Latching/long post pls read :(
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Ok - first of all - it’s a learning journey for both you and baby. Yes you will have instincts, but it’s still learning what works best for you. You are not the first person to experience this, nor are you the last. Also as they grow, positioning does need to change for their new dimensions. Secondly- ditch the nipple shields, unless you’ve been directed to use them by an Infant Feeding Team or lactation consultant they can cause more issues. Thirdly - seek out some support either online or face to face; Depending on your location try - your local infant feeding team - https://abm.me.uk/get-breastfeeding-support/ - https://laleche.org.uk - join this group - we have lots of guides and all our admin team are trained as Peer Supporters, Breastfeeding Counsellors or IBCLCs. https://www.facebook.com/share/c8acEQiqve2GSZwF/?mibextid=K35XfP
@Emily I’ve gone to LC maaaany times. No luck
The only other thing I can suggest then are these insta accounts that have loads of helpful knowledge https://www.instagram.com/olivia_lactation_consultant?igsh=MXgyNDZsN2hlZnY2cA== https://www.instagram.com/kathrynstaggibclc?igsh=MndxYXQzcmxudDIy https://www.instagram.com/lucywebberfeedingsupport_ibclc?igsh=cmNkYjBuM25vYmho https://www.instagram.com/emmapickettibclc?igsh=bWVpNGZ5ZHFwb2t6
Hey I am peer support for ABM, I had issues with both my babies. I use a feeding pillow and the cross over hold which is they go across you. Are you sat up straight feeding ? Also if lifting the breast into little one mouth you will need to keep your breast in that position as if you let go it will drop and change the feeding. Where do you live ? Can find out if there is an ABM group near you
Hi, my only advice is to practice as much as you can. Don’t mean to scare you, but newborns start to loose their rooting reflex starting from 6-8weeks. My first, she would always bite down on my nips and not let go. This always caused a lot of damage to my nips and I would exclusively pump for 2-3 days and try again. This went on till 8 weeks and she decided she didn’t want to try anymore and she’d start screaming just at the sight of my boobs. So that was the end of my first nursing journey. But I continued to exclusively pump for 18 more months. Second time around, I persevered through it and would nurse even if my nips were bleeding. And with constant effort to get a better latch, it’s finally working out. He has mild lip and tongue ties so it has been a lot of work to get till here. The only thing that worked, was practice. The more you put your baby on boob, The more you both will learn together to nurse. I hope you do figure it out mama, good luck!
https://www.instagram.com/the.mama.coach?igsh=MWQ1ZGUxMzBkMA== You can check out her content, I think they have an online lactation support as well.
Thompson method is what worked for me, when I breast fed my daughter. Nipple shields are also a must! :)
@Ally what’s the Thompson method
@Ally when do you did that was it early before 3 months and used nipple shields?
It’s a much gentler approach you can find it on YouTube I did it from the first day I gave birth to my daughter it worked wonders for us. :)
I have a similar issue and have to use a shield. For mine I think she has trouble getting the nipple deep enough so the nipple shield gives her the ability to get that deep latch. Sometimes she'll lose track of the nipple and cries looking for it when it's in her mouth. The lactation consultant told me to aim the nipple to the roof of their mouth to trigger that instinct. You may be having the same issue for your child not getting the deep latch and getting frustrated. Try the nipple shield and see if it improves. Also check with your pediatrician to see if your baby has a tongue tie. They're learning along with you. Try to be patient but I know it's hard. You got this mama! ❤️