large breasts/nipples/areolas - latch trouble

[a22lamia]

My week old son is having trouble latching onto my breasts. He did a great job until my milk fully came in and my nipples and areolas got even bigger than they usually are. Ever since he just latches on my nipple, barely sucking at all. My actual nipples are about the size of a nickel and they are either very hard or very soft. When they are hard he seems to only be able to get just my nipple in his mouth. When they are soft they are so soft he can't get a hold of them. I've had limited success getting him to latch by showering before I feed him, but I can't very well shower all day.

Does anyone have any advice?

[puddle]

Hang in there, mama! I'm so sorry that you're having a rough start. Have you tried using a nipple shield? That may help him latch for now. That's about all I can think of other than trying various positions to see if he can latch better. Some babies can do a better job in the football hold or laying down. Also, you could try pumping for a minute before a nursing session to get your nipple erect.

[franklinmarxmom]

I agree with the PP.

I too have large nipples/breasts. A nipple shield really helped pull them out far enough for me to be comfortable, until his mouth got bigger and my nipples stopped being so flat. Just be sure, if you use one, that it's the right size--they make larger sizes that many LC's or nursing stores sell. And work on weaning from it in a few weeks, so you aren't stuck with it forever.

Hang in there--it gets easier, and it's so worth it!

[kathteach]

Hi, so sorry to hear of your troubles. It's not popular around here, but I also suggest using a nipple shield WITH the professional help of an LC. I have been using one for three months now. Some moms hate them, but to me they are a godsend. My nips are so flat DS just has nothing to grab onto even after all this time.

Moms like us with really large nipples risk low supply because the baby can't reach the milk sinuses to compress. The Nursing Mother's Guide suggests adding pumps in for the first three months to ensure a good future supply for this reason.

Keep up the good work. I can feel the frustration in your post. It will all get easier, I promise. I had no idea bf'ing was such a huge initial investment and so time-consuming and I wanted to quit often. Seems like they keep that a secret! Now it's natural and bonding and so wonderful.

Do you have a good LC to work with?

[Arielle]

Instead of showering before feeding, have you tried to just use hot compresses?