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Infant feeding

Get advice and support with infant feeding from other users here.

Original poster

Breastfeeding Help!

15 replies

Becky77 · 21/07/2008 18:48

Hi there,

My baby is almost 6 weeks and from the start breastfeeding has been a problem. To start with she had real trouble latching on at all and would fuss and cry for ages before finally getting it... Now she latches on fine but my nipples are massacred! I've been to a breastfeeding support group and been advised to change my positioning but still the nipples won't heal...

I have taken to expressing one boob and still feeding from the other so that one can heal and I'm using NUK wide necked teats. Now it takes her forever to drink 2ozs from the bottle and when she's on the boob she clicks or slips down onto the nipple but she will feed for a good 20 minutes before slipping.

Do you think she has nipple confusion or perhaps a high palate? I'm at my wits end!

OP posts:
tiktok · 21/07/2008 19:02

Becky - I think you need more expert assessment than is sometimes found at a bf support group. I can't tell what's up from your description but if I was looking at you and your baby I'd look for tongue tie, watch how she takes the nipple, look at the type of soreness, ask how it feels, suggest you used a good healing agent on the soreness. So your next step is to find someone else who is really experienced and knowledgable to observe.

Good luck.

Ineedsomesleep · 21/07/2008 20:16

Is there any local bfing counsellors you could contact?

Original poster
Becky77 · 21/07/2008 20:39

I've been going to a breastfeeding support group since she was 1 week... I'll go again this week and see if they can offer any new insight but they seem to think everything is OK with the positioning and latching... This is why I'm now thinking it may be her palate... I don't think she has a tongue tie. It's just so frustrating... Thanks anyway for your responses

OP posts:
Original poster
Becky77 · 21/07/2008 20:40

Tiktok - where would I find someone more knowledgeable to observe?

OP posts:
IorekByrnison · 21/07/2008 21:43

Becky, sorry you're having such a hard time - it is the most awful feeling (I had a bad start too). You will get through it though. Here is a link to some breastfeeding support lines (on the right hand side of the page). Give them a call in the morning and someone should be able to come out and see you.

hellymelly · 21/07/2008 21:55

I paid to see a private breastfeeding counsellor who came to see me at home and it was the best money we spent on the baby as she was fantastic.My baby had a slight tongue tie and feeding was hellishly painful but we got there,and she fed until she was 2 and a quarter.If you can afford it then get to see someone who will spend time working out what the problem is.I think it was about £70 for a visit and I had three,but this was London so I imagine it varies.We didn't buy anything much for the baby apart from this and I don't know if I would have managed without the help.I feel for you as I know how horrendous it can be but you will get through it I am sure and then it is so easy!Good luck to you and your weeny x

Ineedsomesleep · 22/07/2008 06:36

Paying for a bfing counsellor is fine if you have to but you shouldn't have to. If you are paying, please check their credentials, there are a couple of women around here that offer "breastfeeding help" at a price and haven't had a day of training, never mind doing the diploma in breasfeeding.

Pixiefish · 22/07/2008 07:33

lactation consultants here

harpsichordcarrier · 22/07/2008 08:03

whereabouts are you Becky? maybe someone can recommend somewhere or someone
I agree you should get some more top level help.
have you had the tongue tie checked out?

Original poster
Becky77 · 22/07/2008 10:37

Hi there, I'm in Tottenham in North London. I haven't had the tongue tie checked out but she does seem to be able to stick her tongue out OK? I have my 6 week check up on Thursday I wonder if my GP will be able to tell me... Or refer me to someone who can?

OP posts:
WilfSell · 22/07/2008 10:44

There must be someone from the NCT, ABM or LLL in North London! Ring one of the lines on the page linked to and check with them before you pay someone... You maternity unit may even have a BF specialist - ring them and ask...

Good luck - I hope you get it sorted...

IorekByrnison · 22/07/2008 10:50

Hi Becky, I wouldn't rely on your GP to know - it's just too specialised for most of them, but as you say they may be able to refer you to someone, so I would definitely talk to them about it and push for a referral.

I would really recommend calling the NCT or LLL helpline in the meantime - your situation is just what they are there for. It sounds as though you need someone with specialist knowledge to come out and sit with you while you feed to diagnose the problem and find a solution.

Original poster
Becky77 · 22/07/2008 12:22

I've been on the phone to LLL and now have a number for someone near me fingers crossed she'll come see me

OP posts:
TinkerBellesMum · 22/07/2008 12:28

I don't know London that well, but here is a list of groups you could see if one is near you. They're normally run from surgeries or hospitals and have trained HVs, MWs or LCs running them.

Original poster
Becky77 · 22/07/2008 12:41

Thanks Tinks... It's one of these groups that I already go to

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