newborn struggling to feed on one side, any tips?

[jaggythistle]

hello,

my DS2 was born yesterday morning and he seems pretty good at feeding so far, but is really struggling to latch on one side.

he mouths and licks but can't seem to get on every time. I've had some success with the rugby ball hold, but a lot of the time he gets upset so I've gone back to the other side to keep him happy.

his birth was assisted with forceps so I'm wondering if he's sore on that side?

i suppose it might get easier as he gets bigger, but any tips welcome!

thanks.

I think you might be right about him feeling sore on one side (possibly due to his delivery, or maybe the way he way lying in the womb). My son behave very similarly and we sort of muddled through for the first week, trying lots of different positions - rugby ball and feeding lying down seemed to work. When he was about 10 days old we went for Cranial Osteopathy and that made a huge difference - he was so relaxed afterwards and his feeding improved massively after a little 'practice'. I really recommend it and will be taking this next baby for treatment as a matter of course.

Congratulations btw!

Both my babies had trouble with the left boob, I think because I held them both cross-cradle that it was harder to position them as I'm right handed. It got easier as they got bigger and could position their own heads.

Your theory about him being sore on one side sounds probable though.

i do feel a bit clumsy with a newborn- last time i bf was 6 months ago and DS1 was 2yo!

hopefully DS2 and i will get the hang of it, will keep CO in mind if he's still struggling.

exciting update!

we've been feeding lying down lots and he seems really happy as is my fanjo area and his latch is better on the side he didn't like. :)

looks like we'll be busy tonight as he's a hungry wee monkey...

it might also be the side that you're not so good at holding him on?

DD is an arse at feeding on my left because i'm left-handed and it's easier to pick her up and put her on my right-side.

your DS1 was used to doing it, and you've got to train yourself and new DS to hold/be held on that side again.

DS had a favoured side too. I found laying down to feed on the trickier side worked for us. He's 7 weeks now and feeds equally well fr either side.