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tmdobson
08-12-2008, 07:15 PM
Let me start my saying I nursed my 3-1/2 year old until he was 15 months so I have nursed before and I enjoyed it.
I now have twin boys. They were born by c-section at 38 weeks because they were both breech. They are now going to be 8 weeks on Friday and I have yet to nurse them successfully.
I was told my nipples were big and their mouths are too small. My milk did not come in right away because of the c-section yet I still nursed. I went to see the LC at the hospital and she said they were not latching on properly so she showed me how and they did well at the hospital but when we got home and I tried to work with them they weren't getting it again. I have been pumping for every feeding which I rather nurse them because I like the bonding. My nipples are so sore even at 7 weeks that I hate to even pump. I don't remember being in this much with my first son. I need help! I refuse to supplement and I will not give up nursing, I plan on nursing them until they are at least a year even if I have to live through this pain for that long. Is there anything you can tell me to help me? I have tried everything to get them to open their mouths wider, but that isn't working. I called back to the hospital to ask the LC what to do because I am pumping so much and the nurse told me to supplement every other feeding, that is not an option and it killed me to hear a nurse say that.

vickikreiner
08-12-2008, 07:26 PM
Congratulations on twins...wow!
ITA with you about breastfeeding. You can do this.
Check out my blog on this site for treating sore nipples.
I would also check this site for a different LC to help you. If you are in Md, come see me.
I would try a nipple shield. I would try football hold, point nipple to baby's nose and flick down across baby's mouth to elicit wide open mouth.
I would also try an SNS with pumped milk. You may need larger flanges.

http://www.medelabreastfeedingus.com/products/breastfeeding-devices/338/20mm-contact-nipple-shield

http://www.medelabreastfeedingus.com/tips-and-solutions/13/choosing-a-correctly-fitted-breastshield

Blog:
Tried and True Tips for Healing Sore Nipples

Be sure you are getting a deep latch: http://www.thebirthden.com/Newman.htmlhttp://search.live.com/video/results.aspx?q=dr+jack+newman+latch+video&docid=1606277333393&FORM=TVVR11#d ocid=1606277333393

Ice on nipple prior to feed can help numb pain of initial latch.

Try to push more breast into baby's mouth as baby sucks (e.g., use your thumb if your hand is cupping the breast in a C-hold).

Try pulling down on baby's chin after latching to bring lower lip out and keep baby's head close to you.

Warm moist tea bag on nipple post feed (the small % Tannic Acid can decrease swelling and warm moisture soothes skin). Check nipple right after nursing: Nipple should not be flat with white crease on top.

Air dry nipple and apply hydrogels, silverettes or APNO (also called Canadian Nipple Cream). http://medelabreastfeedingus.com/products/breast-care/412/tender-care-hydrogel-pads

http://www.kellymom.com/newman/03b-treatments_sore_nipples_breasts.html#apno

Consider working with an LC or LLL and don't give up!

http://www.ilca.org/falc.html

http://www.llli.org//