latch issues please help! - Page 2

[Virginia Mom]

When I was nursing my youngest, my lact. consultant at the hospital gave me this thing....it was almost like a straw or tube you tape just at your nipple, (but the other end of the tube was attached to a bottle of pumped milk --even formula for moms who don't have an adeq supply)..anyways when baby gets anywhere near nipple or straw milk comes out...does that make sense?

[Mrs. MAT]

Have you tried calling a LLL leader?  They are trained to help over the phone.  You might be amazed how much help you can get in a conversation.  I second the idea of a facecloth, hand towel or whatever works under the breast (sitting up or side lying).  It can really feel like having a 3rd hand!  I did a google search for breastfeeding large breasts and a ton of sites showed up, including this: http://www.thingamababy.com/baby/2010/01/breastnest.html

My mind is spinning with all the info in my head (I went to a LLL workshop on nursing with large breasts).  There is a ton of info out there... you just have to find it.  I don't want to overwhelm you, so I will mention a few of the things I learned.  You can feel free to message me if you want more details.

One tip was to make sure not to lean into the baby.  It makes it "heavy" for the baby and harder to maintain a good latch.  Some women find lying down on their side easier in the beginning.  Some babies with latch issues actually latch better when they are asleep - try it and see what happens.

Also, mime an open mouth and try to get your baby to mimic you.  I had a preemie and it took a little while, but it worked!  I also found the osteopath helpful, but they can be a bit hard to locate if you are not in an urban area.

Another thought - any doula's or midwives in your area who might be experienced?  Some of them do a bit of cross-training and may be able to help you until you get to an LC or LLL.

Dr. Jack Newman has a bunch of videos on latch which are fantastic.  I am not sure any are specific to large breasted women, but there might be a gem in there that might help you.

Best of luck!

[myk]

Originally Posted by Virginia Mom 

When I was nursing my youngest, my lact. consultant at the hospital gave me this thing....it was almost like a straw or tube you tape just at your nipple, (but the other end of the tube was attached to a bottle of pumped milk --even formula for moms who don't have an adeq supply)..anyways when baby gets anywhere near nipple or straw milk comes out...does that make sense?

supplemental nursing system perhaps?

i wish there was an LC, LLL, or midwife in the area. there aren't. i do know a couple doulas that have come out from the big city (an hour away) to come help me out, they're priceless! they've had suggestions for me, but nothing that worked so far. it's so frustrating. i like living in my town, but when you run into specific problems, sometimes the resources just aren't there.

i like the "demonstrate open mouth latch" idea. i never would have thought of that!

[crobinator]

In case you haven't already found this, from the LLL website re: breastfeeding & large breasts:

http://www.llli.org/llleaderweb/LV/LVMayJun89p35.html

Calling a leader on the phone is also helpful - they are very knowledgeable and may know a retired leader in your area who could help you in person. Their phone help may also be all you need. You never know!