My 2 week old is still having trouble latching on. And Im in pain.

Sherry - posted on 11/01/2009

If she is having trouble is she getting enough to eat? What does the doc. say? I had a prob with my son, he was my first breast feeding attempt, I remember crying I got so upset.I figured I was doing somthing wrong, If it goes on too much longer I would go to a bottle, U could always pump, if u dont like that idea go to formula. Your body isnt going to produce the milk if she doesnt start taking it soon.

Sarah - posted on 11/01/2009

Are you holding Baby "tummy to Mummy, so he doesn't strain his neck in trying to latch on? It's quite a different hold than for a bottle fed baby.

Carrie - posted on 11/01/2009

My son is 9 months old and I have been using nipple sheild with him since he was 4 weeks old. They are simple and easy to use and allow the bonding to continue. You can also try expressing your milk with a breastpump and then feeding with a bottle so that your daughter gets all of your milky goodness :-P Good luck and don't give up!! :)

Jennifer - posted on 11/01/2009

Don't give up! When my son was having trouble, my lactation consultant showed me the "football" hold, where you have the baby's head at the breast, with his body tucked under your arm like a football and a pillow propped under the baby (the baby is on his backside). This way one hand was free to position the nipple, the other was free to position his head to it, and support his head. Good luck to you, don't give up!

Cassandra - posted on 11/01/2009

Also, I used silicone nipples over mine for 5 weeks--made the pain bearable!

Pippa - posted on 11/01/2009

Hi Kinsey, stick with it if you can! I had the same dilemma with my little girl at around the same time, my nipples were so sore with cracks that bled into my breast milk (which she then threw up - completely freaked us out!), but i have persisted and here we are she is now 6 and a half weeks old and we are having no problems. I used to just curl my toes and count to 10 when she latched on and that kind of helped get past the initial pain barrier. Good Luck!

Ann - posted on 10/31/2009

I am a mom of three and I nursed all three. Each of my children had different problems. With my last my nipple was too big for his mouth. The good news is their mouths grow fast and nipple sheilds work wonders. Also Le Leche League (LLL) and lactation consultants (LC) can be very supportive and work with you to help resolve the problem. When I was too sore to nurse on one side, I would pump that side for a few feedings and nurse on the other side. You can use a bottle, but there are other ways to give the breastmilk to the baby. LLL and LC can give you more information. If you are pumping, you need to make sure that the breast shields fit properly. If they are too small, that causes soreness too.



As long as your babies pediatrition says she is doing fine and gaining weight, keep trying.

Amanda - posted on 10/31/2009

Have you talked to a lactation consultant? Maybe try pumping your milk and putting it in a bottle for her, or there are nipple protectors out there that might help her latch on better.

Fallon - posted on 10/31/2009

keep trying!!! dont give up! talk to a lactation consultant they are wonderful resources! i have inverted nipples so my daughter couldnt latch at all. i used a nipple shield everytime she fed and it was wonderful! also for me let down was painful for a few min then it went away but as far as nipples hurting i put lasinoh on them and it helped with nipples tenderness.

Nikki - posted on 10/31/2009

Have you tried the "La leche league" in your area or your hospital nursing staff where you gave birth? They should be able to help get your daughter going in the right direction. Good luck! I know it's painful but give them a call first and see if they can help.

Aniesha - posted on 10/31/2009

I know it's agonizing, but I'd recommend to keep trying because it's so wonderful when it all comes together. You could try nipple shields (altho they didn't work for me, but I've heard positive things about them). I used paw paw ointment & nursing pads on my nipples after every feed, which helped tremendously with the pain & raw feeling. Otherwise try to talk to a professional who might be able to help you. I'm not sure where u are, but in Aus there is the Australian Breastfeeding Association.



Also, at 6 weeks I introduced formula as a top up for my son as he was just feeding too much for me to keep up, & also was wonderful for when the teeth started to come in, & sometimes he would just bite too hard so I'd use formula for that feed. Good luck!

Nan - posted on 10/31/2009

Definitely keep trying. The first few weeks can be absolutely brutal. Breastfeeding is one of the most wonderful experiences...once you both get the hang of it! Try different positions (football position is what ended up working best for us!)...definitely use some lanolin on your nipples. The thought of turning to formula can be very tempting, but be patient and contact a lactation consultant...they can "assess" your approach and help greatly!! Good luck...I know it can be very frustrating.

Katie - posted on 10/31/2009

Hey . I had the same problem and ended up with mastitis...unfortunetely I had to put my son on infant formula because it was just unbearable. It was eventually diagnosed that my son has a tongue tie(skin tag under tongue to short) and he was unable to latch on properely because of it. If i had of known this earlier it was as simple as getting it cut.. (apparently pain free) but I never found out untill weeks after getting him on formula and I had dried my milk up. So i would suggest to go and see a Lactation consultant and check that your babys not got one, because its as simple as a quick snip and your problems may be over.. goodluck..x

Emine - posted on 10/31/2009

Quoting Kinsey:

My 2 week old is still having trouble latching on. And Im in pain.

I have a 2 week old and she still doesnt get latched on correctly and I cant hardly stand the pain anymore. Do I keep trying or just start using formula?

There are some videos on youtube if you search for latching. here is one

the most important thing I learned was making sure that the baby gets as much of the aerola (darker part around the nipple) as possible. if she is only getting the nipple that'll surely hurt the nipple and cause it to crack or even get infected later.

one thing my nurse suggested me was sequeezing the front part of the breast (close to aerola) while holding from the side. that makes it narrower so that it is a little easier for the baby to take the nipple in her mouth.

I always used a pillow under the baby to support. that helps you be more patient now that you are not carrying the baby's whole body.

they say it might take a month or so until baby gets it going. she'll master it even later. but your pain probably should not last longer than a month.

for the pain, I used my own milk to cover the sore areas around the nipple and let it dry for a few minutes before I covered it up. that helped tremendously. you can also apply that lanolin after it dries. it might be a good idea to alternate your breasts so that each one rests a little. or use one of them longer than the other and alternate it next time.

I hope these helps.

Fiona - posted on 10/31/2009

hello there. I've just been reading all the fantastic advice that the other mums have been leaving. i wish I had known about this circle of mums when I was breast feeding my baby. The only advice that I can give is try and relax, make sure you are nice and comfy when you are about to start feeding your baby. My problem was that my breasts were so engorged with milk that my baby couldn't latch on properly so I ended up with very sore nipples. It got to the point that I just wanted to give up.The very thought of feeding him made me cry...it was the thought of the pain... anyway ...i had an angel of a midwife who suggested trying this cream called Lansinoh. Well what can I say about that cream... it was a miracle. The cream combined with a hand held breast pump sorted me out .Within 2 days of using the cream and expressing some milk I was a Happy Happy mummy :) The midwife lent the breast pump to me, I was so impressed I went and bought my own. It was worth every penny because it meant I could breast feed my baby. Without sounding rude by expressing some of the milk it made my nipples bigger and my baby managed to latch on better. What you've got to remeber as well the wee soul is learning as well. I wish you the best of luck and if you can get past these next few days it will be well worth it. It is just so lovely to be able to feed your baby. i can also vouch for the nipple shields. another tip I was given for sore nipples is to stick raw cabbage leaves inside your bra. I know your probably thinking ...What !!! I had more than 1 person tell me to try raw cabbage leaves in my bra. It keeps your nipples nice and cool. Never tried it myself ...but thought I would pass that on. I hope I've been of some help and even if you got a wee laugh out of my cabbage tip then your on your way. relax and enjoy your precious baby.

Priscilla - posted on 10/31/2009

Hang in there! My son had trouble latching on and it hurt pretty badly. I ended up getting so sore that I had to pump for a day because it hurt too much to feed him directly. Pumping did not hurt as bad as him latching on. I would talk to a lactation consultant. Sometimes the shape of your nipple can make the latch on more difficult. I was told to make a "nipple sandwich" when I fed him. Hold your breast with one hand like you are holding a sandwich. Also make sure that your daughter's mouth is opened correctly. It can hurt pretty bad if they are not latched on right. Make sure her bottom lip is folding under when she latches on, and her mouth is open wide. If you get really sore, I would try pumping to keep your milk supply going. It will get easier.

Cassandra - posted on 10/31/2009

Hi there. I had pain and bleeding for 3 whole months. I know its crazy of me but I kept going and then everything is fine. My baby is 6 months now and we both love breastfeeding and its so easy (but he wont drink from a bottle so i would suggest doing that once in a while because if no, when u want to stop bf, you cant!!) Good luck.

Cherylann - posted on 10/31/2009

Quoting Kinsey:

My 2 week old is still having trouble latching on. And Im in pain.

I have a 2 week old and she still doesnt get latched on correctly and I cant hardly stand the pain anymore. Do I keep trying or just start using formula?

Keep it up!!! I know it is hard in the beginning. My daughter (now 5 months old) had some trouble latching on and swallowing in the beginning but ever since she has been eating like a champ. I love the decision to breast feed and I am so glad I stuck with it. I had lots of help (my mom who breastfeed 3 kids) so that was alway encouraging. It just helped me to remember that this stage doesnt last long and to treasure this short amount of time when they are so little and helpless. Just keep in mind how great your milk is for your child and that there are sooo many benefits to her and you!! Stay stong and remember what an amazing gift you are giving her and yourself!

Lana - posted on 10/31/2009

Keep trying- unfortunately 2 weeks is not enough time for some babies. Your nipples are sore only because the baby isn't latching correctly. When he gets it, your nipples won't be sore at all. For now try Lansinoh- it's the best. Make sure his mouth is completing around your nipple- try taking your pointer finger and gently taping his chin, forcing his mouth to open and tongue to go down. If at all possible contact a lactation consultant and stay in contact with her until the baby has it. It took my son a good months to learn and two months until we reached nursing bliss.

Susan - posted on 10/31/2009

Have your worked with a lactation consultant. I found this very helpful with both of my daughters

Anje - posted on 10/31/2009

hi i have three kiddos and the first two had no problem latching but the third did and it was so frustrating i just was about to give up but i kept trying and saw a lactation consultant to help me he finally got it and loved it after that. our problem was i was to big and the dr said keep trying and after a month he'll be big enough. the lactation consultant gave me this tube thing so i could get him on as good as i can and i would slip the tube in which was hooked up to a syringe and i would squirt in the pumped milk so he got the idea of where the milk is suppost to come from. so keep trying i KNOW its painful i was there, it will get better and it really is so much better for the baby and such a wonderful experience to bond with your baby like that. well i hope it helps!

Sheralee - posted on 10/31/2009

oh yeh and i use nipple shelds they are a god send, they help you nipples to heal so you can feed properly

Sheralee - posted on 10/31/2009

hi Kinsey, I can relate to this, I had heaps of pain right from the start and I was so discouraged and I wanted to quit to but I kept going , I think the pain lasted at least 4 weeks then one day It just started getting better and my sons 5 months and Im still going.Its so rewarding just last a little longer. Trust me :)

Veronica - posted on 10/31/2009

Don't give up! Try talking to a lactation specialist, the hospital where you gave birth will have one to help you. You can also call your doctor and he or she will help you make an appoinment to see one, getting help from a lactation specialist is great! The baby not being able to latch on is not your fault, sometimes the babies have a little mouth and it will just take them a few more tries.

Effie - posted on 10/31/2009

If you've squished and contorted your breast into every conceivable way to encourage latching (thumb on top of breast, rest of fingers below breast), then next I would try the Nipple Shield. It saved my nipples when they were raw from initial nursing, and allowed them to heal while allowing my baby girl to latch and nurse. Once she figures it out though, try to NOT use the shield as babies can become dependent on it. A friend's baby did and won't nurse without it. The other suggestion is to pump and try introducing a bottle of your own breastmilk before ever introducing formula. Breastfeeding has helped keep my baby healthy for over a year because she receives all of the antibodies my body produces. It is the best thing you could ever do for her. Keep trying! And talk with a lactation consultant...but I SWEAR by the Nipple Shield. Can't go wront.

Suzy - posted on 10/31/2009

Keep trying. Don't give up. It's better for your child and it also helps you lose the baby weight faster. Call your doctor. They should be able to help you out. There are classes or they can even give you the number to places where a nurse (woman) can come out to your home and help you. I have Kaiser and they offer all kinds of help. I'm not sure what insurance you have, but I'm sure they would provide the same. Good luck.

Britnie - posted on 10/31/2009

Quoting Kinsey:

My 2 week old is still having trouble latching on. And Im in pain.

I have a 2 week old and she still doesnt get latched on correctly and I cant hardly stand the pain anymore. Do I keep trying or just start using formula?

Phoebe - posted on 10/31/2009

Use a pump. that way your baby can still get breast milk. and if that doesn't work for you, then yes, there are wonderful formulas out there that are full of nutrient - talk to your doctor about which one you should use.

Minakshi - posted on 10/31/2009

Quoting Kinsey:

My 2 week old is still having trouble latching on. And Im in pain.

I have a 2 week old and she still doesnt get latched on correctly and I cant hardly stand the pain anymore. Do I keep trying or just start using formula?

Kinsey,

First decide whether you want to breastfeed or bottlefeed your baby. If breastfeed then you can express milk and give her by spoon and simultaneously keep trying to let her latch on properly.

That way she will not remain hungry.

If you are soon going to work and bottlefeeding will be done then you can either express milk or use formula.

Important thing is that baby should not remain hungry.

Laura - posted on 10/31/2009

Keep trying! My daughter struggled with latching on one side for a while. The pain made me cry every time she latched on. After about two weeks the pain got better. She nursed without formula for 13 months. It was such a blessing, financially and other wise. Also, ask your doctor about a prescription cream called "Mupiroc/Nystat/Clotri/Betameth" It was expensive but worked wonders on my nipples. The other suggestion I have is to start over with the latching. Read a La Leche League manual on the first latch and pretend it's the very first time. Everyone I've talked to said that once you start giving formula, baby will wean quickly from the breast.

Mary - posted on 10/31/2009

I had the same problem! I tried it for a month working with the hospital, and they finally told me to stop because they had no idea how to help and I was bleeding a lot (made pumping really nasty). Hopefully you have a lactation consultant in your area (we don't). They said my daughter was a "slider," she would latch on perfectly, but she would not stay on, she always slid back. I wish I could have found better resources and kept nursing though - so try hard! I am a hands on learner, so websites and such weren't much help to me. Next time if I have problems I'll ask a friend whose been successful to come over for a while. Even though I would like to have nursed, I will say that my daughter did fine on formula. She hasn't been sick and she's an above average baby - despite all the rumors, and we were both satisfied after a month of doing absolutely nothing other than unsuccessfully nurse and stay on the phone with our worthless hospital.

BETH - posted on 10/31/2009

Go and get some nipple sheilds from the chemist. They are a saviour. My daughter couldn't latch on properly until about 2 and a half months old. I used the sheilds until then. I just kept on trying until she could do it. She is now 9 months old and I'm still breast feeding. Don't give up, your bubs will get it eventually and the sheilds will stop any pain. Good luck :)

Jessica - posted on 10/31/2009

Try pumping. Then you can still give her the breast milk. This will also let you know how much you are producing. Also have you contacted a lactician at the hospital in which you had your little one. I had the same problem and went several times to them to get help. For me, my son and I never did completely figure it out and I ended up not producing enough milk and we went to formula.

Kathie - posted on 10/31/2009

hi, i had the same problems with my little one who is now 3 months old. From day one feeding was painful and after a few days my nipples were bleeding and the top layer of skin was gone off them. The midwives kept trying to get her to latch on but she was just such a greedy guts there was no calming her down :) I started using nipple shields which really helped. Maybe you should give them a try. By the time she was 3 weeks old my nipples still hadn't had a chance to heal though so i decided to feed her another 2 weeks so she'd have the best out of it, but then stop. As soon as I made that decision I felt a lot better. its devastating when it's so sore isn't it? All i did was dread feed her and felt really guilty for it. Over the next 2 weeks i introduced formula slowly and when she was 5 weeks old I stopped feeding her and gave her what i had stored in the freezer for another week, so she got 6 weeks in total. She's been on formula ever since and is flying it. Just do whatever feels best. There's no point in getting depressed and all upset like I did about feeding your little one. Ur meant to love being a mum! Best of luck! xx

Meg - posted on 10/31/2009

you can also use salt soaks. i work on a maternity floor and have seen nipple heal very quickly. you just lightly cover the bottom of a shot glass with salt, fill it with warm water and soak your nipples for a little while, let it air dry, then add some lansinoh cream after. also ask your MD for a RX for dr. Jack newmans all purpose nipple ointment, its a life saver.

Melissa - posted on 10/31/2009

Also if you use paw paw cream on the nipples your baby can go straight on the nipple and you do not need to wash your nipple before you feed with other things you need to wash your nipples before feeding...

Melissa - posted on 10/31/2009

I would see your doc and then i would start her on formula ...She needs food and the pain in your breast if you start to bottle feed put cabbage leaves in your bra just to cover the nipple it works i was having trouble i had to start to feed my little boy on formula..now he is sleepin better and is more contant as well...

Doreen - posted on 10/31/2009

I would get your midwife, Health Nurse or Doctor just to cheak that she is not tongue tied. try this link as this will explain averything about tongue tied babies and problems http://www.babycenter.com.au/baby/health... I hope this helps

Laura - posted on 10/31/2009

Most people say keep trying but we don't really know what you are going through my advise would be to start her on formula you wont look back i breast feed my daughter till she was 1 but my natal buddies didn't and the difference i noticed was their babies where full quicker and slept longer and slept through the night sooner so i'm just giving advise from the differences i noticed my daughter is now on Nurture Gold i would try the fomula that has all the nutrients she needs hope a bit of advise different to what most people say helps. breast might be best but formula is under rated xxx good luck

Tiffany - posted on 10/31/2009

Let me start by saying breast is best but you need to do what is best fro you and your baby. Do not let anyone tell you what to do with your body if you just can't bear the pain you are not a failure. I have 2 boys 3yrs and 10 months. I have breastfeed both not the way that everyone expects but by pumping my milk and bottle feeding it, and let me tell you there is no difference. Sure there will beun bottles but baby is still getting the same nutrition and love, and as far as bonding, well I feel completly bonded with both of my boys. I tried with my oldest and after 3 weeks of pain and stressi decided to strictly pump milk and did so until I dried up at 7 months. He is fine. I tried with my 10 month old and again was unable to. I was in terrible pain from 2 weeks on. My nipples hurt so bad that my bra or a bath towel against them would make me cry. I finally decided to once again pump my milk. I new something wasn't quite right at my 6 week checkup and asked the Dr. about my nipple pain, guess what it was a yeast infection. He prescribe medication and it cleared up. So also take this in to account. I stopped pumping about 2 months ago, but I have an entire freezer full of milk more then I need to get through the 1st year. All I am saying is yes it is easier if you can get them on the breast it is more convenient for you, but you know what I survived pumping milk and you can to, if it is your last resort do it. I had pressure from others around me because they were able to do it and i couldn't so what.... do what is right for you and baby. I had a cheap pump from Wal-mart the 1st time and it was awful. I bought a Medela this time and it was great $300 but well worth it you would spend that on formula in a few months.

I hope this helped. Plus one added benefit dad and others can also help with feedings and my husband loves that. Keep trying but if you can't you are still a good mom.

Anne - posted on 10/31/2009

I had heaps of trouble with my little girl. had such painful nipples and constant mastitis. i used nipple shields for the first 5 weeks, without them i probably would've given up. i eventually had a lactation consultant come out, she was really good. try the shields, they really helped with the pain.

Nancy - posted on 10/31/2009

Keep trying. I recommend silicone nipple shields. They will help with the pain, and the latch on. You may need to use them for a few weeks, but they helped me and my daughter to figure out breastfeeding. It's hard at the beginning, but so worth it!

Terri - posted on 10/30/2009

No don't stop, go to target or a pharmacy and get a medala nipple shield, it will help your baby latch on and you will not be in pain any more!

Yvette - posted on 10/30/2009

If you are still wanting to breast feed with out the pain use a good breast pump.The baby will still get all the nutrients he or she needs from you without the pain.Or try squirting a little milk out on the baby mouth and rub nipple on the side of jaw then bring to mouth.

Lilia - posted on 10/30/2009

My baby was 3 weeks early and she had a hard time getting the hang of it. I pumped and kept trying to put her to my breast. I was very stressed but soon realized that it didn't matter if she was drinking straight from me or from the bottle as long as she was drinking breast milk. One day I was pumping and decided to put her to my breast and then she took it! Don't worry, the most important thing is that you enjoy being a mom and not stress out, it won't hurt the baby to drink your milk from a bottle and don't let anyone pressure you. It will get better.

Dianne - posted on 10/30/2009

please be encouraged to continue, i almost broke down but pesevered till today. My story is i am a first time mum, i bought a breast pump medela at $350 under duress from my sis, but today i thank God for it saved me from giving up. my son was born early my nipples were huge and inverted, after initial progress he had severe jaundice on the 4th day and i had to bottle feed to flush the bilirubin out so the journey began - i saw a lactation consultant twice, nipple sheilds are a God send as this helped him to latch on then he became lazy and so i spent 6 weeks pumping every 3 hours and feeding him from a bottle but i would try him every feed with the nipple sheild eventually he started to nurse with the sheild, i would also try him bare skin from time to time, miraculously at four months he is now nursing very well without the nipple sheild and i only pump to get extra milk for going out. I almost had a breakdown during the six weeks from exhaustion but i can tell i am happy that i hung in there its cheaper and with swine flu also healthier. my nipples get sore till today but i use lansinoh it really soothes. I wish you the best of luck. To be honest i think my labour was easier than what i went through. I am also glad from reading all the supportive posts that i am not alone

Mandy - posted on 10/30/2009

you need to go to the store and buy a shield. my daughter never latched on properly and i used the shield and she nursed perfectly.

Deborah - posted on 10/30/2009

Kinsey - I understand what your going through. Something that I discovered was that my son had "Tongue Tigh" or another term for it is a "Frenelum" issue. Look for a lactation consultant who knows this issue well and have her sweep the under tongue of your infant to find out if it is that. If that is the case your baby is not able to extract the milk correctly. She can weigh the baby before a feed and then right after to see that she is intaking enough. My experience was my son was needing feeds increasingly and he did not gain weight... about an ounce per week is healthy. If it's not this then you should sign up for a La Leche League group and meet with other moms for support and hearing the issues your having. Don't give up on BF however the First priority is to be sure you Feed your baby so if you end up suplimenting with formula don't feel like a failure. My son still BF and he is not quiet two... after months of pain and agony at the start and many times I thought I would give up. Best of Luck and please don't hesitate to email me with any questions you may have. Regards - Deborah.

Cathy - posted on 10/30/2009

Ditto- get help from a lactation consultant, or call the la leche league. The benefits of breastfeeding are definitely worth a phone call and a visit to the consultant before you give up. I know a lot of people hate lactation consultants but I was really lucky and had a wonderful one who I saw once a week for about 7 weeks, and because of her I am still breastfeeding my twin boys who are now 8 months old! It was hard for me for a little while but now it is such a great bonding experience - I love it!! Mine were also three weeks early and near term babies still have not finished developing their suck reflex and it can take extra work to get them to breastfeed well. My guys were about a month behind- so at one month they were nursing as well as a full term newborn. It was tough but well worth it. They are the best things in my life!

Adelia - posted on 10/30/2009

Have you tried nipple shields....you can get them at target and they help for both the pain and the latching....It is worth a try if you havent! I have nursed all 3 of my children and with my first I stopped around 3months and have always wished i would have tried harder! DONT feel bad if you have to stop its not for everyone, and the formulas they make now are great....breast is best but it doesnt mean its the only way! Good luck!