Trouble Latching Correctly.

T.,
You are welcome to contact me directly at ____@____.com for some professional advice. I am a labor/delivery Rn and IBCLC (international board certified lactation consultant. I live by the White Tank mountains and do home visits and would love to help you out. H.

I had the same problem and I found that using a breast shield (a small piece of plastic shaped like an elongated nipple) helped A LOT. Not only did my daughter latch on better, but my nipples weren't as sore. In terms of lactation consultants, you can visit the La Leche League website (www.lllusa.org) and they have a Breastfeeding Helpline. Good luck!!

My son was the same way as a new born and they gave me a nipple shield at the hospital and it was great not only because it gave him more to latch on to but it protected my nipple from getting chapped and sore. You can buy these shields at any drug store. I hope this helps--it really helped me.

Hello T.

The lactation consultant for Fort Huachuca is Rosemarie Duran ###-###-####. If you prefer someone in Sierra Vista call ###-###-#### or ###-###-####.

I hope this is helpful.

A. B-L

The trauma of birthing DOES "shift" the cranial bones. and this affects the ENTIRE baby..Often times the jaw is affected, the vagus nerve that is responsible for digestion is "crimped" so to speak between the temporral and occipital bone suture... MD's do NOT believe that the bones move and have a specific rhythm...their folly....The Osteopaths, chiropractors, Naturopaths, Occupational and Physical therapists trained in Cranio-sacral therapy DO address these problems. I would suggest you locate a local therapist trained in these techniques and one that is comfortable working with babies....You might look up this website www.upledger.com or www.myofascialrelease.com and see if there is a listing of a local talent...If not perhaps a trip here to Tucson as we have several VERY talented and well trained specialists. It may take just 1 visit to resolve this......Well worth the investment.....
Contact me privately if you can not find a local talent.
And MOM's PLEASE don't serve your babies toxic formulas or soy....there are MANY other healthy options....but the BEST dinner served is your breast milk....
B. Gettel OTR/L CHT CCH
Eclectic Body Work
Tucson
____@____.com

Sometimes as much as you would like to breastfeed you just won't be able to, all children are different and some will latch on correctly and some won't and in order for your son to get enough nutrition you just might have to pump and give it to him in a bottle.

The easiest way I found to help with this is to open his mouth really wide, hold your breast and try to aim your nipple for the roof of his mouth. It seems to force them a bit to take more of your nipple into your mouth. It worked with my daughter... contact me if you need to chat!

____@____.com

Good luck!
S.

This could not go more perfectly with my situation. I have a 2 week old daughter who latched on great for the first 12 days. Then all of a sudden she would not latch right and is doing exactly what your baby is doing. Your right, it is very frustrating and painful. I have nursed2 other children til they were one, so I know exactly what it should feel like and have never had this problem before. I will put my nipple on the tip of her nose or right below and she will open her mouth wider when she feels the nipple there. I will also gently pull her chin down wider with my thumb while she is doing this and it seems to help. Once she is latched on I will actually flex my breast to make it firm and she seems to stay on better while doing that. I am hoping that over time she will learn to stay on and I won't have to do that. I have also heard of nipple confusion. I don't think my child has this but it is when they confuse a bottle or pacifier with the breast. It only takes 4 facial muscles to suck on a bottle or pacifier. It takes 40 facial muscles when nursing!!! If you want your child to nurse, take away the bottle and pacifier. You can use them later when she has fully established how to latch right, but I think it is crucial that you always try to nurse with every feeding. That is the only way they will learn. You can always call your local hospital and ask to speak to their lactation consultant and then they can refer you to someone who will come to your home to help. Good luck and don't give up!

T., Congrats on your newborn and choosing to breastfeed him. Sorry you are struggling with latch. Remember to always bring the baby to your breast instead of your breast to the baby. I think you are on the right track trying to get him to open wide before introducing the breast. Don't get discouraged, there's a learning curve to nursing just like everything else. I didn't find a lactation consultant any closer than Tucson, but found this name and address online of a midwife. Her name is Stephanie Fritz, LM, CPM Address: Sierra Vista, AZ 85635
T: ###-###-####. She might be able to offer assistance or point you to someone better equipped. Best wishes! I empathize with you as I had great difficulty breastfeeding my first child. Now I"m nursing my 4 month old and he so far is doing fine. Whatever you do, please don't give up it's worth all the effort. OH, and for the sore nipples, consider buying Soothies gel pad. Also, use lanolin cream after every feeding. Warm wet tea bags applied to the nipples is soothing too R. Certified Nurse Midwife since 1999 and
SAHM of 2

Congratulations! My daughter turned 6 on the 21st and I have a 2 year old. Neither one of my kids ever had formula so I commend you for your dedication. In both my experiences, my nipples hurt a lot for the first several weeks no matter how they latched on. I think a lactation consultant is a great idea. Stick with it and I wish you the best! J.

My daughter did that. Once she latched on, I would simply take a finger and pull at the skin around her lips (mainly on her chin and under her nose) so she could take a little more of the areola in.

You can call the lactation consultants at Northwest Medical Center for advice even if you didn't have the baby there. I don't know if they are around or not today, but the number for the main swicth board is ###-###-#### and just ask for the lactataion dept at the women's center. They helped me out a TON! Good luck!!!

Hi T.,
My daughter is 8 1/2 months old and I have been nursing since the day she was born. In the hospital, the lactation consultant came in, showed me videos on the internet and it still was not smoove. The baby's mouth is just too small to take in enough of your breast when they're new babies. For the soreness, pack your bra with some ice chipped up in a towel, for a little while. I also used both the Lanisoh cream and the Medela and that also helps with the pain. But I pretty much had to just keep trying and yes sometimes it would hurt, but I did it anyway. After a while, his little mouth will get bigger and he'll learn how to nurse better. I went back to work when my daughter turned 6 months old and I pump everyday and nurse when I'm home. In terms of increasing your milk production, try Organic Mother's Milk Tea. They sell it in the grocery store and health food stores. I boil the water and make it up like like ice tea, add honey while its hot to the entire pot and then put it in the refrigerator. It really helped me. I still use it. Hope this helps.

T.-

I can understand what you are going through. I ended up taking my son to a couple different lactation experts and bought a book, etc... Did you deliver at a Banner Hosp? They usually have lactation experts that you can go to. When I first had my son they said I was doing great, like they told you, but in reality I wasn't.

When I saw the lactation expert she weighed my son before I fed him, we went over the different ways to feed him, I fed him, and then she weighed him again to verify how much he was getting in. That was extremely helpful. I had to try everything to get him to open up wide enough. I eventually had to gently force his mouth open with my finger and then I would slip the nipple in. (yes it is as difficult as it sounds! and sometimes painful) It didn't last though. I only had to do that until he got a little stronger and then he started opening his mouth more on his own. (My poor baby was sooo bruised at birth I don't think he could physically open it wide enough on his own.)

I would recommend just doing what you are doing, gently helping him by placing the rest of your breast into his mouth. In the meantime, they make creams to help with the nipple soreness. I also went topless alot (not always practical) or I bought these weird plastic donut looking things that made me look like I was wearing a Madonna bra but kept my bra off my nipples. Also, keep pumping. It isn't the same as the baby but is definitly better then nothing. Goodluck! If I remember any other tricks I will let you know!

(I think their phone # is 602-230-CARE, you can check on their website)

I don't know if there are any lactation consultants in Sierra Vista but TMC has a lactation hotline and you can call and ask them questions over the phone. I don't know the number, but it's probably on their website.

call the hospital there and see if they have a consultant on staff. or make a special trip to tucson for an appt.

There's definitely a LLL branch in SV:
La Leche League
of Sierra Vista:
Gina

###-###-####
She is listed as an LC. There's also Dr. Jack Newman's books and videos, as well as if nothing else, express into a cup or use an eye dropper and pump to keep your supply up...though no pump is as efficient as a baby. It's no wonder you have sore nipples, baby had to take in nipple and areola. Definitely call the number above and see if they have any tricks for keeping him off the nipple only. Above all DON'T GIVE UP. Do all the research you can, if one LC doesn't make sense, find another...unfortunately they aren't all the same. Even at the hospital, a nurse can take classes and call herself a LC. This doesn't mean that they are all bad by any means, just be wary.

T.,

Breastfeeding is the best for babies. Congratulations for making this important decision. Hang in there!!

Lactation Consultants have lots of helpful techniques that work.

Here's one thing you can try: Make sure our baby has his tummy to your tummy (laying flat) with one arm up and one of his arm hanging down when you introduce the breast. Next tickle his lips with your nipple till he opens his mouth. Then draw him in tight to your breast, sort of stuffing as much of the areola in his mouth as possible. Next, so that he can breath, take your finger and slightly press a little place by his nose. Keep him tight to your tummy.

Make sure you pull him in tighter when you take him off the breast using that same finger to break the seal by putting it between his gums so he doesn't clamp down on the nipple as you remove him from the breast.

Hope this helps.
M.

Try contacting the La Leche League. They are wonderful ambassadors to breast feeding moms. My son did the same to me and I thot I was going to die!! I was taught to flatten the whole areola/nipple area, forcing him to suck up the whole thins. So you would grab your breast behind the areola and squeeze down to flatten it. It makes the milk go backwards or it can get expressed so that it's easier for him to get his small mouth around the areola. Takes some practice, but easy to learn. The flatter it is the more he takes in!! Also, make sure he is close enough. If he is pulling at your nipple it will HURT!! So, football hold him with his face towards you and don't let him push away or it can hurt. the closer the better. The older they get the more they try to look at you and pull at the nipple, but by then, you should be used to it!! IT's the best thing you can do for him!!Good luck and please DON"T give up!!!

you definatley want him to take more than just the nipple.
The best advice I was given was to
form your hand into a C
and with your thumb on top
gently squeeze your breast around the aerola area
then try to guide most of the brown areola and nipple into his mouth. This flattens the area enough the baby can latch on higher up and not just the nipple.

I'm not a lactation consultant but I did nurse 3 of my 4(had to stop at 8 weeks with my 3rd due to cancer treatments for me)The last one I nursed for 26 mon. probabley to make up for the one I couldn't. Anyway. Don't give up. My first son had a tiny mouth and I had to shove it in to get it in right. He just needs to learn. I loved to nurse but I always got engorged and my nipples really hurt for 6 weeks, I took a pain killer to get through it. (That's what I was told to do) I learned with my 2nd to lean more foreward instead of leaning up against a pillow. Keep trying. Good luck.

First of all CONGRATULATIONS!

Now about latching on...I nursed 4 babies like a champ for years, but the first weeks and days with each one were so difficult! Each time I thought I knew everything about breastfeeding; a new baby presented a new challange.

I would highly reccomend that you get to a lactation consultant ASAP (I did each and every time). If you continue like this you will get very sore nipples (they might even bleed) and that hurts like crazy!

To get him to open his mouth wider my consultant showed me this:
Hold your baby in regular nursing position but turn him so you are belly to belly, then tickle his face to start the "rooting reflex" and SMASH him against your breast, really smash him. He will reflexively open his mouth wide (to gasp for air) and then you have a chance of getting most of the areola in. When he is latched on make sure his bottom lip is pursed around your nipple and not rolled into his own mouth.

I hope this helps. I always advise seeking out a consultant before things turn into a major issue!
Again, congratulations on your beautiful baby and your wonderful decision!

T., My son never latched on with more then the nipple. I have small breasts, so the size was notthe problem. He just prefered it. After about a week I got tougher skin adn it no longer hurt. We went to the lactation consultent for the first two months once a week and after about 6 wks she said not to worry about it as he was happy, growing and when she would weight him before and after feeding he was getting about 9 ozs. He grew great and nursed till he wanted to stop at 14 months. Just keep at. Congatulations

WHEN NOT feeding, try using a pacifier. My little ones always had a hard time latching at first. Then slowing but surly it happens. Keep trying, dont give up just yet.

Also get a breast pump to help when baby is not nursing. That helps relieve the pain, and you wont loose you milk.

T.,
We had our first daughter in England and there everybody nurses, which made it easy as you had so many resources at hand. One trick they taught me was to gently pinch the breast above the nipple and slip it into the baby's mouth. That way you get more of the breast in without forcing it. It will slip out, but if you hold it there initially after a minute or two the baby will be able to nurse without too much assistance. Another thing to try, which you may have done already is to try the "football hold". You hold the baby with feet toward your elbow and head at your breast, sometimes just the different angle helps. I hope you find help soon. I remember how painful the first week or so was!

hi T.- whatever you do, don't give up! A lot of people have trouble just getting baby to latch on, so you're 1/2 way there! My baby is now 2 months and the first two weeks were KILLER on my nipples! I thought she didn't have enough breast either but I guess it was okay, just have to "toughen up." Let your breasts be exposed to air as much as possible & put the cream on. I even used neosporin after I was sure she was done nursing. A couple times I used a nipple shield because it helped a little with the pain. Cold compresses are something to try too. I'm sure you know that you don't really have milk yet & so baby wants to feed all the time (and needs to to encourage your milk production)... Different positions will help too because it puts the pressure on a different area. Alternate between regular, football, & side lying. I didn't try this, but just the give your nipples some rest, maybe it would hurt less to pump and give him the bottle (although watch out for nipple confusion, although my first was okay with the few bottles we gave her). It definately got worse before it got better... I was a little scared of the latch on... but it does get better and it's the greatest thing (and best for baby!)

I had the same problem with my son and here are things I did and he was breastfeeding like a champ in no time.

1. Cup your breast in your hand. Put your index finger all the way under your aereola and your thumb on top of your aereola (your hand should be in the shape of the letter "C") then lightly squeeze your breast and insert it into your sons mouth. I used to have to open my sons mouth and 'help' him put it in. I would then take my other hand and gently push the back of his head onto my breast. I learned this from a lactation consultant. Basically, you have to 'show' him how it's done.

2. When he would get frustrated trying to latch on, I would try an alternative hold. I usually laid down on the bed with him and breastfed him that way. He actually had his "Eureeka" breastfeeding moment while laying down with me, so this might be something to try.

3. I purchased some plastic cups that fit over my breast and into my bra. I believe they used to be called Nitzy Cups?? At least that is what my mom called them LOL! I bought them at the breastfeeding store. I bought them because my nipples were smaller and that is why he was having a hard time. He was content with the small nipple and wouldn't take the whole thing:) They made my nipple larger but also greatly increased my flow within a matter of a day. They were kind of like a suction cup. They will fill with milk and get messy, so BEWARE:) I would dump the milk from the cups into a bottle, so I had it available if I needed it.

Good luck. Stay Calm. Congratulations on your new addition!

T., be patient with yourself and son. I know every child is different. My first born would latch on then fall asleep so soon, I had trouble trying to wake her. I think you are good if you keep doing what you are doing, maybe if you try putting your finger in when he is latched on to your nipple and then try to press your breast farther in. I know it took a good two weeks for all to be comfortable and the pain to go away. It is not always easy, but once you settle into a schedule as you know it is very rewarding.

I hope you find what you need. There way be a nurse help line that you can call and ask questions to. I would call your provider and find out.

Take care,
K.

Try pushing above his top lip under his nose at the same time doing it under his bottom lip above his chin while he is sucking so that his lips are not being sucked into his mouth and will have a broader grip of the whole nipple.
Try using a larger pacifier so he gets used to sucking a larger object, and when he gets the hang of that pull it out of his mouth and immediately pop in the nipple. It took a couple of weeks for my 4th baby to get it because she has such thin lips but I'm glad I stuck it out. I nursed her for a year w/out anymore complications

T.,

First, big congratulations on the birth of your son. Enjoy all the moments as much as you can.
I want to say BRAVO for being committed to breastfeeding your son, and for reaching out for support. You are right, it can take a while for mom and babe to get the nursing thing down....KEEP WITH IT...you CAN do this. You ARE doing this! I hope you can find someone to come out to your home and give you more hands on support and advice. Have you contacted La Leche League yet? I know that it can get frustrating - and painful- when our babies dont' seem to be latching on correctly, so getting help will really make it easier for you. I'm not a professional lactation consultant...just nursed my 4 babies for at least 2 years each, so here are my thoughts.
As well as you can, try to have your nursing times peaceful and calm (with a 27month old running around, it isn't easy - so do your best. Or have her help you by bringing you some water or a blanket. have her keep some quiet toys or books in a special basket so she can keep occupied while you focus your attention on your baby for a bit. Sometimes it adds a little stress when we have to worry about our older children while we are getting used to our newborn, so maybe a little planning might help you out with that. It's not perfect, so go with the flow and do your best.)
2nd make sure your son is tummy to tummy with you. This should help him latch on better.
3rd. When you say he's just getting the nipple in..do you mean just the tip part or the areola as well? Just getting that part in should be enough. If he keeps slipping back just to the tip nipple part, keep breaking that suction and try again. I can't think of any other tricks. I'm sure you have received tons of suggestions though.
I have an article about Breastfeeding From Within. I hope you will find it helpful and encouraging.

Breastfeeding From Within
By Virginia Bobro

Birthing From Within encourages and teaches "doing the next best thing" when it comes to making decisions within the flow of labor and birth. The same mind-set is important during postpartum and breastfeeding. In the days, weeks, months, and even years that a woman is breastfeeding, she will face numerous obstacles, detours, and unexpected events. How she prepares prenatally and how she views these challenges can make a difference in her ability to cope.

As a breastfeeding counselor, I support many breastfeeding mothers who have to change their perception of what a "successful" breastfeeding relationship is. Some mothers need to wean much earlier than they hoped. Others need to supplement with bottles or formula. These are opportunities to re-envision what it means to nurture and nourish their babies. Many mothers are humbled when the "breastfeeding fairy" presents them with difficult circumstances and spoils their fantasy that nursing is easy and blissful.

When breastfeeding does not go as expected or hoped for, a mother can feel regret, anger, blame, grief, and guilt. Inevitably, this negative self-talk begins to affect her self-esteem and attitude, her ability to receive support, and her relationships with her baby, partner, and others in her community.

So, what can be done?
In addition to learning practical things that make breastfeeding easier, do this:
♥ Learn and practice mindfulness.
The same pain-coping practices you learn to help you cope with labor can help you postpartum when you need to still your mind, quiet negative self-talk and deal with physical discomfort and stress. (See Birthing From Within, pp. 213-238).
♥ Get a breastfeeding "reality check."
Breastfeeding is natural, but not always straightforward and easy. Very few women sail through breastfeeding on calm seas from beginning to end. Even for the most vigilant captain, storms arise outside of her control, and still, she can do the next best thing. When women know that they can influence but not control what happens, they can see the wisdom of preparing for all possibilities.
♥ Set up your breastfeeding support system.
Having a supportive crew onboard in the first months of motherhood can make all the difference. Welcome meals, errands, and compassionate listeners. When breastfeeding gets rough, support is needed to keep going and not get mired in "what ifs" and judgment. You need to hear acknowledgment that you are doing your best, not more advice and information.
♥ Focus on connecting with your baby and yourself as a mother
Come to breastfeeding with an open heart. To the degree that you can, let go of your ideals and goals, such as breastfeeding exclusively for six months. Just hold the intention to do the best you can. When you love yourself and feed your baby in love, this is the heart of breastfeeding from within

EXERCISE: Feeding with Love

When sitting (or lying down) to feed your baby, try this:

Begin to notice all the sensations around you, beginning with your baby:
Look at her face, notice the touch of her skin, take in her smell and her sounds.

Then begin to bring your attention to your own body: Where does your body touch your baby's body? How is your breath moving in and out of your body?
Where do you feel relaxed and open?
Where does your body feel tight, tense, or closed?

Gently and mindfully breathe into those places, softening and releasing anything that is unneeded in this moment. This may take several minutes. Go slowly and do not expect perfection!

As your body lets go of anything extra, feel your heart opening.
Allow yourself to inhale the presence of your baby, loving her in this moment and loving yourself as well. With each new breath, feel into your baby's heart, visualizing a connection that endures beyond feeding time.

If feeding is difficult, your focus may return to the task of latching or monitoring the feed. Do what needs to be done, then, when you are ready, take another conscious breath and return to your opening heart.

Much good energy to you for many happy breastfeeding days!

A.
Birth and Parenting Mentor
www.birthingfromwithin.com

What position are you using? The football hold worked best for me with my kids, but with my son, I had to use a nipple shield. You can buy them online or at Babies R Us. It basically gives them a bigger nipple to latch on to. Most babies are able to make the change within a few days or weeks. I don't think there's a lactation consultant in Sierra Vista, but it might be worth the drive to Tucson for a day to see someone there. Here's the list of consultants that I found:
Tucson (Southern Arizona), AZ
Carol Arnold, Certified Breastfeeding Counselor
###-###-####

Tucson, AZ
Marisa King
Pima County WIC Program

Tucson, AZ
Rebecca Myers Goerlich, Pediatric RN
###-###-####

Tucson, AZ
Renee Palting, RN, IBCLC, RLC
University Medical Center- Lactation Services
1501 North Campbell Ave

Tucson (Southern Arizona), AZ
Betsy Stunz-Hall, Certified Breastfeeding Counselor
###-###-####

Good luck! Don't give up!

Congrats T.! As far as finding an LC in your area, I would recommend contacting the hospital to see what services they offer.

I have nursed all four of my kids and it is so different with each one, but it is possible! There is a learning curve for the baby, as well as you, each time but once that happens, it is so worth it!

As far as getting him to open wide enough, position him so he is ready to nurse and then take your breast in your hand and tap the middle of his chin with your nipple. That will stimulate his rooting instinct and he should drop his jaw open, then with your other hand, put him on. If he starts to slide back to the nipple again, just unlatch and start over (to unlatch, stick your index finger into the corner of his mouth, that will break the suction before you take him off) You want to move his head to your breast, no your breast to his head.

I found with my last baby that the Medela lanolin seemed a bit smoother and softer than the Lansinoh, so it went on easier. Also, if you are in a lot of pain at first, a trick I learned from someone (I am NOT a doctor or an LC) was to put a dab of orajel on your nipple before you latch on, it will numb it a bit for that initial latch on pain :)

It will take time for you and baby to get the hang of it. It will get better, keep practicing and trying. I don't think there is a "perfect" way to breastfeed. I breastfed all for of my kids and the three younger ones I nursed for 2 years or more. I struggled a little in the beginning with getting them to latch on properly and my second child took a lot longer. Like 12 weeks. Everyone told me to give up but I refused. I nursed her for two years. With every one of my children I was told to supplement with formula for different reasons for every child. I didn't supplement at all because I knew better and I was able to nurse every one. Give it time. It will get easier. Good luck! and CONGRATULATIONS!!!

I noticed it says that you are military. Not sure what branch, but the AF has a lactation consultant on staff at the health and wellness center on Davis-Monthan, her name is Shannon Padillia, RN. I know she does house calls for AF... not sure about other branches. Good Luck!

I just went through this with my second son. I took him to see a cranial sacral therapist and a chiropractor. With each treatment, he improved a little bit and by the time he had two treatments with each, we were nursing great. It took about a month before it didn't hurt anymore (with each week getting a little bit better).

My first son only took about 10 days for things to go right so don't feel like it will take you a month. Most people say to not give up for two weeks.

I tried these alternative treatments because my son was "vaccummed" out. He was really big and hard to push out. If you had any type of birth issues, your baby might just need a little help (forceps, C sec, etc.)

I used a little formula in the beginning (one 2 oz bottle a day for the first week), then I "weened" him off of it little by little. After a month, we were nursing only and shortly thereafter, I started pumping just so I could have a little supply in the freezer.

To search for a cranial sacral therapist in your area, go to www.upledger.com and seek someone who has thier CSP (cranial sacral pediatric) designation or someone who is a Diplomat (CSP-D).
Good Luck!
B.

hi T.,
i just had my baby last saturday, and i know exactly what you are talking about. my baby's little mouth is so little that i dont know if it can get any bigger. some times it feels better than others, but often i just suffer through.
now, the hospital gave me these ComfortGel Pads by Ameda. they are pretty medical and i havnet seen them anywhere yet cause i just learned of them and havent been out. if you are still in the hospital, get them! if not, send someone on a mission (shop/search online first??). they are a silicon like pad that serves as a buffer between your nipple and clothes, and by the 2nd day after my shower, i was amazed at how comfortable and helpful they were with a bra! (had not been using that either.) they are only a buffer and i really think they saved me. the lansinoh wasnt cuttin it, but the pads are amazing. they last about 5-7 days. the hospital gave me only 1 set to take with and i am coveting the start of opening them. i am using breast pads and lansinoh this morning and it is not the same....good luck. let me know if you learn any secrets. it is a challenge.

Hi T.,

I'm a 26 year old Air Force veteran and military wife and mother to 8 1/2 month old twin girls. So, I know how stressful things can be. My husband is hopefully coming home from Iraq next week, and I can hardly wait to see him again, and have his baby girls get to have Daddy hold them again.

My girls were in the NICU for awhile b/c they were too small and couldn't figure out how to eat for a bit. One of the nurses had been there for 30 years, and taught me a lot about breastfeeding and just taking care of my babies in general.

She showed me how to get a little one to latch on early on. Before you try to get him to latch on, put your thumb on his chin and pull down on it gently, and wait for him to put his tongue down. As soon as he does that, offer him the nipple. It might take a few tries, but it should help him get the hang of it.

What you may try for a little while for your own benefit until he figures out how to do it well is to also pump and feed him a bottle for the most part. I used to pump while I fed my babies a bottle of breastmilk. They never were great nursers. But, I found that just letting them nurse a little was good enough to keep my supply going. The playtex and Avent bottles I found had the most similar nipples to breastfeeding.

I really hope this helps.

E.

PS: You asked about lactation consultants. Call your local WIC office. Even if you don't qualify for WIC, they can get you scheduled with a lactation consultant. The hospital where your baby was born should have one as well. Good luck, and congratulations on your new bundle of joy.

Hope that things have improved for you T.. I know a poor latch can be painful. I don't have any tricks to offer but a few suggestions about who may be able to help -- can you get to a La Leche League meeting? Can you get to a breastfeeding support group at one of the hospitals? When I was caoxing my preemie to nurse a lactation consultant at UMC named Rene was so very helpful and she didn't charge me for her help. I can't recommend her enough. Hope you get your little guy to open wide very soon!

T.-
Hang in there, you're doing such a wonderful thing for your baby by breastfeeding!
I had to use a finger to help flange by baby's lower lip as she was latching on.
My little sister has a two week old and has been able to stick through blistering and bleeding nipples. The first two weeks are the worst, then it gets better (as I'm sure you already know, but just wanted to cheer you on!)

Hang in there!
M.

As everyone has already said, CONGRATULATIONS!

First off, it is great that you are even on here asking for help! That's the first step. Patience is key in the first days and weeks of breastfeeding. I had a very difficult time with my first daughter, and (sadly) ended up switching to formula. I was determined with my second (now 3 months old) to breasfeed, and it's been a success :)

I would highly recommend visiting a lactation consultant if you haven't yet. Even if you get to a point where you think things are going pretty well, go see them anyway. I saw them many times, and sometimes just to make sure I was doing things right. One of them showed me a different way to get the baby to open WIDE. I had heard about tickling the lips, etc, but she said to touch their NOSE with the nipple. It worked amazingly well with my baby!

Another thing--if one of your nipples is in better shape than the other, start on that side first. Your baby will be less aggressive when trying to latch onto the second breast because he will have already gotten some milk (this is once your milk comes in).

Here are some products that I used and highly recommend:

--LANOLIN (lots of it...before and after nursing)
--"Soothies" (they sell these at Walgreen's...they're gel pads designed to relieve discomfort in nipples and can be put into the fridge/freezer)
--nipple shield (I used these when my nipples were at their worst...in the beginning I needed to use them for the whole feeding, but it is best to not do that for too long...once feeling more comfortable, you can use it for 1-2 minutes after latch-on at each side, and then when your nipples can handle it you won't need it anymore!)

Good luck! You'll do great!

I understand how you are feeling. My little one is 2 1/2 months old so the nipple pain is still fresh. You can open the baby's mouth more by pushing down on his chin and then put your nipple in before he closes his mouth. Also make sure that his lips are not folded over on themselves. Does that make sense?

Unfortunately, your nipples will be sore for a couple of days, maybe for even up to 10. But there is hope! :0)
Go to a health foods store, like Wild Oats, and get some Nipple Cream by Motherlove Herbal Company. It really helps, I swear it is a nursing moms best friend. And make sure you let your nipples air dry a little while with the cream on it.

You can do it girl! Keep at it and I promise it will turn out ok.

Congrats! My sister just had her 2nd on the 2nd...lol. She was actually talking about this the last time I saw her. She said that her doula would stick her finger in the side of his mouth and push up and then down on the babys jaw to open his mouth wider.

Hi T....i don't know what to advise you i have 2 kids and both actually is formula baby because my milk doesn't came out for the second child it was came out but is to late i have othet problem. So Maybe the only one i can tell you is just to keep trying don't give up i know adventually he will comes around. I know you can do it. Because my cousins she had a baby boy and now he is 9 month old and she still breastfeed him. Either way i think you are gonna be fine.
And Good luck ok with everything

M. Kruk
Anthem, AZ

Good for you for trying! My lactation consultant made me be patient and wait until her mouth was open far enough and then be a little forceful to get as much in her mouth as possible. If she started back only on the nipple she had me break the suction and start over. It may take a few days mine learned to get what they wanted it they had to do it a certain way. Definitely contact a lactation consultant. Mine was so encouraging and understanding, it really helped me to nurse both my children. Good luck!

Hello T., There is breast shield nipples that you can buy and place over your nipples and it realy help and maybe no pain they protect and they suck harder. Good luck R. A.

Hang in there. It will get better. Here is the information for lactation consultants in Sierra Vista.
http://lllsierravista.tripod.com/
Gina
###-###-####

Like everyone said, it may take a while. I know for about a week I thought my nipples were going to fall off!!!! My little one liked to suck his own tongue and it was a struggle to have him latch on to say the least. It took time and patience and feeding him almost constantly but now 4 1/2 months later with the help of an AMAZING lactation consultant (Jenny @ Every Mother and Child) my baby boy is EBF and 19 lbs!!
Also, the gel pad by Medela are great, I bought mine at Babies R Us in Phoenix.Good luck and it'll get better!