I need urgent help/advice

[stargirl1701]

DD2 (19 months) has developed a right side facial paralysis. Her latch has become painful and ineffective. I need advice.

She is allergic to dairy, eggs, soya, nuts, legumes and bananas so breastmilk is a big component of her diet. She feeds on demand, day and night. Maybe 20 odd times in 24 hours.

She is poorly and seeking bf comfort too.

I have tried local NHS BF support but no one had any advice beyond expressing. I'm not sure I would even get anything at 19 months and it doesn't solve the comfort issue. I have left a message for my local LLL leader but not heard back yet.

[ispymincepie]

Oh poor bunny, is the paralysis likely to be temporary? I'm sure you'll be able to get hold of an NCT bf counsellor (look on their website for national number) but don't know what they might be able to suggest. I'm sure you are comforting to her still even if she's not able to get much milk. You poor things

[Topsy34]

Oh poor little mite, how distressing for you all

Would nipple shields give her more chance of latching?

Are you on facebook? Theres some good support groups, i will pop a link or 2 below

[Topsy34]

www.facebook.com/groups/breastfeedinguk/?ref=browser

[stargirl1701]

Update.

The LLL were fab (as ever). I ended up expressing from the right and feeding from the left. DD2 started doing breast compressions on the left to increase the flow. I used a rugby hold and moved the breast to seal the gap on the right as the days went on.

We saw a paediatric ENT surgeon who was able to explain what had happened. DD2 is missing a bone in her ear that sheaths the facial nerve. Her ear infection caused trauma to the nerve. It should recover but eye care is key until it does. Eye patches and eye lube needed.

She will be reassessed in one month to check the degree of paralysis at that point.