I have really flat/inverted nipples. DD1 never managed a latch despite loads of help with positioning etc. The midwives always started by saying ‘it’s not nipple feeding’ but no one was able to get her to latch. I pumped for the first while but wasn’t sustainable (for me)
Fast forward to DS1 - currently 8 days old. Exact same problem with him.
he was born on Saturday. No latch establishes in hospital. He was getting very frustrated so they suggested topping up short term.
Midwife on Tuesday suggested nipple shields. They didn’t work with DD1 but he’s been great with them in that it’s really helped him suck but he’s still coming off ravenous. Midwife doesn’t know if it’s because he’s not actually swallowing (she said she can’t see a swallow) or is it because my milk behind - on Friday it was still Colustrom however think transitioning now.
She suggested pumping. I was really reluctant to go down this route again (really got me down the last time being stuck to pump every 2 hours and having to put DD1 down). But because his wee suck seemed good I thought I’d give it a go.
Bought a pump Friday afternoon (so day 6). Bought fenugreek too - been taking 9 capsules a day of 600mg
Been pumping 2-3 hourly since. Volumes still rubbish. It’s a double pump. I’m getting 30mls per session.
We’re now on Sunday and no improvement. Desperate to try and keep it up before my milk completely swindles. Letting DS1 ‘feed’ in between and attempt him on boob before all his feeds.
Tried a hot cloth and massage etc.
Is there anything else you can think of? Anything I can do? Anything you’d recommend in terms of how long I pump for etc. I’m hoping it’s not too late but starting to feel like I’ve akready left it too late.
Any advice would be hugely appreciated.