Latching baby when milk is coming in

[user1484167681]

Hi, any tips for latching a 3 day old onto boobs that are suddenly a lot firmer than he’s used to?? Can usually get him - after much frustration for both of us - in a very specific position and then can’t move at all while feeding or he loses the latch.

You can express a little to make them less firm. But honestly, just do whatever works, even if it means not moving after he's latched, or repeatedly getting him to relatch. It will get easier, he will get better at latching and your supply will settle and you won't be engorged as often.

I found the rugby ball position worked best for us when my milk came in! Congrats on yiur new arrival :)

Thank you for the reassurance :) I’ll keep trying!

Finger either side of the nipple, push the in towards your breast - helps to expose the nipple so they can latch. Then just hold the baby in place as enjoy the relief!

Hi OP, I had the same issue. You could express a bit before you latch. Or warm some flannels (wet flannel, squeeze out well, microwave for 10-15 seconds) and press on your breast, moving around to soften and release some milk. Very soothing for soreness too. You can buy gel pads to put in hot water, which do the same job.

Have you tried feeding lying down yet?

Day 3 can be such an emotional (mega weepy) day, hope you're ok

Feed lying down! Worked perfectly with my baby who was struggling when I was engorged.

Look up Biological Nurturing (aka Laid Back Feeding) - worked for us xx

2nd vote for biological nurturing. I dismissed it as hippy shit when DD was born and I was totally wrong. Was coached through it by a lactation consultant and it was amazing.

Fantastic, thanks so much for the tips! I’ll check out the biological nurturing. Today has been better, so I think we’re both getting used to it and each other! I tried lying down once and must have been doing it wrong because it was a disaster and I stopped over quickly. Will give it another go!

Luckily day 3 wasn’t too weepy for me, so am feeling okay about things :)

Update- biological nurturing has been REVOLUTIONARY!!! Thanks so much for the tip!

Awesome glad it's working for you. Give lying down another go in a couple of weeks. I couldn't get a hang of it until DD could support her own head but now its a dream. Make sure your comfy though, it's much harder to move around once latched.

woohoo!