A 'Parenthood is Tough' kind of day

[elleystar]

So I've had troubles with my LO's latch pretty much from the start. My m/w has helped once or twice and she has no difficulty getting him on! After some excruciating days I finally went to an IBCLC last week. She was awesome, got him latched on my super sore nipples practically painlessly, gave me a couple tips, and I thought everything was hunky dory. A day or two later we were right back where we started. I'm waiting till 8 to call the LC and beg to be seen today. WHY am I such an idiot? It's not that freakin hard! I'm so sick of gritting teeth and crying through nursing on the left boob!

During the night last night M had a bad cold come on, to top it off. Lots of bright yellow snot, a weepy eye, mucus in the mouth/throat too it looks like. Breathing is tough at times, though it's a bit better once he's sneezed out a load of snot and I take a snot-sucker bulb to his nose too. So sleeping pretty much sucked last night. PLUS, I want him to nurse more to help him get better, but he doesn't want to. NEVER has this kid turned down the boob-he'll nuse for 1/2 an hour to a side if I let him!!! Now he still nurses vigorously, but after 5 min, he's done. I'm going to have to express my left side!

And my step-grandparents want to visit today, they'll be on this side of the state for a conference. Soo-per.

You know what would make my day? To have an LC spend the whole day here, helping us with each feeding. And to be able to stay in bed with M all day, someone else making me hot nutritious meals. @$#*&%^!!!!

[BensMom]

Sounds like you need a postpartum doula. They arent as trained in BFing as a LC, but they can help. And help with cleaning and meals and taking care of you. You might want to look into it.

Otherwise, I hope you have some improvement with your LOs latch. Its a tough way to start (my son had latch issues) but once its over, you'll be so glad you pushed through it.

[chely7425]

My LO has latch issues too.. we ended up needing to use a nipple shield and now we are working on weaning him off it. I hope the LC can see you today! I know how rough it is but I know you guys can get through this!!

[kjoy2]

That sounds frustrating. I would waddle over there and cook for you if I could!

I hope M-Cookie gets better soon. And only let your step-grandparents come over if they'll cook for you or at least pick up a hot meal to bring to your house - seriously, it couldn't hurt to ask, and if you let them know that you need help due to a rough night/day, who would refuse your request?

[KariM]

(((big hugs)))

Remember, that this too shall pass!

I had latch/suck issues with both of my daughters and I'm a retired LLL Leader. I had no problems nursing my DS who had formula bottles and pacifiers in the hospital.

Nursing is a partnership and it takes a baby who knows what he/she is doing as well as a mother educated about proper latch and positioning. You're NOT an idiot because your LO is having some problems.

Keep on working with your LC and things WILL work out.

With this babe I had sore bleeding nipples for the first week and felt so stupid because it was taking me a while to figure it out. I finally did and things are GREAT now. Just have patience and take care of yourself.

Please try to get someone - anyone - in to help you out with your other child and to take care of you as you work through this.

[Jennisee]

[elleystar]

Thanks, guys! Your support means a lot.
We saw the LC this morning. I'm not doing anything wrong, really, and his latch is not awful...it just could be better. He doesn't keep his mouth open wide on the boob so it's going to take a LOT of time to teach him to do that. He's obviously figured out he doesn't need to so he's gotten a bit lazy I guess.
Cookie's cold is improving, but it was another tough night for sleep. Both DH and I have sworn to nap today.
My step-grandparents only stayed about an hour, and brought farm eggs, and some lamb for the freezer. So that was pretty nice.

KariM...it's really heartening to hear that even LLL leaders have challenges! It helps me believe that things will get better soon.
I shouldn't whine anyway. My nipples are not bleeding, and I've only got the tiniest crack on one that is staying pretty well healed. The pain is not usually too bad. I just want to do everything I can to make it better.

And sleep. Wanna do that too.

[treehuggermama]

If your nipples are a bit tender I would highly recommend wool pads. I can PM you the website I got mine from and I have used the same few pairs since my 2nd was born. Super absorbant and comfy and help keep the area warm and dry while healing. My ds2 had a terrible latch that necessitated a shield and was a nightmare to nurse for months but eventually we got through it. Hugs to you...I know how tough it is. Hang in there!

[elleystar]

Huh!
I have some wool pads-they are actually wool on one side, cotton on the other, both sides knit, and fairly thick. They did not feel so great to me, and couldn't absorb near enough...granted I've had times of serious leakage. Wonder why the difference? Maybe I'll try them again.

[treehuggermama]

These are my absolute fave- I get the Ekstra ones in size large and NEVER leak thru (and I am a major leaker)

http://www.danishwool.com/products/i...sing_pads.html