Latch question

[MacMomo]

Sorry another one from me, this is really a battle for us.

DD, 5 weeks, history of poor latch. Latch good but I used nipple shields due pain and occasional expressed bottle. She then suddenly started a poor latch, so I thought nipple confusion.

After about 3 days of frustration, she started latching again, but only which the breast is very firm at the start of the feed. When it softens after only a few minutes, she pulls off and will only relatch with a pursed mouth and then she starts an on and off routine until I am rubbed raw. She seems to be getting enough, but what on earth can I do? She just won't open her mouth for a softer boob. I am resorting to nipple shields again due to raw areola.

I hope to see a bf consultant on thu, but that seems ages away!

Thanks again.

At the bf clinic, I was told to try and stay calm and be patient and only latch DD on with a good wide mouth.

Sorry, to clarify: poor latch at the start, then latch fixed by bf counsellor, now poor latch again.

I try to be patient but two problems:

1. After the boob has softened (3 mins with ok latch) it doesn't matter how good the second latch is, she has max two sucks and pulls off, over and over. We have done that for half an hour without achieving any milk transfer.

2 as she's trying, she rubs her face, mouth, gums, nose from side to side aggressively endlessly and my nipples burn and bruise. They're getting so damaged again they really hurt. And at the end she has not opened up, no latch achieved, even a poor one.

Dr says theres no thrush.

Have you tried breast compressions to keep the flow up? Look for Dr Jack Newman on youtube for examples.

Yes, have tried. Sadly makes no difference. I wonder if my milk is failing? There always seems to be plenty left after she comes off though - she is an efficient feeder, but 3-5 isn't long enough surely?

Have you tried switching sides after that first good latch? And then when she comes off that side you could go back to the first side again?

Yes, it works but only with a nipple shield.

Thanks for all the suggestions, keep them coming there must be something I haven't considered yet.