Toung Tied

My daughter had a latch problem early on. The collective "they" said that she had a weak sucking reflex. I started using a nipple shield (made by Medela), and it worked like a charm! Within a couple of weeks she had the hang of it, and all was well:) Good Luck!

babies latch on to a breast very differently from any other artificial nipple. so feeding him with one will only make latch problems worse because the baby will be learning how ride a bike when you want him to learn how to roller skate.

get to a lactation specialist ASAP. for the meantime, to get food to the baby here are a couple of things that won't interfere with the coordination used for breastfeeding:

cup feedings,
syringe feedings,
finger feedings,
lactaid--at breast supplement.

if she wants to continue breastfeeding, the issue needs to be addressed. and if bottles have been introduced, it's not the end of the world. just let her know that her desire to breastfeed is not lost!!! and there is SO MUCH support out there!!!!

This organization is great http://www.breastpumpsandiego.com/

They are lactation consultants and I have heard rave reviews about them from clients.

A.

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A. Salazar-Dunbar, Master Herbalist
Herbal/Nutritional Consultations in San Diego
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Don't do a bottle - that is TERRIBLE advice for a new breastfeeding baby. Call La Leche League immediately (even at night - they will take your call) and contact a lactation consultant tomorrow. It will work out if they get help immediately.

My son was tounge tied too, and it was hard to get over it, but we did and he nursed for 18 months!

If the baby is NOT latching on properly and/or is not latching on at all....then WHAT is the baby eating? Is she starving?

If the baby is not having enough intake and nutrition...the baby can get dehydrated...this can be very dangerous in a newborn.

I would think, the Pediatrician is told this, and is aware of this problem, and after seeing the baby at her well-baby check up after being born.

Also, the hospital nurse and doctor should have handled this problem while she was still at the hospital... I can't see how a newborn is not being assisted with feeding problems... and then the Mother is just not given any help.

You need to make sure the baby is intaking breastmilk or formula... it is vital!

A Lactation Consultant will be able to help...but certainly, until the Mom can get help...the baby needs to have nutrition.

take care,
~Susan

have her make sure to get just about her whole areola in his mouth and make sure that he is laying paralelle with her chest. also have her graise his mouth with her nipple this will encourage him to open wide. if that doesnt work have her try to get back to the hospital to see a lactaion specialist. good luck!

Has she seen a lactation consultant? The hospital she delivered at should have one, if not she can contact La Leche League for help.