Could it be the shape of my boobs?

[bluechameleon]

DS is 6 weeks old. He had his tongue tie snipped on Wednesday but I haven't had any reduction in pain when feeding and he still finds it really difficult to latch sometimes. I'm wondering if it's because I have small, pointy boobs. It's nearly impossible to get him to take breast from below the nipple because of the pointiness. I've been trying the flipple technique but can't seem to get it right. I'll go back to the breastfeeding drop in next week but I'm a bit shy about raising this issue in front of other people (very low body confidence). Any advice?

Breast shape shouldn't really have any affect because it's the nipple and areola that baby should take in, not the area past that. Could the tongue tie have reattached? Definitely get to a lactation consultant and see what they say and what advice they might have when they see the latch. Have you tubular breasts no?

Have you tried the laid back position? My boobs are pointy (to the side) and this is the only position that works for me - I had horrendous nipple pain at first - bleeding, blisters and referred pain from other positions.

I sit quite reclined on a sofa for her to do the laid back and because of my pointiness she ends up sort of with her tummy on my tummy, her head lying on my arm to the side. I keep a cushion under the arm she's lying on. Worth a try if you haven't already - see the biological nurturing website for more info. The idea is the baby latches on themselves which makes it better for you and them. It's also the position the lactation consultants recommend as standard in my area. Sorry if you've already tried this position and so my post is useless!! Good luck and keep trying.

Oh gosh I really feel for you. Could you speak to the lead of the group at the end?

What sort of pain is it? I suffered with vasospasm with my 3 for around 6/7 weeks which was a toe curling pain on latch and eased off as the feed progressed. It gradually got better as the weeks went on.

If your nipples aren't being shredded the latch should be ok.

Please don't be embarrassed, I have comedy sized boobs and getting them out constantly was a test, but it's worth it.

@pickleshickles that sounds exactly like the pain I have. So it did get better? It's manageable most of the time but after a couple of hours of cluster feeding it doesn't subside and keeps hurting after he's finished feeding.

Thanks for all the advice and support. I will woman up and talk to the leader at the group next week. It's so weird, breastfeeding. You spend 30-something years avoiding revealing clothing, shared changing areas etc then suddenly are thrown into getting your boobs out a dozen times a day anywhere and everywhere. I know you can't see much but it is still difficult psychologically to feel so exposed.

By 8 weeks it was gone completely. No one seems to talk about it much, my first midwife explained it to me when I was at my wits end and it all made sense.

Good luck, and I promise it's worth it when they're older and you can shove a boob at them to solve all ills :)