Mastering one-handed BF - why can't I do it???

[skidaddle]

DS is 10 weeks and we have had a bit of a nightmare with BF (tongue-tie, mastitis, thrush..) but all is well now and BF is going well.. except for one thing:

I can't get the hang of one-handed BF. I think because of the tongue tie (now snipped) I have always been a bit paranoid about his latch so have not dared to take my hand away from my breast in case he slips off. I don't know if he has got too used to it now or what, but when I do try to take my hand away he does usually come off making it a bad latch, or else i just think he's going to and quickly put my hand back.

Can anyone give me any advice on how to master one-handed BF? I have a 2yr old DD as well so my other had is definitely required elsewhere! At home it is fine as I have lots of cushions and can get really comfy but when I am out I get a really sore back and shoulders from holding such an uncomfortable position. it is also a bit embarrassing to have a huge big baby but look like I only learned how to BF yesterday

Thanks

[kiskideesameanoldmother]

you haven't mentioned where you have your hand on your breast and if you are big/small breasted. maybe that will help others to give advice?

with big boobs, i hear as i don't know cause i don't have big norks, that you can use a small rolled up towel under your boob to get one hand off supporting the boob and I suppose to get the nipple pointing into a more outy position.

[MadamePlatypus]

I think it gets easier as they get older and have a bit more head control - 10 wks isn't that old! I think I used to hold DD in the crook of my arm and use that hand to hold book/remote controls and use other hand to control latch.

[skidaddle]

oops sorry, I mean that i hold him with the opposite arm to the breast he is going to have and then support my breast underneath with the palm of my other hand (ie on the same side of my body as the breast he's going to feed from). I have quite small breasts (B cup) so I shouldn't need to support them I don't think - it is just the fear that he will slip off.

[pelafina]

Message withdrawn

[skidaddle]

MadameP - that sounds like no-handed BF!! But you are right 10 weeks isn't that old, i will see how things go

Pelafina - don't think i could manage that at the moment although I do have a sling - might give it a go in a minute, thanks

[pelafina]

Message withdrawn

[MadamePlatypus]

Oh yes, I eventually mastered no handed breast feeding too!

However, what I mean is that once DD was attached securely I could hold her head in the right position with my arm and use that hand for book and use the other hand to hold my breast.

However, I would say it probably took about 4 months for things to really settle down. I think for a while I might have chosen books to read to DS that stayed open easily and got him to turn the pages? Maybe sometimes he might have watched the television even?? Needless to say these weird positions aren't that great for your back, but hey ho.