Problems breastfeeding over 40

[HelenFitzroy]

Hello all,

I recently had my third child. He is now a week old. I breastfeed my older 2 children (combine fed) until 12 weeks. I have never really enjoyed breastfeeding and have never found it easy, however I was able to preserve until 12 weeks. However this time I'm having major issues with feeding this time. My son was 37 weeks when born and will not latch on, he has a poor suck even of bottles. I have been using a pump but am producing very little milk. I am 41 now and am wondering if this is affecting the amount of breast milk or if the face my son won't latch is the main issue. If it doesn't improve soon I'll have to stop as I will have basically no milk. Any advice appreciated.

Congratulations on bubba 😃

Could he have a little tongue tie maybe? This can have an impact x

I don't think your age is the issue. It could be a combination of things such as a tongue tie as PP mentioned, or the fact that your son was early term. My baby was too and just didn't have the skill or strength to latch on properly. Nipple shields helped in the early weeks.
I know you have older children so it could be more difficult to divide your time but if possible skin to skin with the baby, and if you're mixed feeding then try to make night feeds breastfeeds not formula as that will help with supply. Congratulations and good luck!