Latching Help!!!

Alexandra - posted on 05/05/2010

I had just finished training as a BF support worker when I had my 2nd child and by day 2 my nipples were starting to get sore due to my little one not opening his mouth properly. My other half found the whole thing rather amusing, until I involuntarily kicked him when my son latched on. Whilst on the training I had learned about Biological Nurturing and allowing the baby to latch on himself, it was a godsend. After a few days of feeding this way my nipples healed and he was feeding much better. Check out the WHO video at www.breastcrawl.org/video. It's been made for the developing countries but should definitely be used more here too. There are lots of other sites about it. It's all down to attachment and sometimes it's just not that easy. I just wish I'd had some more advice with my first child, although I did go on to BF him till he was 19 months. The LLL is definitely the place to go to speak to someone who can really help. Good luck, it will get better.

Anne Marie - posted on 05/05/2010

Lansinoh nipple cream. It was a godsend!

Jessica - posted on 05/05/2010

Thank you all so much for the help! Pointing towards his nose and not letting him start until he gets it right has worked wonders! My nipples feel better and he seems to get more milk, faster. My confidence went way up, thanks again!

Trica - posted on 05/03/2010

my daughter used a shield at first- give him some time, he needs practice. make sure you tilt your breast upward with your nipple pointed to his nose before you let him latch on- this really helped me. i know it can be really painful- i know- when hes done eating express some milk and rub around nipple- let dry and then apply nipple butter- it helps some. stick with it you will be glad you did. my doughter is now 6 months and im still bf.

Ashley - posted on 05/03/2010

i used a nipple sheild for a very short time they kind of let your nipples stay "soft" for a little longer! they will toughen up but it will hurt until then. before you give up talk to a lactation consultant and have them help you learn how to prompt him to latch correctly. that may include taking him off and putting him back on several times until he gets it. sure he is going to be mad and fuss but he will get it! also rule out any medical problems such as thrush. that makes BF hurt so bad i wanted to cry! La Leche League www.LLLI.org is a wonderful resource and can direct you to a league near you. i had to pump for 3 weeks then use the shield then she had thrush all leaving my nipples very soft. but after the thrush cleared the normal toughening kicked in and now it only hurts when she sinks the teeth in!

Amanda - posted on 05/03/2010

My son had to use a shield as well since I had inverted nipples. When it came time to take the shield away, my grandma gave me great advice. She suggested that I put a tiny amount of honey on my nipple. No, I know that babies are not allowed honey, but this was just a very tiny amount for a couple of days. After doing that, his latching on was not a problem at all. So that would be my suggestion, if you feel comfortable with it. Try just the tiniest amount of honey and it will do wonders! Good luck!

Myra - posted on 05/03/2010

dont quit!! it took me 6 weeks to be able to get my baby to latch properly. I gave up right from the beginning and put my baby on formula right from the first week. Than i put my mind to it and bore the pain for a little while than it all becomes smooth. I used to be in so much pain every time. Use a soothing creme for the nipples, it does help. Its like putting an ice pack where it hurts. Also if you are using a soother, try to minimize its usage till the baby latches onn. (if possible). Good Luck! It will work out, before u know it your baby will be digging through ur shirt ;) at least thats what mine does now

Brean - posted on 05/03/2010

after feedings, make sure you use some type of soothing cream on your nipples. i use lansinoh. =) it works wonders, it quickly helps heal chapped, sore nipples. and i agree with Cindy, make sure to use a boppy pillow to elevate, if you do not have one, i have used the little squared throw pillows for couches just fine. if he cannot latch on with a pillow elevating him, try the other breast, i know my daughter favors my right breast, so sometimes i even have to pump the left at times. to make sure you keep producing milk without a problem, try pumping if she is not eating enough to keep up the necessary stimulation. hope that helps.

Cindy - posted on 05/03/2010

My one daughter was extremely small and also had trouble latching at first. I remember crying from the pain and begging my husband to let me quit. I am glad that he was understanding but still encouraged me not to quit. I found it was a matter of positioning and patience. First I started using a Boppy pillow to help support her at the right height. Then I would gently remove her over and over and over until she latched right. This took an entire day worth of feeding, but she eventually got the point that unless she latched right she would not eat. However, at this point your nipples are probably very sensitive and hurt at the slightest touch, so you will have to judge latch by a hurtless judgement (I hope that makes sense). Once he starts latching right the nipples will heal surprisingly fast. Also, if you take a bit of breastmilk after each feeding and rub it on the breast. It has healing properties that may sooth them slightly.



Goodluck and try to remember why you chose breastfeeding in the first place. It is the healthiest choice for the baby. This phase will soon pass.