Baby not latching

[summermamas]

My DS is 3 days old, born by uncomplicated planned c-section. It went smoothly and we were home within 24 hours. He latched in recovery and had a very short feed but hasn't latched since. I've been hand-expressing colostrum (now transitional milk) and we've been giving formula top-ups as advised by the midwives. I've basically done nothing but skin-to-skin with him since we got home, have researched lots of different positions, have had help from various midwives, but I just cannot get him to latch at all. It feels like we are physically completely incompatible, and as he gets a bit more awake and angry each attempt seems worse than the last. All the information I've read makes it sound so simple but I literally can't even get him comfortably nipple-to-nose, let alone able to take a big mouthful of breast! I've sent some emails to lactation consultants but has anyone got any advice in the mean time?

I'm by no means an expert, but couldn't pass by when I saw no one had yet responded. My own experience and that of someone I know was that baby struggled / couldn't latch due to tongue tie. Does your baby put their tongue out past their lips? If they are crying does the tongue look tied to the mouth? If they are tongue tied this will need professional help. I have seen it suggested to lie down or recline with both you and baby topless and see if they can find the nipple easier that way. I hope you get some help soon.

First of all congratulations! Second and most important thing to check- has baby got a tongue tie? This should be checked in the hospital but they miss a ridiculous amount of them. I was told
my first baby didn’t have tongue tie, booked a private appt to triple check because of difficulty feeding and she did have one. Definitely worth a check! But also a good lactation consultant can be worth their weight in gold for a breastfeeding journey, as well as any local bf clinics, so so helpful!

You could always try a nipple shield too to see if that makes things any easier? Every baby is different and it just takes a little while to work out the best way for your baby, 3 days is still super early so try not to worry. My daughter always fed best in the “standard” tummy to tummy position, I’m currently breastfeeding my second baby 3 months old and he basically cannot latch at all in tummy to
tummy and rugby ball/side lying is a much better position for him. Just trial and error, you will find what works for you! X

Have you tried using a breastfeeding pillow? I struggled to get my baby to latch just holding her but found it was much easier to position her on a pillow. Also the rugby hold seemed most successful when she was really tiny - think the angle helps a little. I'd also aim for chin resting on the skin just below your nipple, as opposed to nipple to nose.

When I was really struggling, I'd ask my husband to try and position her, as he could sometimes see the angles better from his perspective standing above me. Might be worth a try?

It can be tricky for the first few days, but hang in there you'll figure it out together. If you have any breastfeeding support groups in your area, they can be a godsend and a nice way to meet other mums and babies.

I would keep trying some other positions, Olivia Hinge on Instagram has some great videos on getting a good latch with a newborn. Get some advice on this (rather than just from random me on the internet!) but I'd also reduce top-ups and just keep bringing him to the breast. Does he just not open his mouth wide enough? Tongue tie definitely worth investigating. Perhaps try lying down next to him? It's really tricky but you're doing all the right things! It's a new skill for you both to learn, good luck (and congratulations)

congratulations on your baby

i do suggest forumula top ups for the baby to keep them hydrated. Get the ready made ones, Kendamil are good. And keep doing both. You and baby need to feel good and this will help until you find your feet. It does not mean you end breast feeding it just means you’re supplementing until you’re able to give enough.
Having been through the jaundice threat and hospitalised with a baby who was underfed at the same age, just take the pressure off. Feeding is the priority over all else.

for breast feeding the best advice I got was the create a big “C” with your fingers around your entire nipple and latch the baby. Try it. Cabbage is great too for inbetween feeds! Good luck. Xx

Many years now but my excellent midwife recommended first a baby's bottle teat and later a nipple shield over my own nipple, which was easier "to place" in the baby's mouth. After a few weeks the baby was able to latch onto the breast without the teat or shield.

Congrats! +1 to checking and checking again and insisting on tongue tie check. All my 3 kids had it, always had to fight for it to be recognised and acted upon and made to think like I read too much about it online, always helped literally from the seconds after the tie was cut and first feeds. Of course it could be a different scenario but I was shocked how ignorant multiple health professionals were for such a critical issue. There’s really nothing more important for mammals than to get milk 😅 good luck, act fast.

Congratulations. You poor love, I had so much trouble, both times, with my two and it’s brutal. This is what worked for me;
Have baby checked for a tongue tie
See a lactation consultant
Use a nipple shield then wean off gradually
Try lying down, try rugby gold, try literally any position you can think of
Persevere, even when it’s really shit, if it’s something you really want to do.
Best of luck x

Nipple shield and rugby hold. Game changer. Easier said than done, but it took until day 5 with my second. You're doing everything right, keep trying if you can and if not, don't beat yourself up. Fed is best, whether breast or bottle xx