4 months old not effectively feeding

[Zainy2995]

Hi,
I have a 14 week old who is exclusively BF and had a tongue tie release at 9 days old. She had reflux and they found the cause for that to be the tongue tie making feeding very difficult. I thought the issue would have been resolved after the release but it didn’t. The latching was on and off and she struggled to maintain suction. The reflux did get much better and she doesn’t spit up much. When feeding, she clicks alot and still currently clicks eventhough she’s nearing to 4 months. I have been to my local BF support team a number of times and seen a lactation consultant too. They didn’t seem too worried as she’s putting on weight and is having enough wet and dirty nappies. They also observed me feed and were satisfied with the position etc. I persevered and things did seem better but on and off. I also went to a private osteopath who did a few exercises with her but that didn’t help either. Her feeds are usually every 3 hours but the last few days she’s been feeding more. It feels like she’s always hungry as she has her fingers in her mouth quite often even after a feed. We have just moved aswell nearly a month ago so I’m not sure if my milk supply has gone down due to stress. My breasts are not that full as before. I feel worried that she’s never going to get it eventhough the doctor and BF specialists said it’ll take time as she grows. This was at 4-6 weeks and I’ve waited a long time for it to get better. I know she’s not effectively feeding because of the clicking noises and feeding sessions takes quite a while. Her latch isn’t deep enough and she’s not able to maintain a deep latch even when I try other positions. The only way she’s more comfortable feeding is when I feed her in a side laying position. I’m really unsure what to do at this point and who to get help from. Any suggestions/tips would be really appreciated. Thanks

Hi, sorry to hear this is troubling you. I would imagine that the people you’ve spoken with aren’t too concerned because of the wet nappies and weight gain, which are really great indicators that she’s getting what she needs. To reassure you, your supply will seem off sometimes as she grows and your natural supply and demand regulates again.

Not sure how helpful this is, but one of my twins clicked throughout our entire breastfeeding relationship – and I fed them until they were 18 months old!

Have you heard of breast compressions, or tried them? This was the one thing that helped for me. To be clear, it didn’t fix the ‘clicky’ latch, but it did ensure that I stopped worrying that my DD was getting enough. Sending you all the best – remember the mantra, this too shall pass.

I’d recommend calling the NBH. They’re open 24/7.

https://www.nationalbreastfeedinghelpline.org.uk

then you can really talk it through in depth.

It could be many things.

Is she weeing and pooing and putting on weight?

I am certainly not a master at this. But some things you are describing as signs of a problem don’t sound like it to me. Babies at this age generally start sucking on their hands and exploring them more. It doesn’t mean they are hungry. And I remember that real fullness of my breasts settling down and I was definitely still producing.
Good luck. Breastfeeding is hard work and can be so worrying when you are unsure if it is going ok. You are doing a great job of she is gaining weight.

I wouldn't take the sucking on hands to mean hunger. That's normal for a four month old just discovering them. My second is four months now and spends all day with his hands in his mouth.

Softer breasts and cluster feeding are also normal. She'll be having a growth spurt and your boobs will be catching up.

My first never had a great latch, despite all my efforts. She also made a clicking sound and took a while to feed. But she was gaining weight and we exclusively breastfed from birth to 18 months.

If there's no pain for you and your baby is growing well, then I would say there isn't anything to fix.

You're describing successful breastfeeding at 4 months.

It's totally normal for them to "find" their hands at this age and want to put them in their mouths.

It's great that your breasts are feeling soft and not "full" anymore, this indicates your supply has settled and is consistent.

Different babies feed for different lengths of time but 4 months is a period of great development and she may need the comfort as much as the nutrition.

Relax- you're doing everything right and it sounds like she's thriving.