How can I improve latch in 20 week old?

[weeglenny]

I'm b/feeding DS and it's been fine so far, but for the past couple of weeks I've had quite a lot of pain in my left nipple/breast. I went to our local breastfeeding clinic and the HV there said that DS wasn't latching on correctly, he wasn't opening his mouth wide enough and so was just pulling on my nipple.
DS is very distracted feeding now that he's a bit older, and as the clinic was so busy he wouldn't feed long enough for the HV to observe. So she told me to work on improving his latch in peace and quiet at home.
Problem is that I can't see how I can encourage him to open his mouth wider like he did when he was younger. Any tips on how I can improve things?
TIA

[hellenback]

Hi

Well done you for getting to 20 weeks BF. Don't worry too much about latch. First off I found that my babes had a favourite side and latched better one side than the other which was sometimes uncomfortable - for me! Also the bigger and bolder they get and assuming weaning has started the less needy they get for the breast which can sometimes be used more as a comforter than a proper feed session! Make sure he's really hungry and stroke cheek so that mouth greedy just b4 latch - if he get's it wrong - unplug and try again. May even be case to put him on other breast to give you a chance of recovery. Assume you had a breast check by HV to rule out any other causes for pain. Good luck.

[weeglenny]

thanks hellenback, hadn't thought of stroking his cheek but just tried it and I think it helped