Problems bf 13 month old

[HHH3]

DS2 is 13 months and apart from the initial couple of weeks we've never had any problems feeding. But he's been teething on and off for weeks now and it seems to have changed his latch.

Feeding on the right is absolutely fine but the left is agony. He's not biting but his teeth are rubbing on me. Feeding with him sat on my lap, straddling me, tummy to tummy helps slightly...but only slightly. It's getting to the point where I'm dreading feeding and neither of us are ready to give up yet.

I went to my local bf group but they really had no idea what to suggest. I suspect, sadly, that they didn't have much experience with older babies.

Is there anything I can do? And would it be ok to maybe only feed from the right for 24hrs to give the left a break and a chance to heal (I can see where it's getting sore from his teeth rubbing)?

Has anyone showed you the exaggerated latch / flipple? It's great for getting the deepest latch. I always went back to it when I had problems.

I can't see that only feeding from one side for 24 hours would be a problem. It might decrease supply a bit on that side but will come up again with more frequent feeding.

I've tried the exaggerated latch and he's having none of it! Tbh he doesn't have the greatest latch - never has. But it's always worked for us. It feels so sad that I now dread something that I love doing so much. And I've started to think that maybe I should stop which I really, really don't want (and wouldn't be easy on DS either as he still feeds loads).

do you have a local la leche league? they may be able to help.

you could also try calling them for advice

It's tough. There are times when feeding is uncomfortable but it usually gets better.

From what it sounds like you would have a tough time giving up anyway. You could try only feeding off one side and see how that goes - I did ( and tbh I can't even remember when) but had always fed less from the left as it always had the worst latch

I agree that the LLL would be helpful if you can get to a meeting - there are lots of people passionate about breastfeeding who can hopefully see you in person and help.

Good luck

Sorry for the delay in replying. It's been one of those days.

Will give LLL a call tomorrow. Don't know why I didn't think of it. Although we won't be able to see anyone for a bit as DS2 has come down with hand, foot and mouth But I reckon I can cope with it for a while longer if I know I'll be getting some help

Ouch!

oh no poor kid

would nipple shields help?

He's ok - clingy but I think he's over the worst. He's got soooo many spots though.

Haven't had a chance to call LLL today but will defo do it tomorrow. Nipple shields are worth a go though - thank-you.

My friend's DS got it and then her husband. He (the husband) said it was the most painful thing he's ever had. Clearly never given birth though...

Really hoping I avoid it. So far, so good...