Problems latching on

[HaileyRosesmommy]

Hello! My daughter is 2 weeks old. She is having a hard time keeping her mouth open. She opens her mouth really wide and I pull her in, but it always seems that her mouth is shutting before she latches on properly. I have to constantly pull her chin down. Because of this, my nipples are very sore. Do you have any suggestions? I have seen a lactation consultant, but she just tells me that she will learn to keep her mouth open. I am hoping this is the case, but in the mean time I am dreading feeding time because I am sore. It seems that I am sore in the crease around my nipple, not necessarily the areola. This is so hard to explain in writing...I wish I could show you! I know she is getting enough milk. She is gaining weight and she has a lot of wet and poopy diapers. She is feeding on both breasts on average for about 25-30 minutes total. She seems content while feeding (once she is latched on). Thanks for any help you can offer!

[shariibclc]

By 2 weeks your soreness should be getting better. What kind of nipple cream are you using? I would recommend the cross cradle position with a Brest Friend Pillow (NO BOPPY!) When the baby comes on to the breast, make sure her body is completely facing you, her body is straight and her face is looking up with her chin extended. This will help to keep her mouth open wider and reduce the pain while latching.

If you are still having issues I do one on one consultations via skype. You can call my store at 973-627-8850 if you want to schedule.

Good Luck....

[HaileyRosesmommy]

I am using Medela Lanolin cream after each feeding. I let a little expressed breast milk dry on my nipple and aerola before applying the lanolin. I have been using a Boppy...I will look into the Breast Friend pillow!

Hailey is in the cross cradle position (this is the only position she will nurse in). She nurses pretty well on the right side, but has always had a hard time on the left. The lactation consultant had me use a nipple shield on the left side, which helped a lot, and did not seem to cause any nipple confusion. About a week ago she stopped using the nipple shield and she now has only a little bit of trouble on the left side. Unfortunately, we are still battling the wide open mouth problem on both sides. I rub my nipple on her upper lip and she frantically moves her head from side to side to latch on. Once her mouth is wide open, I pull her in and she seems to be latched on well, but when I look at her lower lip, it is not properly latched. I can also feel that she is not latched on well. Her body is facing me when she is nursing and her head seems to be in the position you described. I just feel so bad because she gets frustrated and cries. I feel like I have tried a lot to keep her mouth open but just don't know what to do. When she is done nursing she is very content and seems happy, but getting there is difficult. Thanks again.

[shariibclc]

With the breast friend pillow you need to wear it up high under your breasts, not around your waist. Just that lift will help you to latch her better and not lean over and strain your back and neck.

Once she is latched on, some babies tend to curl their lips in. I don't belive in taking them off, just use your finger to gently pull the lip out while she is eating.

Holding her very close to your body is essential. Especially if your nipples are slightly flat (very common in the beginning when you are engorged). You may want to continue the mipple shield until you are no longer in pain. Some moms take up to a month to really feel better. It is ok, I have never had anyone need it all year!

Try the Motherlove nipple cream instead of the lanolin. It works 1000 x better!

If you want to see a demonstration using the Breast Friend correctly, go to my web site at www.birthboutique.com, enter your email address and you will get a free video download of my favorite breastfeeding products and how to use them.

[HaileyRosesmommy]

How long does engorgement typically last?

[shariibclc]

Can last up to 6 weeks. That's when your breasts will return to the size they were at the end of the pregnancy.