Breastfeeding help - any recommendations on which helpline or organisation to use?

[orchidee]

(Feeling lost and indecisive)
I think I need one to one help from someone who can check latch and maybe check DS for issues like tongue-tie, thrush or anything else that can inhibit BF. If you read the para below you'll see why. Any ideas welcome. I've a list of BF helpline numbers, LLL etc, any recommendations on which to use? Or should I try to find a local "lactation expert", or ask a HV / GP for a referral (to whom?)

I've had occassional issues since I began BF my 8 week old baby. It all seemed to be coming together a few weeks ago, nipple pain subsided and DS was sleeping for 1-2 hours between feeds during the day, 3-4 hours at night. Each feed took around 10-15 minutes. This week it's deteriorated again, I have the signs of poor latch (nipple pain, lipstick nipple and now a friction blister.) DS is feeding more frequently (20 feeds yesterday) and often unsettled between feeds, during the day maybe napping 10-20 minutes before wanting fed again. His suck / swallow / breathe rhythm is variable but he sucks 3-10 times before swallowing and is noisy, making smacking or clicking noises. All these things point to several possible issues. I feel I'm going around in circles. I use the tips for getting a deep latch and it was working until this week.... WWYD?

Sorry to hear you're struggling after everything starting to get easier.

I found my local La Leche league woman a lifeline over the phone when I was struggling in the early days with DS1. She was so calm and full of common sense and good advice.

I later found a local breastfeeding group with a specialist bf HV who was fantastic and offered 1-1 support if needed.
Her groups were well hidden though, it took me specifically asking a HV at DS well baby clinic for it to be recommended.

I'm no expert in the issues you describe in OP but wonder if DS is having a growth spurt which is compunding any latch or other problems.

Hope everything settles soon

Hi there.

If I were you I would get on the phone to some of those helpline numbers. They should be able to give you some advice to work with for the time being, but they should also be able to help you access some face to face support.

As well as this, your local Surestart centre may have a breastfeeding support drop in (HV can advise or call the Surestart centre) and many towns have breastfeeding Cafes where you can access expert and also peer support, if you are able to get out and about.

FWIW, I think the suddenly increased frequency of feeding and being unsettled is not necessarily a sign of a problem, could be a growth spurt. However yes the clicking, sore nipples etc, you are doing exactly the right thing in recognising these signs and accessing support.

Where are you based?

Hi, I rand the NCT helpline when I had trouble with DS1 and I got the numbers of some local NCT volunteers. I rang one of the numbers and a lovely lady came to my house...twice... and helped me correct my latch. I really recommend it. I found this national number 0300 330 0771 but I am sure you can google a number close to where you are.

I called the NCT helpline yesterday and thought they were fab, really sympathetic and offered practical and emotional advice. I'd tried the La Leche helpline first but someone's husband answered and said his wife wasn't home

Did your health visitor give you information on local drop in clinics? They tend to be really good too, especially since sometimes you need more - ahem -hands on help!

Good luck

NCT is a good place to start as they usually have a local person who can come and see you - and you know that their people have a high level of training. LLL leaders are also trained to the same level, but they may not have a person local to you.

It's very hard to find someone who really knows about tongue tie although a trained BFC (with LLL, BfN, NCT or ABM) will be able to deal with thrush and latch for sure. If you want more TT advice, you could try contacting Milk Matters as they do a TT check over the Internet. milkmatters.org.uk/international-service-tongue-tie-talk/