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Pregnancy

Talk about every stage of pregnancy, from early symptoms to preparing for birth.

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Original poster

Breastfeeding/latching tips

12 replies

Catarinah · 08/01/2020 19:36

I am a first time mum and have come home with my baby boy this week, he is now 4 days old. I am breastfeeding but latching on is proving challenging - he was 3 weeks early and weighs 5lb5oz. I am producing loads of milk so have to express in between feeds as my breasts get really hard and latching gets difficult. He does feed well once he is latched on and varies from feeding from 10 minutes or up to 50 minutes but the initial latch can sometimes take up to 25 minutes and he gets extremely frustrated and screams/cries. Midwives told me my technique is fine its just he needs more practice. He wakes up wanting a feed every 3 hours ish but by then is crying and desperate for it so latching is so hard. Was wondering whether I should wake him up every 2-2.5 hours for a feed rather than wait 3 hours as he is calmer at that point and latches easier? Any advice?

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JohnLapsleyParlabane · 08/01/2020 19:38

I think it sounds worth trying. When they get to crying it's so hard to calm them down enough to feed.

aNonnyMouse1511 · 08/01/2020 19:40

It’s so hard when they’re brand new and their mouths are so small. I promise in a few weeks he will be a pro!

The whole chin to breast nose to nipple is the best method. Also have you tried the ‘natural’ position? Basically you lay back and baby is on you like a puppy. Helps with a nice deep latch.

He is too small for lying down feeding - trust me! Definitely cradle / rugby hold and the natural position.

stophuggingme · 08/01/2020 19:42

Has he been checked for anterior or posterior tongue tie?
Congratulations on your baby boy

stophuggingme · 08/01/2020 19:44

In my experience- three babies - loads of midwives are shit in identifying tongue tie. Ask your HV to refer you to a specialist nurse if necessary as boys are more tongue tired than girls and it is the biggest impediment to feeding successfully

Hercwasonaroll · 08/01/2020 19:48

You might find the expressing is causing your boobs to over produce milk. If you have a hakka silicone pump try using that to express a small amount off.

Google the "flipple" technique as I found that helped.

Time also helps, you are both new to BFing. 6 to 8 weeks in it becomes much easier and a quicker process.

KHall84 · 08/01/2020 19:51

I found that the rugby ball hold was the best way to get my baby to latch on as I really struggled and midwife told me to do this hold and it worked x

Original poster

Catarinah · 08/01/2020 19:55

Midwife came today and no tounge tie, his tounge does seem to be fine tbh I think its just he cries so much that he struggles to latch and also I have quite big breasts (especially now!) and him such a tiny mouth. If I don't express its even more difficult as my breasts get so big and hard I can't even pinch my nipple to help him latch. He is getting better as initially he only latched to right... Then only left... Now both. I think maybe I'm expecting too much from him too soon and I'm getting disheartened... Im also petrified of my partner going back to work (in a week and a bit) already because I'm scared of not being able to do this on my own without him there :(

OP posts:

addictedtotheflats · 08/01/2020 19:57

I would get him checked for tongue tie by a lactation specialist. Had you tried nipple shields? I used them in the beginning and weaned off at 3 weeks once his latch improved.

Sexnotgender · 08/01/2020 19:58

You can totally do this, you’ll get into the swing of it soon. Are there any breastfeeding groups near you? I went to one every week and it was fantastic. Always someone on hand to help.

stophuggingme · 08/01/2020 19:59

Crying so much he struggles to latch could be a very subtle tongue tie like my second baby’s her was almost invisible. Or colic?

Lying on your side and feeding baby in a firm surface is good too if you have enormous boobs

If he is ebf how are his nappies are there plenty of wet and dirty ones ?

Hercwasonaroll · 08/01/2020 20:15

Who said to pinch your nipple?

If you have access to one, please try an actual lactation consultant rather than a midwife. They are so much better.

hollyangel · 08/01/2020 21:07

Best tip I got for breastfeeding with big boobs was to flatten and squash boob between your fingers the way you would hold a burger.

Google baby latch tips for large breasts.

But I would definitely recommend paying for a private lactation consultant ASAP, to come and give you some help. I know it's expensive, but it's definitely worth the investment.

Congratulations on the new baby!

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