poor latch = poor weight gain?

[hawthers]

I've posted on here before about ds2's poor weight gain but i've been wondering if the poor gains might be due to a poor latch.

The latch has been checked several times and everyone has said its ok but my bf consultant mentioned that if the latch is poor then the nipple might look like a lipstick after a feed. Mine do tend to look like they've been flattened so perhaps I've not been shoving the boob in far enough.

Might this be responsible for his low weight gain? Of I correct this is it possible for him to catch up again (subject to supply)?

Would be so relieved if this is what is causing the poor gains.

Hi, you don't mention your baby's age or weight but am assuming fairly newborn?

Yes poor latch is likely to lead to poor weight gain as the baby can't milk the breast with their tongue effectively.Yes, it can be remedied and your baby should put on more weight.

I'm surprise the bf consultant did not suggest any remedy? Are you in pain during feeds? Having someone watch you feed is ideal but this helpline would be worth ringing 0300 33 00 771 as they are trained to help with attachment and positioning over the phone.

Basically, the signs of a good latch are

1. Wide open jaw
2. Rounded cheeks
3. more of lower area of nipple covered than upper
4. Chin indented into breast
5. Rhythmic swallowing
6. Pain free feeding
7. Lower lip turned down (but you may not be able to see this easily)

Good luck

Sorry sleep deprived! Ds is 6 weeks old, weighs 3.66 kg up from 3.3kg at birth. He spent a few days at the picu's pleasure after contracting viral meningitis when he was 8 days old. All other aspects of feeding ok but he did tend to fall asleep on the boob a lot and I felt he never really finished a feed on his own.

Have been concentrating on the latch more and hopefully this will produce some results soon.

Has anyone checked for tongue tie? Properly I mean, not just a quick glance.

Hi, thought you would get more responses. Loads of skin-to-skin and baby massage. Take yourself and baby off to bed for 48 hours, you rest, he feeds and (ideally) someone nurtures you (ie food and drinks).

It is worth ruling out tongue tie but maybe given that he is 6 weeks - perhas give him a little burst of intensive feeding, he may be coming into a growth spurt. There's nothing to lose - couple of days cuddling your baby and you get some rest?

Tongue tie has been checked properly and ruled out. There doesn't seem to be a reason for the poor weight gain apart from potential supply issue until I've thought about the latch. Re supply I've been putting ds tovthe breast as much as poss, expressing after each feed, doing breast compressions, taking herbal supplements and all that business.