Struggling with latch issues

[ButternutBosc]

My son won't open his mouth wide enough when I try and feed him, it is making bf difficult. I've tried to pull down his chin to open his mouth wider but he keeps it firmly closed then is only able to latch onto just my nipple which is causing a lot of pain. Does anyone have any ideas that could help us?

Mine never opened very wide at the beginning either... I found that ensuring she was nose to nipple and tummy to tummy helped. And then just time and practice. My nipples toughened up and she got better at it, now I just have to point her vaguely at my boob and she gapes wide open (14 weeks now)

look up "flipple" technique on you tube, it's helped us alot! how old is he?

That's reassuring to hear your dd eventually got it teenage, hopefully he'll get the hang of it soon.

He's only 8 days old, I'm off to check out the flipple technique now, thanks.

Do you have an NCT breast feeding counsellor nearby? Mine saved me and got my twins to latch on when I was despairing. She made seemingly minor adjustments to my position and my babies' and got me to rest my feet on an upturned washing up bowl which altered the angles. God knows what I would have done without her - given up no doubt.
Good luck and remember that lots of people have problems.

Great advice above to look up the "flipple" - it sort of goes with the idea that the latch should be off-centre ie your nipple should be heading towards the very top of his mouth. His chin should contact your breast first quite a way from your nipple so that he really has to gape open to get your nipple in. If you're feeding on the left, as an example, try moving his body further to the right than you were expecting, so he's really stretching and tipping his head back (also make sure your hand isn't pressing the back of his head - support his neck not his head, isywim).
It's really worth phoning one of the BF helplines - amazing how much help they can give you even on the phone, and they may be able to point you to some face to face support too.
It does get easier.