Laid back breastfeeding

[Bex0888]

This is my second time breastfeeding ..currently have a 6 week old. For some reason breastfeeding isn’t going as easily this time..my baby is still gaining an ounce a day but I’m constantly having to do breast compressions all the way through (as soon as let go the boob comes out of her mouth) or to keep latching her on as she just pops on and off all the time (not crying usually just like she slips off).

My main position is side lying as I feel I need hands free to do compressions..my fingers ache from doing this though 30-40 min feeds! I’d read about laid back breastfeeding / biological nurturing and I thought maybe this will help to follow her lead and allow her to latch herself ...but not having much luck. I place her tummy down against me with head next to breast and she bobs around but doesn’t seem to have the head control or coordination to latch on..gets frustrated and cries. Can they really latch by themselves?? Am I not leaving it enough time maybe...this looks like a much easier way to feed if I can figure it out...

I had very similar problems with my first @Bex0888 and it turned out to be Tongue Tie. Have a read of this and see if any of it sounds familiar

I used this position with my first to help wean off shields. My lactation consultant said you do need to gently guide them a bit!

Can you get a consultation with an IBCLC... many now offer zoom.. they might be able to help or advise if you need face to face help..

I remember a bf worker trying to teach me this with my first and it seemed so hard. With my second I read a bit more and got the hang of it but I remember it taking a while, I don’t remember exactly but I don’t think my baby could always manage it at that young age either, she didn’t always have the strength to manage ‘the crawl’ and head in right position, but when she did it was great. It became how we fed routinely once she was a bit bigger so keep trying. Also I found watching videos about latching, exaggerated latch etc, really helpful with my second - didn’t expect to need to having done it before, but I think it’s just a new bf relationship so a new skill feeding that baby.

How are you both getting on now @Bex0888?

I think they can latch themselves and laid back nursing is actually a great position for a baby with oral restriction. It’s the only way I could breastfeed my daughter but she was a bit older when we started doing the laid back style 3 months, I’ve tried with my 6 week old and it’s exactly the same as your little. I wonder if it’s a strength thing? As it’s in essence tummy time? What works well it’s the koala style? Could you try that? Xx