I struggled with breastfeeding from the start as my baby had a severe tongue tie. We had it divided at two weeks but his latch was still shallow and painful. We eventually found out it had reattached and had it divided for the second time at 12 weeks.
His latch has improved so much on the left that I can get a comfortable latch, without nipple shields, every time. However it’s still really shallow and painful on the right.
I assumed this is because I’m right handed, so have switched up positions a bit. I usually do cradle hold, but have found the right side is still really painful in koala or rugby holds.
I can’t understand why this is the case. I’ll keep persevering, but does anyone have any ideas? Does my nipple maybe need to toughen up (since we’ve both always had a preference for the left since it’s easier, so the right has had less exposure)?
Is it okay to feed mainly from the left in the longer term, or will I then only have half the supply? We’ve come so far and I really don’t want to give up but I’m so tired of the pain. I’ve seen a lactation consultant and peer supporter and they can’t suggest any changes to my positioning. They think my son just isn’t opening his mouth as wide on the right, but have no idea why.
Has anyone else experienced this?