My baby is 5 weeks old and after initial sore, cracked nipples in week 1, things have improved and my nipples are no longer damaged. I'm fortunate in that i have lots of milk and he's gained loads of weight and has plenty of wet and dirty nappies - brilliant!
But I feel like I've reached a bit of a rut as it's still painful for me. Sometimes the pain is awful, usually it's bearable, occasionally there is no pain. But my nipples always emerge squashed with the 'lipstick' look and then blanch - even when there's no pain.
Feel like I've tried every position possible, exaggerated latching etc but I just can't get any more areola in his mouth. I know the theory, just cannot make it happen! I've been to several breastfeeding support groups and they say the latch looks good, as does my technique for getting him on. But clearly it's still not right. Can't think what more to do.
So my question is, do you think this will get better with time on its own as he gets bigger if I carry on as I am or is there some other technique I should do? (Really can't think what else I can do though!)
One of the midwives told me that i have taught him incorrectly, so if I need to intervene and 'reteach' then obviously I want to do it asap. She suggested taking him off and attempting to relatch but when I do this I will literally do it 40 times with no improvement and a very frustrated baby! Other opposite advice has been to just let him latch as is and it will improve with time.
Definitely no tongue tie, but one midwife said she thought he had quite a high palate.
Any advice or perspectives much appreciated!