10 day old with possible latch problem

[mum06]

I have pretty large nipples and it seems as though my 10 day old can't latch on properly. I have nipple pain through every feeding and baby nurses a lot! If he isn't on the breast, he is crying. I'm thinking he isn't getting enough milk to be satisfied because of his poor latch. He weighed in at 8lbs 8oz today after being born at 9lbs 4oz. Isn't he supposed to be back at birth weight at this point? And has anyone experienced large nipple issues and have them go away as the baby grows bigger? Or did you have to see a lactation consultant?

[goodygumdrops]

You need to meet with a LC asap. Your doing great and it will be fine, but you really need to have your latch assessment. Your right on about the pain being because of latch issues. What about wet/poop diapers?

[Heba]

Yup, I agree with the suggestion of a face-to-face latch assessment as soon as possible. If there is pain throughout the feed, latch is not right which most probably is affecting milk transfer. Don't panic (as long as your baby is wetting and pooping, he is getting some milk - what is nappy count?) but the sooner you get a consult the better (like today!). In the meantime try as many different positions as you can to try to get a more effective and comfortable latch. Many mums find that laid-back nursing positions make it easier to get good attachment - look at http://www.biologicalnurturing.com/Pages/howtodoit.html and http://www.breastfeeding.asn.au/bfinfo/bla.html

If you can't get a consult that soon, is there a breastfeeding helpline (e.g. the National Breastfeeding Helpline in the UK, or an LLL Leader) you can call? A counsellor can talk you through positioning and attachment and may have some suggestions until you can get a face-to-face.

Hang in there - as goodygumdrops says, you are doing a great job and you will be fine once you've sorted this out .

The very best of luck - please let us know how you get on!

[Heba]

How are you two doing today, Mum06?