeding until her latch is better. Have you googled how to latch on? Don't get stressed when you're feeding as they pick up on it, which is difficult as it can be frustrating and upsetting but try to relax and smile. It will take time.

My baby was good at latching on and I started combination feeding and now he wants to suck the end of my nipple. Latching also got easier for him when he got bigger and his mouth got bigger. The first two weeks are the hardest by far so don't give up

 

[Maud]

My daughter had a dreadful latch and the first many weeks consisted of battling to get her on at each feed. We found success by sitting in a very reclined position and trying to let her find her own way on. It still took a while for us to get the proper hang of it, but it was much less stressful than trying to squash my nipple into her teeny tiny mouth (the only technique that had worked up 'til then!). As much as breastfeeding is natural, it doesn't necessarily come naturally and both mum and baby really do have to learn how to do it, so if you can persevere then she should get the hang of it in the end.

x

 

[tinkerbell13]

It took my lo a while to get the hang of latching. Have you given nipple shields a go?

 

[nicejuicypear]

I had this problem and was on the verge of getting nipple shields. The rugby ball hold was suggested to me, but I never tried it. After shoving a much nipple in as I could, I would pull her bottom lip down a bit so it flared over the nipple more, that seemed to help.

I know this isn't practical advice but it does get easier, somehow they work out what to do. Mine can now do it without me helping and I don't quite know when that happened.

Breastfeeding support groups are more likely to be helpful than the midwives though, I found my MWs useless for Bf support.