why one side only?

[pinkr]

Been feeding for two Weeks and I've realised that I can latch well on the right but the left still ends up sore and lip stick shaped. I think I do the same things etc but dd seems to struggle with the left side. She just won't take a big enough mouthful etc. i'm a bit lost a to what to do...

Make sure baby is close and facing the breast dd tummy against you. If struggling with the left side, hold her with your right arm.

Her head should be free to move but support her neck and shoulders

Her body should be in line against you.

Her nose should be in line-directly opposite- your nipple. Literally her nose to your nipple, then your nipple should be in the right place once she latches.

If she isn't opening wide enough push her bum further into your side under your arm giving more angle so that makes her chin push closer in to your breast ( chin to skin) so the chin is pushing her head back a bit further to get her to gape better. ( this is easier to guide through in the flesh I hope you follow me!)

Wait for her gape. If she doesn't open wide enough try again.

When she opens wide enough swiftly bring her to your nipple for the latch. If she has round cheeks, she is taking quick calling sucks followed by slower deeper gulps and you are comfortable you should be right.

Can you go to a breast feeding support group for some tips? Lactation consultant ? I ve found the worst people to give advice about latch are mid wives and health visitors but maybe that's just my area. X

Does the bit about getting her chin closer into the breast make sense so her chin is tilting her head further back to allow the mouth to open wider?

Yes...she's so wriggly and her hands get in the road so I've been listing attention to detail I think! There its a group but its half hour drive and I've had a section. We're rural and housebound! I'm desperate to get to it though as i'm sure we'll crack the thing! Thanks!

Sometimes doinG the rugby hold on the other side helps, that way they are lying with their head on the same side as on the other breast. I actually found this a really comfy hold when babies were small. I propped them up on a really big fat pillow which helped wit ph positioning

I found out that my DS has a posterior tongue tie as well as upper lip tie which made it hard to latch onto my right side which has a flat nipple. Has your DC been checked thoroughly for TT?

Second the rugby hold suggestion. DD had a favourite breast when she was little (can't remember which now!) and a bf support worker suggested using the rugby hold for the other breast. Really worked well.

What about swaddling just her arms with a light sheet to keep them still? Also would suggest the rugby ball hold

Haven't had her checked for tongue tie...have used rugby but still not getting it right. Will try calling the group leader. Thanks