urgent breastfeeding question for mum still in hospital

[ihaveabreastfeedingquestion]

I really hope someone can help....my sister had a baby two days ago by emergency c section. He has been feeding ok on the right hand side but is very mucussy and vomiting a lot. He latches on to the left hand side but just looks at her and won't suck. Does anyone have any tips? They would be very much appreciated!!

No advice but what madness that someone who is still in hospital has to rely on their family member posting for advice on the internet rather than being giving appropriate help and support by the staff around her.

I wish I'd had access to mumsnet when ds was born.

I think babies born by cs are more mucussy, because they don't get their lungs squeezed as they come down the birth canal. I'm sure that will clear in a couple of days.

Can your sister ask if there's a bfing counsellor who comes round the ward to check latch? I must admit though, I've always had one side that got a better latch with both children than the other. I guess we're all just a bit wonky. It might be worth her trying to hold him differently, maybe if she's holding him across her body on the left side she could try holding him rugby ball style and see if the change in position makes it easier for her.

C sections can leave babies very bunged up and sicky so is say that was fairly normal and will soon clear up.

Ds2 would only feed on the left side if I held him 'rugby ball' style or if I popped him on a pillow next to my side so his head was under my boob and just kind dropped the nipple onto his mouth. Was also comfier that way with the scar.

If he is latched on but not sucking try stroking behind the ear. It works!

Agree there should be support in hospital though.

I would offer the breast as much as possible

Try the right ball hold to encourage the latch

Try to use pillows etc to help her feed as comfortably as possible

Her milk may not have come in yet, and after a section it can take a little longer IIRC

ENCORAGE skin to skin too and plenty of it

Excellent advice above and what a shame the hospital are not providing it. Prop up with loads of pillows. The ear stroking should help him stay awake to feed, also try pumping his arm gently like a little piston if he is latched on but has stopped sucking. I found one side got going before the other too and the whole of the first day after the birth was a stress trying to get him to latch correctly. Just keep at it with the skin to skin and keep offering the breast and be more insistent at asking for staff help such as getting someone to check the latch during a feed.

Thank you so much all of you, that's brilliant!x