My 9 week old is breastfeeding but it is still not as comfortable as I think it should be. I occasionally get a clear blister on my nipple but then it goes away after a few days (from friction or too much suction?) Breastfeeding isn't too bad during the day but by evening it gets more painful. I was wondering how to tell if tongue tied is affecting breastfeeding/latch. I asked his Ped this morning at his visit if he is tongue tied and he said its too early to tell for sure. My son is gaining weight well (25th to 40th% now) but I was just looking for any tips to make breastfeeding more comfortable. I know I can see a lactation consultant- I am a OB RN and work with them- and I know about tongue clipping. I was just looking for something I could use right now if anyone has experienced this.
2007-02-19 06:55:12 · 8 answers · asked by lovebeingamom 2 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Newborn & Baby
He is able to stick his tongue out past his lips. I do pump a few times a day but I prefer to have him BF and save the EBM for daycare.
2007-02-19 07:14:41 · update #1
Gaining weight well is a good sign that he is getting plenty of milk. But any pain or blisters aren't really normal and require a good look at latch on and positioning and possibly anatomy.
It's not "too early" to know if your child is tongue tied. It's too early to know if it would effect speech. It's NOT too early to know if he is tongue tied or if it is effecting breastfeeding.
My youngest was mildly tongue tied. We knew this earlier than 9 weeks. (And I know others who have known early on that their child had TT.) Since I was a very experienced nusing mom (3rd baby) and she was gaining weight well, I was able to just work hard with her on a good latch until her frenulum stretched. BUT, if the tongue tie is there and is bad, it may need clipped. This is a relatively simple procedure that can be done in a doc's office if necessary.
Hold your baby facing you and stick your tongue out at the baby. Many times this will encourage the child to stick his tongue out at you. When he does, does his tongue extend out beyond his gumline? Does his tongue look normal or does it look heart-shaped? If it doesn't extend over his gumline or it looks heart-shaped, he is tongue tied.
Also, you shouldn't hear clicking when he nurses. Sometimes that sound can be an indication that something is wrong with latch, potentially tongue tie.
In general:
When your child latches on, make sure he has a big, wide open mouth, like a baby bird waiting for a worm. Make sure he takes in lots of breast tissue, not just the nipple. You want most of the areola (dark part around nipple) in his mouth too.
When he nurse, make sure his tongue is coming out over his gums when he sucks. Someone else can look for you or you may be able to slip your finger in and feel. Also, make sure his lips are flanged back like a fish and he isn't sucking on his lips.
Blisters.....
Use Lansinoh to help heal the blisters. Contact an IBCLC (lactation consultant) or a La Leche League Leader to help you. A LLL Leader will help you for FREE and might even be available to visit you at home.
You described your blisters as clear, not like a red or brown "blood blister." Honestly, this sounds a bit like a milk blister and NOT what we think of as being caused by friction. What you have sounds like what occurs when a tiny bit of skin overgrows a milk duct opening and milk backs up behind it. See the link below on how to treat this if that is what you have.
2007-02-19 07:26:43 · answer #1 · answered by momma2mingbu 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
*basically* if your baby can stick their tongue out past their lower lip and the upper lip is relatively mobile then he isn't tongue tied. Try sticking your tongue out and see if your son will copy you *lol*
If it is getting progressively painful during the day or you are getting blisters you should really see a lactation consultant. Until then just try different positions when nursing. Sometimes a different position can make latching easier.
Though, and some lactation consultants will disagree with me. Some babies prefer a bad latch which can be fun. My son hates things touching his face around his lips. You should see how he used to suck his thumb. It was a constant battle and even now he dosn't really take enough into his mouth.
2007-02-19 07:00:51 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
I have had three wonderful children and my last two were tongue-tied my last was severely tongue-tied. He could not get his tongue to the roof of his mouth or past his teeth. Nursing was EXTREEMLY painful with blisters and cracked nipples. I found using the nipple from a baby bottle over my nipple helped immensely for my comfort, but I was 'chewed out' for this from the lactation consultant saying it would impact my milk production. My milk was fine and he grew just fine, even though he did have to get clipped around 2 months old. Take care and good luck!
2007-02-19 07:57:52 · answer #3 · answered by g-lady 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I would be angry at the doctor for refusing. She is an example of doctors who say breastfeeding is best, but provide negative support. In other words, find a new doctor because this one won't help you with anything else regarding breastfeeding either. Contact other doctor's offices. Even some lactation consultants will do it. You shouldn't have to go to a specialist, but an Ear-nose-throat person can also do it. It's just a quick clip.
2016-05-24 10:57:41 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
My daughter was born tongue tied(which was noticeable from birth) I too breastfed her. The one thing that was different from her than my other two daughters was my nipples would be very very flat when she was done nursing. She was also always hungry like she was not getting enough and I too had the clear blisters. I never found anything to make it more comfortable and ended up giving it up when she was just a couple of months old.
2007-02-19 07:05:16 · answer #5 · answered by mom2ace 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
both my kids are tongue tied. the lactation consultant gave me a tiny hose to put down in a bottle with 2 oz of formula/breast milk, and put your finger (*wash them good of course) in the baby's mouth knucle side down, with the hose, and let the baby suck. while s/he sucks, put a slight pressure to force the tongue to stay straight. worked for my little guy and he's bringing in the milk fairly well.
2007-02-19 07:01:36 · answer #6 · answered by Jelly Beanz 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You didn't mention if you pump. Even if you can't breast feed her at least by giving her your breast milk in a bottle she can still get the benefits.
2007-02-19 07:13:22 · answer #7 · answered by rpookycath 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
just keep olive oil on your nipples to prevent soreness. Also, have you thought about pumping your milk to give to him?
2007-02-19 06:59:57 · answer #8 · answered by lilmama 4 · 0⤊ 3⤋