Poor latch 8 week old bf baby

[jellybeans]

Hi DS is 8 weeks and excl bf. He has severe reflux and is on meds which seems to be helping. I had over supply and block fed which cut supply down but I still have a fast letdown (with the squirting for a min or so, I have to take DS off at letdown or he chokes). Anyway, DS is OK fo the first bit of the feed but after a while gets frustrated and I get sore nipples. When I take him off my nipple is 'pinched' and it seems he only suks the actual nipple. I am guessing thaT HE HAS never needed to latch properly due to the vast supply and to sto the flow but now supply has slowed he can't seem to get what he needs.

Has anyone got any advice? I am hoping to go to a bf grou on Weds, do they actually watch you/show you how to latch etc or is it just like a coffee morning? I am not sure if could feed there as have to faf about taking DS off and catching the squirting milk in a breast pad while trying to stop a frustrated DS screaming and wondering why he is taken off already!

Thanks in advance.

Meant to say, when looking (or trying to look at ) DS latch while feeding, he doesn't seem to open mouth very wide and bottom lip is not out.

The scenario you describe is certainly possible and something that it's important to resolve, as otherwise when supply settles down, it's possible that baby may not extract the milk efficiently and stimulate the supply well if they have been 'coasting' on oversupply and powerful let-down. Choking and spluttering can be an indication that the positioning and attachment isn't as effective as perhaps it could be, as a baby in just the right position can actually control even a very fast flow of milk with his tongue. It's important that he feels comfortable to stay at the breast in order that he can access the highest fat milk towards the end of a feed. Improving his positioning is likely to help with this, perhaps in combination with breast compressions to encourage him to keep going when he feels frustrated with the flow slowing down.

Going along to the group sounds like an excellent idea. If your nipple is pinched, then this would suggest that it's not being drawn far enough back into his mouth. If you feed from one breast, do you hold him with the opposite arm? If so, you could try moving him more into your cleavage (nose to forehead) so that when you bring him onto the breast he has to tip his head back further to reach the nipple. then he needs to attach chin first, with his top lip just gliding over your nipple, not like a bullseye. For him to be most comfy, his whole body needs to be turned towards you, with his nose, navel and knees all in a straight line. Most babies also prefer to be helpd quite closely to mum. If you choose to hold with the opposite arm to the breast you are feeding from then lifting your baby's bottom slightly so that it is supported against your side using your elbow (like bagpipes!) can be really helpful. There are some photos here and here that may help you to visualise this, as well as some useful video clips on this site. These diagrams are really clear of how the mouth needs to be positioned relative to the nipple and rest of the breast. Some mums try to check the position by moving their breast around to look at their baby's lower lip. Often this is actually unhelpful, as it can dislodge them slightly. The best indicators of good attachment are things like how comfortable you are, that you get a good pause in the chin indicating baby's swallowing milk, baby is relaxed and not fussy, baby's cheek is up really close against the breast. Watching how the baby's mouth looks at the moment of attachment can also give a really good clue. None of these tips is a substitute for some expert 1-2-1 help for you.

At all the groups I've been to (which is now I think 6 different ones in the last 3 years run by 4 different sets of people from various organisations) you get a drink and possibly a snack of some sort, the opportunity to chat to someone about how things are going and then if baby is up for it and mum wants to then someone can observe a feed. There's usually the chance to chat to other mums as well, which can be a big support. Often actually having a feed observed can be the most helpful part, because sometimes very minor suggestions to alter the way you sit, hold your baby or bring them to the breast can make a big difference to how a feed goes. Let us know how you get on.

Obviously I meant nipple to forehead not nose. Sorry, it's late

Thanks so much Grendle That's fab advice, am off to read all links. Thanks again, you have given me hope that I can carry on bf as I was getting so fed up as DS choked when i fed him last night .I will update when tried all info/advice.

Just wanted to add a suggestion. When my milk first came in I had lots of those 'squirty' moments with DS and I found if I fed lying down at the start then gravity would help to reduce the pressure of the milk and help him to latch on properly, drink a bit and ease the supply. I could then sit up again. Obviously not really workable when you're out and about but it might help when you're at home!