Biological nurturing and positioning still not right!

[Bumperlicious]

3 weeks in and still struggling with latch. Been to bfing group twice this week and still not getting it right. I've been a peer supporter myself so I know the theory but just can't put it into practice.

DD2 doesn't seem to be tilting her head back in order to latch on.

So just tried doing biological nurturing position which I thought was meant to be the magical cure, but it still wasn't right and was still painful! Why the fuck can't I get this right! I really want this to work. I know there is not much that can be done online, but not having much luck with professionals in person either so any advice would be welcome!

Have you tried co-bathing? You'll need to have someone with you to help you and baby in/out of the bath though. Lots of warm water, skin to skin but no trying to latch baby on, just let her enjoy being next to you.

As you've already mentioned bio-nurturing I'm guessing you already seen Suzanne Colson's website?

Have you seen Jack Newman's videos? They saved my bfing relationship with DD2. She wasn't latching on and I couldn't work out what to do so DH and I were watching these videos at 3am!

Also, (as if you haven't had enough advice!) have you tried latching chin first? It sounds really strange but it does work (hopefully).

You hold baby in trad cross cradle hold (i.e. when feeding from right side you support baby's head/neck with left hand at back of neck) tuck baby in very close (tummy to tummy) but have head and shoulders an inch or so away from breast.

With your right hand holding your right breast and your left holding baby's neck/head position baby so her chin is on the breast but the mouth and nose is free.

When baby opens mouth pivot them on from the chin (use your left wrist to 'peel' her on).

I hope you find something to help you and that you and baby DD find some peace in each other. It's horrible when they won't latch so well done you for trying for so long and not giving up.

thanks truthsweet. will try that, problem is that she doesnt seem to tilt her head back when latching on.

she hasn't pooed in 24 hours and i'm sure that is making her fussy.

If you tuck her in really close under your left armpit (nice!) but have her shoulders/upper body away from you (not by much but a bit of room for maneuvering) that should give you head tilting room.

On the pooing front have you tried daisy chain massage? Little gentle wiggles clock wise around the tummy button (about 2-3" out from tummy button). Or bicycling legs? Or even wiping sphincter with a baby wipe (gross but it can work).

Am trying your tip truthsweet. We are still hit and miss on the latch. Had visibly blanched nipple today too, think that is just bad latch, but I get reynaud's when not pg or breastfeeding (seems to go away for a while when pg/bfing) so may be at risk for vasospasm.

Am pretty depressed that we still don't have things right. Want to introduce a bottle/cup so I can get a stretch of sleep but am scared to while we still aren't latching properly. Will keep persevering with the chin method though.

Bumperlicious - I so sorry things aren't going smoothly, you sound like you need a hug and a cuppa with some chocolate biscuits to boot. Are you getting enough help for you? I hope you have your partner/mum/friends on hand to be there for you (and of course the legions of MNters)

Have you got any breast pads - if you put them on the radiator (or sit on them whilst you feed DD) and put them in as soon as you finish feeding that might help with vasospasm .

Where are you based? Are you any where near West Sussex/Surrey borders? If you are I'd be willing to come and help with latching if you wanted?

Thanks for the support. I'm not in your area but that is really kind of you to offer.

my mum isn't a breastfeeding fan...but dh is being great & most of my mum friends breastfeed. am hoping dd will just grow into it...

will keep persevering & try not to put up with painful latching.