Learning to latch at 4mo?

[marmitemate]

I used nipple shields for the first 16 weeks as they were given to me on the first day in hospital. I kept trying without and it never worked. About 10 days ago my DS pulled the shield off and just latched on and I haven't used them since. I thought all was fine but I have had blocked ducts twice now and I know that the latch is not quite right. We often start correctly but then he pulls his bottom lip in. I try to pull it out and half the time this works. Is it possible for DS and me to learn a proper latch 4 months in and does anyone have any ideas as to how we can improve? Thank you!

There is a way but I'm not sure how easy it is to describe in print. If your baby is on your left boob, hold his head with your right hand and put the first finger of your left hand onto your boob at the left edge of the aeriole (not sure how that's spelled). Push down so your nipple points left. Bring the baby's head to the boob and as his mouth grabs at the nipple let go with the left hand. The nipple should bounce back into the right position. May take some practice if you understand this at all!

Is that the exaggerated attachment thing wannabe? I could never get the hang of that!

OP, I used nipple shields for the first 14 weeks and they were a lifesaver. DD was quite happy with them but I got sick of the faff so decided grit my teeth and ditch them. It took a little while to get the latch right but I'm told it's just fine now so I'll try to describe what I do.

Hold your DS in the cross cradle hold, so for the left breast hold with your left arm. Cup your breast in your right hand with a U shape. Nose to nipple (you know the routine), bring your DS to the breast chin first making sure his head can tip back. Then kind of roll him quickly onto the rest of the breast with the nipple just making it in to the top of his mouth.

This works for me most of the time, but I have yet to find a way to stop DD pulling away to a very shallow latch when she's having a fussy period. Ouch.

Even better, Google for videos showing latching. Dr Jack Newman's site is a good one. here

Duh, for the left breast hold your DS with your RIGHT arm and cup the breast with your LEFT hand!!

[DD's not sleeping well, can you tell?!]

Thank you both. I'll give it all a go :)