Latch issues

[dodoe80]

I know that DS latch is bad on the left side, but is great on the right. It doesn't really hurt when he nurses unless I try to fix his latch which only makes DS frustrated and cry and me frustrated and yell. I try to get him to open up his mouth more but he always just takes the nipple. I've tried shoving more than just the nipple in his mouth but again he takes just the nipple and that makes my nipple hurt. If by some chance he does take more then just the nipple he will usually suck two or three times and then screem/cry. I know that my let down is a lot faster on that side but I don't have an overproduction problem. When I pump the left side empties out twice as fast as the right but the end quantity is usually only about half an ounce difference. He hasn't done any more damage to my nipple in the past two weeks but I have a hole in my nipple that has not healed up either. If I pump after a feeding I usually don't get much out of either side. DS is 3 1/2 months old. He is gaining weight fine and has plenty of wet diapers. Should I still try to fix his latch or should I just live with it?

[KerrySmithIBCLC]

You definitely shouldn't have to live with nipple pain! I think you've got a good instinct as to what the problem is and why he's doing that (overactive letdown). Babies will clamp down on the nipple in order to slow the flow of the milk.

Here is a link to some ideas on how to help the baby manage a fast flow, including experimenting with different positions at the breast:

http://www.kellymom.com/bf/supply/fast-letdown.html

Positioning baby in a way so that he is above the breast is often helpful, as gravity will help slow the flow down. Not allowing too much milk to build up in that breast will also help (i.e. try nursing more frequently or pumping for a few minutes before latching him on).

Sometimes nursing well on one side and poorly on the other can be helped by "tricking" the baby into taking the side. Latch him on the good side and nurse him that way for a few minutes, then unlatch him and *without picking him up or changing his position* slide him over to the "bad" breast and latch him back on. Sometimes that helps when a baby has an aversion to one side.

As far as the open sore on your nipple - as long as the latch is poor, that may not ever heal, so the key is to try to fix the latch issues. Here is a link to information on healing cracked or abraded nipples:

http://www.kellymom.com/bf/concerns/mom/nipplehealing.html

It's normal to not be able to pump very much after feedings, as the baby is generally much better at getting the milk out than the pump is. As long as he's gaining well and pooping/peeing enough, you shouldn't worry about that.

If you're still not able to achieve a pain-free latch on the left after working with him, I would really recommend seeing a lactation consultant in person. You should not have to suffer through painful feedings! Take care.

[dodoe80]

The thing is he has always had a hard time latching on to that side but recently his latch has gotten wors. He will not latch on in any position except the football or cross cadel hold He use to be able to do the side laying position but he won't any more. The LC at the hospital that I delivered at said that side kinda went in when I grabed the breast. He is also teething.

[KerrySmithIBCLC]

I wonder if he maybe had some kind of birth injury or tightness in his neck that prevents him from nursing comfortably on that side.

You might consider seeking the advice of a physical therapist. Sometimes some gentle physical therapy or craniosacral therapy can help with tight muscles or joints that prevent comfortable feeding. I think that some PT or craniosacral therapy might be very helpful for him.