Top of breast hard, soft at bottom

[scrivette]

6 day old DS struggles with latching on for most feeds but is starting to get the hang of it, although often clamp down on my breast.

Today I have noticed that the top of one breast is still hard after each feed and this is the side he particularly struggles to latch onto. Is there anything I can do/is it normal?

[Woodenheart]

It could be Mastitis starting or maybe you have blocked ducts? Im no expert but I did have Mastitis twice.

Try a warm shower, put a warm flannel on the hard area when you are resting, & maybe massage around it,

I found this used to soften the area, or you could try expressing to see if that clears it?

I fed DD for 2 years, we only stopped in April & I still remember the pain at first, it got 100% easier for me & I hope it does for you.

[22Dee]

if its engorged little one will find it difficult to latch

express some untill the areola area is soft then he can latch better

try differemt positions so baby drinks from the breast left side up or right side up. some favour a side and latch better on that side

hth

[scrivette]

Thank you. I used a different position yesterday as it was easier for him to latch on so will go back to the cradle hold and hope it clears it with some massage and hot flannels.

[Woodenheart]

I remember that I had to do the rugby hold for a few months then we found laying down the best for us,

I hope today has been o.k