BF in sling - any issues?

[Noneedtocry]

Hi all. I have a 6 week old EBF baby. BF has been difficult from the beginning and we're going through all the motions to improve - nipple shields, tongue tie snip, oesteopathy etc. essentially DS has small mouth and tiny gape (won't open his mouth wide). Latch is improving and nipples toughening, but it still hurts a little and nipple comes out misshapen. Due to size of my boobs I find I need to hold breast throughout feed - this minimises pain, but this tends to make feeding uncomfortable / boring (can't use remote / iPad / coffee etc. yesterday I had. Brainwave and put him in the sling to feed - sling holds him in koala position and I use 1 hand to hold boob. I find this really helps reduce pain, frees up one hand and means I can walk around the flat getting water etc. this is a game changer for me, but was wondering if anyone with more experience can foresee an issue with it?

[Graciescotland]

I have bf four children all with their own unique challenges at the start. My mantra is whatever works for you right now. It all changes as your baby grows anyway so enjoy that free hand!

[OneFlewOverTheMumsNest]

I am an experienced breast feeder and slinger (?!) but never managed to combine the 2. I'd love to though as it would help in getting things done with dd1 as dd2 is 5 weeks and feeds very frequently. I have a manduca, a stretchy wrap and a ring sling - although I'm not so keen on the ring sling. Any tips on how to feed in any of those? I think it'll be easier when she had head control by I'd like to do it ASAP.

[Racheyg]

Hi op,
Can I ask a question, what sling do you use? I would love to feed ds2 in a sling but the ergo baby isn't really designed for it.
Thx x

[Noneedtocry]

I use a mei tai sling lowered to breast level. Use both hands to hold breast and latch on (leaning forward to create space) then once he's on hold boob and let him get on with it. DS doesn't seem to mind it, although he generally doesn't like to be too restrained so when he's done he'll with make a fuss or go to sleep

[Booboostwo]

Can't see a problem with this. I have bfed in a ring sling, a wrap and a conventional sling. It's an absolute god send and I have bfed this way in the supermarket, queues for public services, out walking, etc.

[Noneedtocry]

I actually started on the boba which is good cause you can adjust strap lengths gradually but got the mei tai as boba is a bit heavy duty / outdoorsy for the house. We were generally using a koala / upright position before the sling so not so different for DS. We never really got on with cradle hold

[Racheyg]

Thanks noneed, will look into that sling. Sounds like you are doing an excellent job. I have become a pro at bf and pushing ds1 on the swing in the park but a sling would make it that little bit easier ????

Baffled, mine is an original also, I just assumed it would be difficult in the ergo. As my ds2 is only 9 weeks I might have to wait for better head/neck control, or is that not the case?

[northernlassy1]

Another vote for bf-ing in the Ergo - perfect for just before a sleep. I just extend the straps as you say and hold boob in place, only downside is lots more boobflash but hey it's summer. I also feed in ring sling but by using it to support dc body while you still cradle their head in your arm as they suck. So if feeding on left you have his/her head in crook of arm while their little body is supported by sling, leaving your right arm free...

[northernlassy1]

Ps Rachey I didn't feed in ergo til dc had good head control but the ring sling technique worked

[Racheyg]

Baffled and Northen,

Thanks guys. Once ds2 can control his head I'm going to get practicing.

Xx

[5YearsTime]

This might be a cheeky question but for those of you managing it... So you have boobs on the higher/smaller side? I've got large breasts and cannot see how to make this work at all!

[northernlassy1]

Fair question - They're not exactly massive! No risk of smother from my bad boys. Would probably still work with ring sling with big boobs tho. Or couldn't you just extend straps of ergo more?

[avocadotoast]

5Years I've wondered about this too. At natural nipple level DD would have to be really low down!

I'm thinking once she gets bigger and can support her head better it might work to kind of lift and rest boob on top of bra and she can help herself. Not sure though.

[Booboostwo]

My breasts are relatively large (F) and I find it easier to move them around in position. I don't need to loosed the sling straps either but I think this is the kind of thing you need to play around with until you find what works.

[Dollyemi]

I've got a move wrap which is good, there's a YouTube video on how to bf using one. Seems easy enough, not tried it yet though

[5YearsTime]

I'm still not convinced I can do it. I need to give it another go. Would make life easier!

[Dollyemi]

We have a local sling library so maybe you can check if you have one locally too, at least you could try before you buy, so to speak!