To post on bear to get more traffic, because 3day old Ds has tongue tie and won't latch on

[Allthenamesareusedup]

Hi

My dc3 was born weds by elcs, and we were discharged yest. He had been reluctant to feed much, but had had 3-6hrly latched on BF feeds of 5-30mins for the 48hous we were in. Last night though he just wasn't that interested after 11.30pm. At 3pm he woke but wouldn't latch on, at 6 he latched on for 10mins, then nothing. midwife came this a.m said he's lost 10.5% of birthweight and showing signs of dehydration (jittery/lethargic). So at 1pm we syringe fed 28ml aptimall with 4ml hand expressed BM. It am to wake him around 4 to try to get him to latch on, and if fails again syringe BM. DH went and got a breastpump and at 2.30 I pumped 30ml, so he will get BM.

Question is! MW says he has posterior tongue tie (Dc2 had this but they wouldn't cut it as she wasn't seen til 4wks by which time she was feeding fine,, none of this drama with her thank god). It am scared that by pumping and syringing he won't get interested in trying to latch on again (why did he suddenly stop?? Why wasn't it picked up in hospital, I did say he preferred to sleep and couldn't get a good latch!) And I know I am meant to wake him in an hour to feed, but my boobs won't have filed up again will they? And do I keep pumping to keep flow up, plus try to get him latched? Or is it over and should we just bottle feed??

Feel really gutted, am such a worrier and this is one problem I just never anticipated. I know it is not a big deal and I am hugely lucky to have three gorgeous healthy kids, but I want to BF again and feel really really sad and want any advice or experience tha anyone has!

Sorry for essay, and thanks in advance.

Hi all, I feeling quite overwhelmed by all of your lovely messages and helpful advice. It is so good to hear your experiences and learn all of your tips! I'm v glad to say the MW has just been back out and he has regained weight (from original 3.6kg to 3.24 kg to 3.34kg I think she said). So no return to hosp or formula needed! Yay! I have been on 3hr cycle of bf, express, syringe, sleep, and it is working. Obv I want to drop the syringe part! But he us latching on and while painful it is bearable. He doesn't take in neatly enough nipple tho. Will make a GP emergency app tomoz a.m to get same day and demand referral! Will then make app at private hosp, and look into Dr Levinkind (thanks so much for name, can go to London if needed). Am in a Edinburgh, so ace to hear Murrayfiels should be able to do it. Am baffled by why I can't just go get it done as a matter of urgency at the Sick Kids, so much for supporting breastfeeding NHS???!! Will check for lip tie next attempted feed! Thanks again, you are all wonderful!

You are doing so well. NHS don't divide lip ties in Scotland. Advice is to look at it when infant teeth are all in to ensure oral development is not affected. BF with LT once TT had been divided was much better for me. Protect your nipples as much as you can. Be conscious that breastfeeding thrush is more likely if you have cracks or wounds. Get BFN leaflet to show to GP if you do.

Glad things are going better, Allthenames. I'd just repeat - don't assume this is tongue tie, lip tie, posterior tongue tie or anything related. The idea of you hauling yourself and your baby off to London and paying for private treatment on the basis of the info in your post.....well, please make sure this is worth it :)

Your baby may have turned the corner - the fact is you have reversed the weight loss, he is gaining weight, and he is latching, and you are in less pain. Please be sure that your assessment that he's not taking in sufficient breast is correct. He's only four days old. He may be getting better all by himself :)

Yes, he may have tongue tie. But don't assume it is, and don't assume it is something that needs correction. Most tongue ties don't cause problems with feeding.

My DD had tongue tie and I didn't get it fixed for 4 weeks.

I used to put her on the breast for 5 mins (not that she got much) then give her an expressed bottle. Then express for the next feed after that.

A bit of a faff but went on to EBF for 14 months and she was fine going from bottle to boob.

Good luck!

Glad to hear he has put on weight again

Hope it goes well for you both!!

The more they feed the more his blood sugar will be up, giving him the energy to feed more and latch better. Well done you

I'm in Edinburgh too. They run a TT clinic on a Friday at a Sick Kids I think. My health visitor called them for me and got me in. But GP could do it too. I'd call the Sick Kids yourself after seeing the GP and see if they have any appts left for this Friday perhaps? Keep hassling everyone!! Good luck.