shallow latch..large breasts

[MeredithTB]

My LO at 6 weeks has been gaining weight great but my nipples are still really sore. I'm now noticing a crease when I take him off. I assume this is a shallow latch. My breasts are also very big right now....F/G cup. Not sure if this is making it harder too. His top lip does not flange and doesn't seem to want to when I forcefully try to make it flange. I'm also having to pull on his chin to get his bottom lip right too. I've tried waiting until he opens wide but he never really seems to open real big. I went to a LC at 1 week and he was doing everything well. Could the pacifier be making his latch worse? Any suggestions?

[Nipple_nectar]

You can use your pinky to help the lower lip flange out, if it is pursed. You can check out the good latch versus bad latch video tutorial at www.drjacknewman.com

I don't think a pacifier will effect latch at 6 weeks. I also wouldn't worry about the top lip as much as the lower. See, if you can cup your breast with your hand, the hand should be shaped like the letter C, like a sandwich, it will give baby a better opportunity to latch deeper.

What position do you use? I find the side lying position, the most accomodating for large breasts, that is our favorite position.

For pain management, you can try www.soothies.com and for a more long term investment, look into owning a pair of silverette, a small pair of pure silver cups that are literally placed on the nipples. I use them all the time and they leave me virtually pain free:) You can check them out here: www.breastfeedingheaven.com

I would be happy to answer any questions you have about them. As for the reason for the soreness, is thrush a possibility? Here is a link for possible answers: http://www.kellymom.com/newman/03a-sore_nipples.html

[destiny]

I am an H cup, so I know that large breasts can have their challenges nursing. I used Medela breast shells for sore nipples and the Medela lanolin cream. Both helped but not as much as getting a good latch. And for me the latch improved with age, as my baby could open bigger...about 6-8 wks. I noticed a big improvement. I had to use nipple shields (due to flatter nipples). My baby had to learn to nurse off the breast after I discontinued them, but they helped her latch until she could do it without them...many LCs don't like them b/c they don't help baby learn to nurse on breast, but if they work for you, maybe it'll help you keep nursing while very sore. Thinking of you...

[Nipple_nectar]

LCs only recommend a nipple shield as a last resort because there are a host of problems associated with their use. I would only recommend one if every other avenue has been exhausted.