7 week old stopped latching

[purplegal]

He's been feeding beautifully for weeks but over the past two days I've only managed to get him to latch three times on one breast. He is used to a bottle as we had to express and bottle feed during a stint in hospital when he was just 4 days old. He went back on to the breast with no trouble and we have been using a bottle for top ups when needed due to low birth weight and slow weight gain. He had been gaining weight and feeding really well recently, I just don't understand. Messaged my infant feeding team and they just said I'm doing all the right things- offering both breasts at each feed and pumping if he doesn't latch. I haven't changed toiletries or his feeding schedule. Any ideas? I'm so upset :( but trying to stay calm when feeding x

Could be nipple confusion op which sometimes happens when giving a bottle of ebm as well as the breast. Some babies prefer the artificial teat.

Something that might help us expressing a tiny bit just before you offer so milk is already on the nipple and flows easily when he starts to latch

Something else that I believe I’ve seen recommended is lots of skin to skin and easy feeding positions which don’t require effort eg side lying where baby’s head is supported.

This might help kellymom.com/ages/newborn/nb-challenges/back-to-breast/

Evidence based site by a very highly regarded qualified lactation consultants

Now I’ve sent you all the practical stuff I’m sending you a one bf mum to another unmn hug in case you want one. You sound to me like you are doing an amazing job!

My ds went through a nursing strike but in his case it was possibly immunisation related - he had a really sore and swollen leg after his vacccinations and then perhaps associated bf with pain where there was pressure against his leg and wouldn’t latch. I followed some of the advice off Kelly mom and after a few days he did start to latch again. I hope this is the same for you

@purplegal How are things today?

Hey @MissHavershamReturns sorry I didn't reply. He has fed ALL day! Like 7 hours haha. I don't know what the problem was yesterday but whatever it was it's fine now :) so pleased!! Although my nipples feel like they may fall off! Thanks again x

Yay!!!! So pleased to hear. This is babies for you