Hi all. I have a 10 day old who seems to hate breastfeeding, and I really need help. He was born via section (elective, due to breech), and for the four nights we spent in hospital he seemed to take to it very well. Since we got home though, things have been really difficult. He really resists latching on, even when he’s clearly hungry. He pulls back, slips on and off, bobs frantically but won’t latch even when the nipple is right in his mouth. He gets increasingly distressed, and it can take up to 30 minutes to calm him down enough to finally latch. It’s very upsetting for everyone. I have a lot of nipple pain, so I know the latch is not perfect when we do finally manage it - trying to work on that (flipple) but it’s hard when he slips off so easily. Feeds can last up to 1.5 hours, as he often falls asleep as well as coming on and off all the time.
I’m a bit panicked about it, because he lost 8% since birth, but hasn’t started gaining back yet (weighed on Monday). He isn’t losing, but isn’t gaining either. He is also a bit jaundiced. Plenty of wet nappies. Lots of dirties also - maybe too many? He’s quite windy, and goes every time he passes wind, it’s mustard coloured, but very very liquid. HV not worried as yet, and is coming on Monday to re-weigh. I’ve had a lactation consultant, who was flummoxed by his behaviour on the breast. Her verdict was to feed home some expressed milk first, then try to latch, then pump after to protect supply. I’ve been doing that for two days, but it hasn’t made any difference to his latching issues. Also, it means that I’m either feeding or pumping or washing/sterilising for 2.5 hours, and then he’s up wanting to feed again. It’s not sustainable for much longer - I have a 2.5 year old as well who my husband is taking charge of now, but he goes back to work next week.
I’m at my wits end. I had some difficulties with my daughter, and I really was hoping for an easier ride this time. I find feeding an emotional rollercoaster and I feel very depressed about it at the moment. Can anyone offer any advice/their experience? Thanks.
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Infant feeding
Baby won’t latch
22 replies
badb · 22/08/2018 19:36
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