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Infant feeding

Get advice and support with infant feeding from other users here.

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Original poster

About to give up!

15 replies

El2El · 18/12/2019 17:13

DD is 3 days old and the 1 day visit midwife said she had tongue tie and would make a referral. Been trying to chase it up but can't get through to anyone. Feeding is so painful, my nipples are bleeding and sure even in between feeds now. DD feeds for ages at a time and the pain makes me tear up and my toes curl. I'm trying to preserve but desperate for some help. Is there anything I can do to relieve some of the pain until we get the tie snipped?

I've been using lansinoh and the multi mam compresses.

Thank you!

OP posts:

Original poster

El2El · 18/12/2019 17:40

Bump! Please help !

OP posts:

sleepsuit · 18/12/2019 18:26

Could you try nipple shields?

Original poster

El2El · 18/12/2019 18:37

Thank you! Yes didn't think of them!

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7dayslater · 18/12/2019 18:38

Just to say feeding DS was exactly the same. I cried in pain, but after around a week it started getting better & I went on to feed him for over a year. Definitely recommend nipple shields. Congratulations on your DD

icclemunchy · 18/12/2019 18:43

Has anyone offered you any skilled breastfeeding support in the meantime? Does your Trust have an infant feeding coordinator? Alternatively give LLL a call. Of you have a leader local they will know who's well trained if they can't see you themselves

Fluffiest · 18/12/2019 18:45

I was also going to suggest nipple shields. They were a miracle worker for me.

gothicsprout · 18/12/2019 18:49

You poor thing, this sounds really tough. Hang in there!

Lansinoh and multi mam are a good idea. Also if you can just leave your bra off to let some air get to your nipples and avoid any trauma through bra/breast pads sticking.

The tongue tie might be causing long feeds, but at day 3 DD might just be trying to bring your milk in fully still and setting up her order. Even with a tongue tie you can help her get a better latch which should help lessen any pain. Have you tried a more laid back position? That can help her get a more wide open mouth. Also as much skin to skin time as you can (particularly if you’ve got your bra off anyway).

AllTheCakes · 18/12/2019 18:50

You can do this! If you manage to feed for a few weeks, it should be a breeze from there. Well done for reaching out and asking for help, things will get better.

BumbleNova · 18/12/2019 18:55

When are you getting the tongue tie snipped? We paid to have it done privately and had in done in 24 hours. It was a game changer. Is it an option you can consider? Sometimes lactation consultants are trained to do it.

MustardScreams · 18/12/2019 19:01

Dd had a perfect latch and no tongue tie and my nipples were still horribly sore and bleeding for 4 weeks or so. They’re not used to being in a mouth all day!

Definitely chase up the tongue tie snip though, it should help a lot.

Can you look at breastfeeding YouTube videos to make sure your latch is deep enough? Obviously with a tongue tie this might prove difficult, but you should barely be able to see any areola around baby’s mouth.

AnnaBegins · 18/12/2019 19:03

Oh love I've been there! If you can afford it (£120-£175) contact a private tongue tie specialist tomorrow. The NHS waiting list is obscene because they refuse to accept it's more prevalent than their
assumptions. On this website you can search for a private practitioner by area www.tongue-tie.org.uk

Original poster

El2El · 18/12/2019 20:50

Ahh thank you all so much for replying. I'm so determined to ebf. DD1 had such a hard time latching that we combi fed from around this time so I was thrilled when DD2 just opened up and started drinking but it's just got so painful over the last few days. I contacted a lactation consultant earlier and she said she could see us tomorrow but it's £200 and we just can't afford that (why do they charge so much!?) I'm going to get nipple sheilds tomorrow and call my midwife and health visitor again. I called today but she didn't answer or call back. Thanks again.

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BumbleNova · 19/12/2019 07:37

Is there a drop in breastfeeding clinic you can go to? I was given a timetable with local breastfeeding resources. It was really helpful.

Emelene · 19/12/2019 09:40

There's a fab Facebook group called breastfeeding younger babies and beyond which has lots of advice. All the best, I hope nipple shields help until you can get the tongue tie seen to xxx

Original poster

El2El · 19/12/2019 13:01

Ok, I bought some nipple shields today. I remember finding them really infuriating last time so hopefully I get the knack before I lose patience this time. Also spoke to the community midwife this morning - 6 week wait! Think that's absolutely bonkers when breastfeeding rates are so low in parts of the country. Aren't we lowest in Europe or something. Lactation consultant is £200, which is extortionate and no doubt linked to the long wait times for NHS referral. Not something I can afford. Think if pump and use a bottle before I could justify paying that much. Been trying to get a deeper latch too and that has been helping.

Thanks again everyone!

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