How to get baby to latch when so engorged??

[LilMomma83]

Baby and I were just geting the hang of latching on properly yesterday afternoon and then my milk started to come in (we ended up getting so frustrated last night that we were both crying) because he could only grasp the tip of my nipple (which was REALLY painful b/c they are still a bit cracked from when we were having trouble latching the night he was born) because my breasts are so hard and engorged.

Today they are leaking like crazy so I have been letting him lick up a bit of milk while I try to squeeze some out and I admit I let him take oine or two soft sucks on the tip of my nipple - because it seems to be the only way we can get it soft enough for him to get his mouth around the whole thing.

Is there a better way to do this? I really really want him to be latching on right - but I am not sure how to accomplish that and still get him the nurishment he needs - he sometimes eats every hour for 20-30mins (but only after he can latch properly)...if I keep taking him off he gets frustrated and just cries.

What can I do?

[Blue Dragonfly]

Can you express a little first - either with a pump (hand ones are cheap ~$10) or do it by hand. If you're that full, you might be able to just push on your breast over the sink to releave some of the pressure.

I found by day 5 the crazy huge boobs subsided.

[timneh_mom]

I second the pumping to soften... I had to do this with both of my babies. It seems like mine got better around day 5 as well... it's that first couple of days of engorgement that were difficult.

If you are able to hand express a little bit - make up some warm compresses with washcloths, let your breasts get nice and warm and as you let down, you can catch the overflow in a cloth diaper or towel, or burp cloth. Sometimes that is enough to soften them so your babe can get a good latch. It will get easier! It sounds like you are doing a great job following his cues, and your body will eventually match his needs a little better.

[Socks!]

I would second the expressing a little beforehand. Just make sure, that it really only is a little, you don't want to keep adding to the engorgement.

And, this is just my personal opinion, but I think it is no big deal at all to let the baby start with a sloppy latch for the first few sips, until you are a little less engorged, then relatch baby. Just as long as it doesn't cause cracked or bleeding nipples.
I let DS2 have sloppy latch at first, which was uncomfortable for me, but not as much as fighting with him in the middle of the night to latch properly. He figured it out by himself with no problems after the first few weeks.

Just my personal opinion though!

Happy nursing!

[LilMomma83]

I just want to thank you all so much, I did pump a little milk last night and he has been able to latch easier since then - they are still pretty full but at least soft enough he can get the nipple in his mouth...and we have both been so much less frustrated! I think I am finally experience the joy that I expected to come with BFing...so amazing that he can just life there attached to me getting all the nurishment he needs...

Thanks!!!!

[Socks!]

I'm so happy things are working out for you guys!

[Socks!]

I'm so happy things are working out for you and your babe!

[rmzbm]

I was coming in to say "hand express" but I am glad to see you already have it figured out! Good luck!

[Dancinmommy]

glad you figured it out! OMG i remember how engorged i was when my milk came in-sooo painful -i was in tears! pumping a bit totally works. HUGS to you