need help getting baby to the breast, please

[radiowave]

My baby is almost 11 weeks old, and has only successfully breastfed about 4 times (as of day 2 she wasn't getting anything with a terrible latch that caused my nipples to bleed and blister) . She had a week suck, an uneven palette and posterior tongue tie...we have basically taken care of all of these issues but she is now seriously nipple confused...she was doing occasional comfort sucking but she has stopped that this week. I try to offer her the breast when she is hungry, when she is not, when she is half asleep, when we are in the bath, you name it and she turns away or cries after a quick try (with or without the nipple shield)....I love my lactation consultant but she does not have any more suggestions, and I think that she is pessimistic about the situation. I am trying to find another LC for a second opinion but have not yet...in the meantime I am looking for suggestions for bringing baby to the breast...has anyone been able to do it at this late date? How?
p.s.
I have had supply issues, despite extra pumping, herbs and domperidone, but I feel on some level that I would eventually be able to produce enough if she could just start breastfeeding...also, the other night I was able to get her on briefly after feeding her a little by bottle, but she quickly became frustrated and pulled away when milk did not come immediately...

[7libramama]

Sounds to me like second opinion is a good idea. I have heard of adoptive mothers being able to lactate with patience and perserverence. I feel all you need is support and encouragement. Keep doing what you are doing you both will get it with patience and perserverence. I wish I had something more to give you!

[kathymuggle]

How are you feeding her?

Is it by cup or bottle?

If by bottle, I would ensure the nipple hole was small and that she had to work to get at the liquid.

I now my DS came home from the hospital (12.5 years ago) with a premie nipple. I went out and bought preemie nipples because it was what he was used to....but low and behold, it was so easy for him that when I put him to breast he was frustrated at how slowly the liquid came out..... When I switched nipples (I think I used a nuk nipple for breastfeeding babies) the whole dynamic changed for the better.

I cannot write more at this moment, but will revisit to see how you are doing.

2 brief points:

1. your supply issues may very well be caused by a non-suckling baby. They will probably go away, and your supply will probably be built up quickly once this is taken care of.

2. my oldest had trouble nursing (he ultimately nursed for 2.5 years) but the first 12 weeks of his life were so incredibly hard. I remember the exhaustion and despair of a child who is having nursing diffiuclties. Your are so strong to hang in this long!

No matter what you decide to do, I would definately hang in there until after the 3 month (preferably 4 month) mark. There seem to be magic moments for sorting out breastfeeding problems - and 3 months seems to be one of them. I am sure it is developmental or something.

Good luck and congrats on the baby!!!!!

Kathy

[guestmama9916]

I had similar problems after my preemie spent her first 10 days of life in the NICU. I did alot of pumping and only nursed a few times a week with the nipple shield until yesterday when she decided at 3 months and 3 weeks of age that she would take my breast without the shield. So hang in there! I had given up but something made me want to try one more time yesterday and I'm glad I did. You might want to stimulate a letdown before you put her to breast next time so your baby will start to learn there is milk in there and won't get as frustrated. I had to do that tonight because DD was super hungry and starting to arch her back and cry. She settled right down as soon as I got the milk flowing for her.

[kathymuggle]

Just wonderring how you are doing.....

Kathy

[radiowave]

So, I started using the lact-aid yesterday...she was able to do it for a bit but then got frustrated. This morning she went on the breast without it and nursed a little bit on both sides! She and I spent a lot of the day in bed getting lots of skin to skin contact...she comfort sucked a bit...and we used the lact-aid two more times but she did get frustrated again (only got an ounce or so with it, which I hope means that she has been able to get a few ounces from the breast-they need some time to catch up in terms of supply, I believe)...I think that she needs time to get used to the slower flow...I gave her bottle tonight (with the breastflow nipple, so that I could be sure she was getting enough to eat...she keeps wearing herself out with frustration and some crying)...Her latch isn't great, but it seems to be working a little bit-and I have a bit of pain on the right nipple. So, this is a great step forward, it seems to me...but there is still work to do. How long does it take for supply to increase? And I am wondering whether to supplement her before she tries nursing or afterwards...any suggestions greatly appreciated!!!