Baby won't latch, any ideas?

[cdmommie]

I have a newborn, she was born Saturday. I am really having trouble and it is starting to stress me out and I know that can't help the situation. I have trouble getting her to latch on. Even though she is rooting and obviously hungry, I get her to the breast and she just screams and kinda licks at it but won't latch on. I saw a lactation consultant today and what she did in the office worked, but now I am home and can't get it to work for me. I am massaging my breasts before I start to get things going. The baby had Mec staining and had to be suctioned and now she is snorty. I know this is making it harder too because of her breathing, but how can I get past it and just get her to eat? My milk came in last night so I am really full now and she isn't having many wet dipers, plus she is fussy, so I know she is not getting enough even though it's litterally pouring from my breasts. Any ideas are appreciated. Thanks.

[ElliesMomma]

maybe try laying in bed with her to your side? i keep a pillow under my head, one between my legs, one at my back, and another at her back. let her take her time getting latched. if it's dripping from your nipples, she should be able to stay interested and keep trying i would think. you can lean over slightly and give her the other side. and/or switch to lay on the other side, and give her both breasts again. this gives you four positions of breast for her to try to latch onto. and it's in a relaxed setting, laying down. i found this to be the most effective position for getting started. keep her with you in bed all night, and keep trying to get her on.

[cdmommie]

Originally Posted by ElliesMomma

maybe try laying in bed with her to your side? i keep.........

Thank you! the pillow behind her helps a lot. And I am able to get her to latch by leaning over her and then slowly laying back down. Since I tore pretty badly it is really nice to be able to get her to latch laying down!