Lact-Aid help and support needed

[ottawamama]

I am trying to use a LactAid with my 7 week old son, born with tongue tie that was released last week and now we are moving (hopefully) from bottle to breast. Why does the LactAid work beautifully with the LC there, yet I have it leaking from the cap area and my poor little guy (we are still learning to latch) gets milk all over his face. My intent was to get rid of the bottle and just do LactAid, but I caved this morning amidst tears from me and hunger from him.

I guess we have two issues: poor latch and LactAid leaks. BFing is truly the hardest thing I have ever done in my life.

[orca]

I know how hard it is. On days like that, I would put the tube against my finger and finger feed to avoid a bottle. It works really well- just don't do it too often or it is hard to get the baby back on the breast.

[PatioGardener]

Hang in there! It is really hard work, but hopefully soon each time will get a little bit easier. Don't worry about getting milk all over his face - mothers with a strong let down do that too. Can you try him at the breast before he gets really hungry so he doesn't frustrate as easily?

And bravo for your hard work!

[larastheme]

Originally Posted by ottawamama

I am trying to use a LactAid with my 7 week old son, born with tongue tie that was released last week and now we are moving (hopefully) from bottle to breast. Why does the LactAid work beautifully with the LC there, yet I have it leaking from the cap area and my poor little guy (we are still learning to latch) gets milk all over his face. My intent was to get rid of the bottle and just do LactAid, but I caved this morning amidst tears from me and hunger from him.

I guess we have two issues: poor latch and LactAid leaks. BFing is truly the hardest thing I have ever done in my life.

Hi there and first and foremost, sending . I used the Lact-Aid for both of my DC, and will likely use it with my third DC, too.

About the leaking cap, when you put the bag together, make sure that the ring is well down onto the "neck" area of the bag. And don't be afraid, when pushing the cap onto the ring, to push hard. I put both thumbs on the top of the cap and use four fingers (first and middle from each hand) to pull the ring up. It's that seal that you need to get tight.

If you're having trouble with the tube leaking milk on his face, then simply lower the bag until the top of the bag is lower than the open end of the tube (I hope that makes sense?) The milk won't flow out without his making it do so by sucking. Keeping the bag high lets the milk flow much more freely.

About the latch, I wish I could be of help there. I do agree with a PP that if you absolutely have to feed him and everything is going wrong, finger feeding would be my next choice (before a bottle).

Oh, and if you're doing everything right and the LA *still* is leaking, I'd call the company. I think the owner pretty much answers the phone herself all the time, and is totally helpful and personable. I wish I remembered her name (but it's been 2 years.)

Best of luck and if you have a question or if I've been unclear, don't hesitate to PM me and I'll help if I can.

[SuperMarcy]

Definitely call the company! Jimmie, the owner is great and is always available to answer questions. I called her on a Sunday once and she answered right away!

[ottawamama]

Thanks

Thanks for all the replies, it is nice to know I am not alone. I am aiming for two LactAid sessions tomorrow, then increasing them each day, hopefully improving his latch with each. Did anyone here have success going from LactAid to EBF? My boy has the teeny mouth latch - eeek.