son not latching on right?

Question

my 3 week old used to latch on right, and i never had a problem, but lately hes been nursing like i've never fed him before, and chews away at my nipples really hard. My nipples are beet red and chapped. I've seen a lactation consultant and everything, she taught me how to nurse properly, but still....its horrible. what can i do to either a) fix the latch (its almost as though hes impatient) or b) fix the red chappiness?

Answer 1

I had an impatient baby too! First, make sure you are nursing him often enough. Look for early hunger cues - don't wait until he is crying. Next, if he latches on improperly, slide your finger in the corner of his mouth, remove him from the breast, and then try again. Finally, use something like Lansinoh on your nipples after nursing, or express some breast milk and spread it on.

http://www.kellymom.com/bf/start/basics/hunger-cues.html
http://www.kellymom.com/bf/start/basics/latch-resources.html

Answer 2

It could be your milk is coming too fast for him, try leaning back as far as you can so the milk has to flow "up hill" while you feed him.

PS Do NOT use a nipple shield. I used one and luckily between pumping after EVERY feed and seeing a lactation consultant 8 times in two weeks I got my son back off of it. I know at least 3 other women who had their breastfeeding relationship destroyed by a nipple shield. They do NOT teach a baby how to latch. It is a million times better to syringe or cup feed while working on a latch than use a shield.

Answer 3

I would try a nipple shield. You can get them from a lactation boutique, and Target also carries them. They are just a plastic shield that supposedly teaches the baby how to latch on, but for me it just protected my nipple and helped it to heal.

Also, after he is done on one side, rub some of the milk into your nipple and let it dry completely before you put it back up. Breast milk evidently has healing properties.

Make sure that you change your nursing pads frequently, because keeping the nipple wet can hinder its healing time.

And if all else fails, go back to your lactation consultant. Maybe there is something else she can tell you!

Answer 4

I had the same problem when my little on was that size i was tought by a lactation consultant that you want to wait until your baby opens its mouth really wide and then pop it in there. what i would do is kinda tickle the side of her lip to encourage her to open wider.and if she is on wrong stick your finger in her mouth at the side to stop suction and try again.
as for stuff for you nipple there is this lovely stuff called lanolin cream. you can find it in the baby department in most stores by the bottles and such.it does magic.but i have to tell you they will never heal until you fix the problem. stay strong and try to keep up with nursing its the best thing for you baby.

Answer 5

I'm not sure about the latch on problem but go get nipple cream it's a life saver!

Answer 6

Try a nipple shield until it heals, it can help with latch on problems to they sell them at babies r us

Answer 7

i agree that you need to relatch him if he grabs on before he his latch is correct

nipple shield should only be used for emergencies....be careful with them

try resting your nipple on his nose.....this should cause him to lift up his head and open up wide and then you can pop in your nipple

or try to tickle his cheek or chin to get him to open up

don't wait until he is upset.....nurse him when he is in quiet alert after waking up so he is less anxious

let your breasts air dry after nursing to allow them to heal up

Answer 8

Have you tried a different position? Have you tried what's called the football hold? His body is underneath and behind your arm. Look into it. It was my savior.

try here:
http://pregnancy.about.com/od/breastfeedinginfo/ss/breastpositions_3.htm

Answer 9

Try using a Soothie pacifier to help his sucking.