trouble latching

[1stbaby]

Here is one more question about breastfeeding. This might seem funny but has anyone else had problems getting bubs to latch on. I know how to do it and I have had lactation consultants watch me and say its going well. But its when i go to feed I need several attempts to get him on properly or else he is chewing my nipple and i can't bear the pain. It is frustrating for Bubs and myself to have to keep attempting to get it right. Even after a month, it takes time to get it right. Does it get better? Or am I just being fussy about the positioning? I have had several moments in the middle of the night when I wanted to give up breastfeeding and it seems to be the hardest thing about having a baby!

[drewid]

Hi there

It takes a little while for bubs to get to know how to latch on properly straight away too - so even if you are doing it right and have had help from the LC, it takes time for bub to get used to it. Just keep re-attaching as you are, and in time, it will get better, I promise! I remember feeling really down about it in the early days too, but then one day it all just seemed to click and it was all smooth sailing from there.

It is hard in the beginning, but its a learning curve for both of you. Dont be too hard on yourself! :)

[xkwzit]

Hi 1stbaby

It is so hard (or can be) when they are only new. You are right to be fussy about attchment, poor attachment will just damage your nipples and make feeding even harder. Eventually you'll both get it. When they are so small and their mouth is so small and your boobs can be so huge, it can be really tricky to get enough areola in for good attachment. But as they get bigger and learn more, it will not be so much of a problem.

I had attachment problems until about 12 weeks with DD1 (many, many issues had to be sorted for us), so 4 weeks isn't too bad. It will get better as you both learn.

Cheers

[Foxymoron]

Getting wee babes to attach can take time and practice. Sometimes they just need a bit more time growing, tiny mouths can be hard to latch. Is your pain at the start of a feed or for the duration?
My first born took 12 weeks before I was comfy when she latched on. I can understand your feeling that it is one of the hardest things, I certainly found it more difficult than giving birth and often wondered why there isn't more education about it for expectant women. It really is a learned skill for both mother and baby, and gets better with time.

[Goosie22]

Hi firstbaby,
I don't think you can be too fusy with positioning IMO it is the cause of nearly all breastfeeding difficulties. If you get it right then everything else falls into place. There are some fantastic books on Breastfeeding (Bestfeeding and the womanly art of breastfeeding)as well as plenty of online resources ie ABA, Promom, MilitantBreastfeedingCult and Breastfeeding.com.

I would also recomend a LC as invaluable to keep you going, it does get better it takes persistance and practice to get it right. Keep up the good work.:)

[Peaceangels]

Istbaby, in answer to your questions - yes - it does get better and don't worry about being fussy about positioning, it can sometimes take a while for bub to latch on properly every time.

I had alot of problems with cracked nipples and bub latching on properly, but once we perservered through the worst of it, b/f was a breeze!

Go and see your lactation consultant again if you are at all unsure or ring the ABA for some advice.

There is light at the end of the tunnel.......trust me!:)

[1stbaby]

Thanks guys. 3am this morning I was in tears because bubs would not latch and it took 40 mins to get it right. I think we were both tired. He looked like he was giving up as much as me, and looked at me with a look of "what do you expect of me? " In the end I lay down and he got his feed that way and went to sleep. Today after a few attempts he seems to be able to get on again and has had good feeds. but it can be so frustrating at night and I feel so bad for bubs just wanting his dinner. I will look into those resources suggested. Thanks

[chillifly]

Hi 1stbaby, has the situation improved over the past few weeks??

I only just saw this thread, as we're having trouble as well. Bub was fed by a tube for the first few days of her life and refused to suck and had to be force feed a bottle. For the first week we had her home DH and I feed her every 3 hours - I would attempt BF & she would just scream & scream, then DH would bottle feed while I expressed. One morning she just decided to latch on, but she would still scream for 10-15mins before finally latching on (& was it sore!!). I saw LC's, MW's & CHN's and all said I was doing the right thing (perfect in fact!), I just had to wait her out.

Almost 4 wks now, and still struggling. Now I let her attach herself; I don't shove her head on the nipple like everyone says, she doesn't like it. I just situate her and myself so the nipple is at her mouth and let her suck and lick until she latches on. Still takes a while, but it's a lot less painful - on the nipples & the ears!!!!

I think you just have to work out what's right for you & bub and wait for them to catch on to the idea. I look forward to the day when she latches on straight away & doesn't fall asleep all the time (takes 1.5 - 2 hours to feed her now!!!!!!)

Hope it's all going well for you!

Cheers,
Amy.

[Goosie22]

hi Chillifly,

I just wanted to Congratulate you on sticking with it, its a hard road sometimes but well worth it:thumbsup: You will get your easy latch it just takes time and perseverance. Good on your husband also for being so supportive of your goal.

G:)

[chillifly]

Thanks Goosie22!

You're right, it is hard, but definitely worth it. Bub put on 250g in 1 week - what a fantastic feeling to know the hard work had paid off.....and she is getting enough BM!!!! :smiliedance:

And I will hold you to that easy latch............. ;)

Cheers

[runningmum]

[QUOTE=1stbaby] I have had several moments in the middle of the night when I wanted to give up breastfeeding and it seems to be the hardest thing about having a baby![/QUOTE

My bubs is now 6 months old, but I remember in the first 4-6 wks having the worst thoughts in the middle of the night, even feeling lots of dislike for my baby. I'm sure it's something to do with being absolutley exhausted and just wanting to sleep and the baby is awake and crying and maybe taking a few goes to attach properly. Then during the day you think, 'oh why did I think that?'

I assure you it will get easier and the feeds get much much faster as the baby gets older too. Now belive it or not, I really enjoy the middle of the night feed as a time for just the two of us to enjoy eachother's warm and sleepy bodies, though bubs skips the middle of the night feed every so often now.

[1stbaby]

Thanks for your concern guys. Breastfeeding is breeze now. I am really enjoying it and bubs is getting really fast at getting his milk. I can even read a book now when he is on, and what a good excuse to sit down. It doesn't hurt anymore ..hooray. We usually get the latchings at 1st attempt or 2nd attempt. No more dramas. It makes a big difference that my nipples are used to it and its not hurting anymore.

runningmum - you are right. I really enjoy the night feeds now, when i used to dread it before. Its so nice just me and bubs being up together.

Chillifly - keep at it. By week 6 I felt really comfortable with it. I'm so pleased I kept at it.

[chillifly]

Glad to hear it has turned out for the best for you 1stbaby. I will start counting down the days until week6 (only 12 to go........ :fingerscrossed: )

Cheers