Nursing painful at the start, and baby falls asleep nursing

Dorian nursed just fine when we were still at the hospital. They were very helpful in showing me how to breastfeed him. Once we got home, I've started to have problems. The doctor told me yesterday that it was ok that he falls asleep during feeding, since he's a newborn. The main problem that I have is that when he latches on, for a short period of time it is painful, as he starts to nurse. Could this be a problem of the way he's latching on, that I'm not getting enough of the areola in his mouth? I have very large breasts and areolas, and his mouth is so small. It's difficult to get a lot of the breast in his mouth. Please help!






Congratulations on your new baby! What you are writing about is very common. When the baby initially latches on during the first week, it can be quite uncomfortable. My youngest is 15 years old now but I still remember how it made me jump and curled my toes! You say it is painful for a short period of time. As long as that pain is subsiding as the baby continues to nurse, then most likely all is well. That initial latch-on pain should be gone entirely in about a week or so. Breastfeeding is meant to feel good, and pain is an indicator that something is wrong. However, as I said earlier, many women do have discomfort in the first week during the initial latch-on time.

You say you have very large breasts, and your baby's mouth is small. You will see that your baby will grow quickly. Be sure that your baby's mouth looks like a yawn (very wide stretched-open mouth) when you bring him onto the breast. Most new mothers are in such a hurry to get the baby latched on. I think it can be helpful to think of this as an exercise so you can see what I mean. Use your nipple to tickle your baby's mouth in an up and down motion. Watch what your baby does and don't try necessarily to get the baby latched on. What you will see is that your baby will be opening and closing his mouth. Sometimes the mouth is only opened a little bit, sometimes it will be very wide. When the baby opens wide, it is usually accompanied by a slight lunge toward the breast. This is what you are looking for. That wide open mouth and quick arm motion from you (bringing the baby onto the breast) will accomplish getting enough breast tissue into your baby's mouth.

One other thing that can be helpful during this time is to wrap up an ice cube in a cloth and then numb your nipple. Many women have told me that was the most helpful advice they got. Lanolin can also ease the discomfort and help speed healing of skin. There are several kinds available for nursing mothers. Make sure that anything you put on your nipples does not have to be washed off since that will just do more harm to them. If the pain gets worse or does not get better in a few days, seek help from your local La Leche League or a Lactation Consultant.

As soon as I sent your letter, I realized I hadn't addressed the other issue you mentioned--falling asleep at the breast. That is actually the number 1 complaint I hear from all new parents. As your baby gets older he will be able to stay awake for longer periods at the breast. Then the next step will be staying awake throughout the feeding and even for a while afterwards. That is special time indeed. Your baby will be full, happy and alert. In the meantime, to make your feedings as efficient as possible, watch the baby and not the clock. Learn to listen for swallowing. As soon as you hear it slowing down and notice your baby falling asleep, take him off the breast. Rub his back, feet, talk to him, stimulate him. Then put him on the other side. You will probably be moving him back and forth several times throughout a feeding. But that will get far more milk into him in a shorter period of time. We call this "switch-nursing." As he gets older, you will find you are switching far less often because he will be able to stay awake longer.

Hope this is helpful!

Cher Sealy, RN, BSN, IBCLC, LLLL





 

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