Newborn latch problem

[iOliver]

I can never get my son to stick his botton lip out when latching. I try to pull it out or make sure his mouth is wide before latching but he always sucks it in every time... and my nipples painfully are not impressed.

He does the same with his top lip but i'm more able to correct it and have him keep it sticking out.

[at-home]

I cannot give you specific advice, but do you have access to a lactation consultant?  If not, call your local Le Leche League and someone can come help you.  The sooner the better!  Best wishes and congratulations on your newborn!

[JessicaS]

Do not give him time to suck his lip in. Tease his lip with your nipple until he opens his mouth super wide, then really fast SHOVE your boob in his mouth. It really doesn't seem all that gentle but that is just how you have to do it sometimes.

There are a lot of latch videos on Jack Newman's website.

[MonkeysRUs]

There's some latching info below that might help you. It's really important that your baby's chin is already touching your breast before you try to latch him on, and your nipple should be around his nose:

http://www.nurturedchild.ca/Nurtured_Child/Latching.html

[maddymama]

Hi Mama,

Sounds frustrating.  You've gotten some good advice and some good links to look at.  I only have a few additional suggestions.  First, don't be afraid to spend alot of time latching and re-latching your little one on at each feeding.  It takes time to teach your baby the correct way to latch.  With my second daughter, it took me almost an hour of latching her on at some of the feedings, but by day 3 she had it down to a science... and I had no nipple pain at all.  Be patient, take you time, and relax.

Second, have you tried laid-back breastfeeding?  That position sometimes makes it easier for you to get your little one latched on correctly.

Good luck,

~maddymama