Newborn. Breastfeeding. Latch

[Chamalala]

My baby is 5 days old and I just can't get her to latch deeply. I am so sore! She wants to feed and gets very impatient. When I have had someone's help, it's better but by myself, j just can't do it. I know my milk is there as I can put 3oz in 15 mins. I gave up at 3am and fed her expressed milk from the bottle and now I feel like such a failure. I had to pump before for my first as she was prem and really don't want to do it again but also can't cope with the screaming baby, exhaustion and pain! Best tips?

Well done for letting your baby’s needs and feeding them! It’s so hard in the beginning.

La Lechę League International are an amazing support group, and the National Breastfeeding Network have a free phone line - 0300 100 0212

Latch and Positioning are two things to adjust. You want to aim for a really deep latch. I found the “rugby” position comfortable, with baby’s body resting to the side. When baby is ready to feed, get them in position and wait until their mouth is its widest. Look up the “hamburger” boob hold, if you hold your boob this way with one hand it’s easier for baby to latch. You have a bit more control of the situation. You want their top lip to aim above your nipple, on the areola which will encourage a deep latch. There’s some videos on YouTube, I think I saw one by the WHO.

We paid for a lactation consultant which was £150 but the best money spent. I would recommend if you can afford it and find someone to visit. Make sure they are IBLBC accredited, I think there’s a UK list on the UK LLLI website. The hospital guidance sadly was not very good for me.

It takes 6 weeks to establish your supply.

Good luck

La Lechę League UK website

The National Breastfeeding Network website

hamburger hold might be useful - see image

Congratulations on your new LO. You're definitely not a failure. You're been through so much in the last week, labour, birth, sleep deprivation, dealing with DC1 adjusting to the new baby and on top of all of that you have to look after your baby. Please give yourself some understanding

I agree with others that ringing one of the breastfeeding helplines this morning is a really good call.

Can you get to a BFing Support Group this week too?

If you have somebody with you I'd ask them to bring you some snacks and drinks and see if they will take out DC1 for a few hours so that you can concentrate on your LO.

You might want to try a bit of laid back breastfeeding today as this can help with latch.

And there's a good video on latch here.

I'd also have a read of this on Kellymom on painful and sore breasts