Clamping jaws during feeds

[RaryGirl]

Morning Pinky

I have a 4 week old little boy and he feeds well, latches on very well but the problem is a little way into the feed he clamps his gums down and starts sucking through clenched gums.

This makes breast feeding extremely painful and it's mainly on one side.

I've tried removing him and starting again, but he clamps again. I've also tried different positions and it's always the same.

After a feed with him doing this my breast has shooting pains which last for over 1/2 an hour. I'm beginning to dread feeds.

Can you suggest anything?

[Pinky McKay]

Hi Nic,
have you tried 'burping' your bub when you take him off? Sometimes bubs with wind chomp with their tummy pains.

When you pop him back on perhaps it would help to change his position at the breast - ie put him in a 'football' hold with his legs behind you so the pressure is not on the same part of the breast if he chomps - this may help alleviate the pain. It could also help him if he is uncomfortable on one side - take note if he seems to 'favour' one side - some babies have little problems with sore shoulders/ necks after birth so are uncomfortable on one side when feeding or dislike being on their tummmies because it hurts. If this is the case, a treatment with a cranial osteopath or a peadiatric chiropracter ( MUST be peadiatric trained!) can help very quickly.

Best wishes,
pinky

[RaryGirl]

Thanks Pinky

I'll try repositioning him and burping more and see if he can stop chomping - it's all worth trying.

Thanks again.