I wanted to breastfeed my brand new daughter since the day I found out I was pregnant. After my stay in the ICU and the nurses feeding her formula, it was a longer time than normal before anything at all came in for me to even be able to get out with a pump. Now, I can pump, but not that much, although I keep trying...but I really can't seem to feed her from the breast! I've worked with a lactation consultant who said "keep working at it", but my baby just can't latch on right, and it hurts when she tries because even with her mouth open as wide as possible, she's still just getting part of the nipple. I have very very large nipples and she has a very very small mouth...could that cause a problem with latching? I don't know if I can ever do this if even a consultant couldn't help me. Does anyone have advice for latching on problems? I know there's a limited amount of time you can do it. She's 9 days old. Am I too late?
2007-07-27 13:41:24 · 8 answers · asked by TruthSeeker 4 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Newborn & Baby
No, you're not too late, but you may want to try breast shields. They look like plastic nipples. They go over your nipples, which the baby latches on to. It's a layer between you and the baby, which gives you some relief, and if she's been bottlefed in the ICU, she'll be used to the plasticy feel anyway. I did it with my twins because I have inverted nipples and they couldn't latch on for anything, there being nothing to latch on to.
If that still doesn't work, don't feel bad. Know that if she drinks your pumped milk, she's getting all the antibodies and nutrition she needs, that it came out of you, and you sure put a lot of work into it. Who cares if it came directly out of your nipple or a bottle nipple, as long as it's your milk?
The more you pump, too, the more you'll produce. I've even heard about moms that breastfed exclusively four babies at once.
2007-07-27 13:49:23 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋
No, you're not too late. I had a baby with a super small mouth who could only get part of the nipple in, too -- it's possible to nurse without pain. Her tongue might be the problem. When you unlatch, does your nipple kind of look angled like a lipstick? If so, that's the baby's tongue in the wrong position, and that is what is causing your pain.
You should also experiment with different holds, like football hold or side-lying. Sometimes that makes a world of difference.
I know it's hard right now, but if you get more help and stick with it, you and your daughter WILL get this right. It often takes two weeks.To increase your milk supply, make sure you are getting plenty of rest, water and nutrients. You might also consider drinking one beer a day (really, it works) or taking an herb called something like "fenungeek." And keep pumping between feedings, or even pump on one side with an Avent hand-held manual pump while you nurse on the other.
I know it's hard -- you really can do it, though. I could only nurse on one side for four weeks with my first because we couldn't get it right on the other side until one day it just magically happened. Or at least it seemed that way. Hang in there!
2007-07-27 23:29:18 · answer #2 · answered by sparki777 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You are not too late, you've just had a rough start. The struggles you're dealing w/ (hard time getting milk established, baby has trouble latching) are totally to be expected given that your baby was in NICU. But hang in there, you can do it! Your baby's mouth will grow and she'll get better at nursing if you stick w/ it. It's normal not to be able to pump a lot at once (http://www.kellymom.com/bf/pumping/pumping_decrease.html), just keep doing it regularly (I'd say every 2-3hrs, even at night- a total pain, I know!) And I'm assuming you're using a hospital-grade, double-electric pump, too, but if you're not, be sure to rent one from the hospital.
You may find that your local La Leche League can offer more support/help. They're a free breastfeeding support group and they can usually spend a lot more time w/ you than a lactation consultant at the hospital. You might want to check them out: www.lalecheleague.org.
2007-07-28 00:30:01 · answer #3 · answered by V. S.C. 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I know from personal experience how frustrating it can be. I have a condition called "Inverted Nipples" so I know it can be tough when your nipple doesn't seem to fit in the babies mouth. It is not to late. You can do it. It will hurt though and she will get frustrated with you.
You need to hang in there. It really is possible!
It took me a few weeks to be able to feed my baby with out needing to supplement with a tube. Try using warm wash cloths just before feeding and try to remain calm. Milk like all things with women is stimulated by your emotions.
Best of luck! If you need anything you can message me.
One other story for encouragement after my Mother had her last child at the age of 43 (crazy right!!!) she was released from the hospital but my sister had to stay for another month. My Mom was only allowed to hold her an hour a day and was not allowed to nurse her. Once she was able to come home my Mom was able to nurse. So 9 days is not to late.
2007-07-27 20:52:25 · answer #4 · answered by Delenn 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Just keep trying. Try compression, it's where you take your breast with your opposite hand and with your thumb on top and other fingers on the bottom compress it, and while your daughter has your mouth open wide, put it in her mouth. She should have the nipple fully in her mouth and some of the areola on both sides. If she isn't latched on properly, break suction with your finger and try again. It'll hurt while you guys get used to it but after a while it won't anymore. Just try and relax to, that helps milk let down or after a shower. Good luck!
2007-07-27 20:51:40 · answer #5 · answered by itsme1187 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Make sure her lip isn't tucked under. That happened to me--my daughter's mouth appeared "wide open" but really, her lip was tucked where I couldn't see it.
Try using your index finger to swirl around her lips as she latches on (with a wide mouth) and see if that make things feel better.
Also, and this is NOT a permanent solution, there are silicone nipple guards that may help you temporarily.
If you are sore, a cream like Lansinoh can help with skin irritation.
Good luck to you both!
2007-07-27 20:51:26 · answer #6 · answered by Catherine A 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
She could have nipple confusion. Some babies have such a hard time. If it doesn't work, and you still want to pump, try blessed thistle and fenugreekut they are suppose to help increase your milk production.
Good luck!!
2007-07-27 20:47:21 · answer #7 · answered by sarahbeth 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
NOT too late!!!!
The LC was right, just keep at it. And of course, pump while she's not nursing.
when she's hungry, get a few drops out on your nipple so she can understand 'food = nipple'
2007-07-27 20:47:47 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 4⤊ 0⤋