Baby won't latch on right breast...

3007 Views 6 Replies 5 Participants Last post by ewe+lamb, Apr 10, 2009

goodmomma76

Discussion Starter · Apr 8, 2009

Ok, this is my 3rd, the other 2 BF experiences went from horrible to ok, and this one is going all the way to great.

That being said, here's my question, she is 5 days old, and the last 2 days, she very obviously prefers my left breast. She fusses and pulls away from my right breast. I can get her to latch on, then she sucks once or twice and fusses off. I am engorged, a lot. I have to pump for her to be able to have something to latch on to. I am uncomfortable again within 20 minutes of feeding. I pump 1 ounce out in about 2-3 minutes. I don't want to 'confuse' my breasts, but I can't not pump or she can't eat. We have healed our sores for the most part and she is latching great and growing (gained 3 ounces in the 3 days since we left the hospital!

) I was paranoid about this, because of my first experience, the LC cringed when she saw my scars from the first time, so I was worried about the pain and cracking again, but we seem *so far*, :fingerscrossed to have healed from that and on our way to a good BF bond!!! WOO HOO

But two things...and I will try to remember to call the LC tomorrow, it seems like I only think about it after everyone settles down...

How can I get her to stay latched on the right side? Will it pass? I offer it to her first and last every time...

And will pumping it maintain the supply? She might have latched for 5-10 minutes total today on that side and I HAD to pump. I pumped about 3 ounces today....

Any ideas? Suggestions??? Commisserate??

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eggsandpancakes

· #2 · Apr 8, 2009

this is really simple, but have you tried changing positions? If you normally use a football hold, using a cross cradle hold?

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mamabear0314

· #3 · Apr 8, 2009

DS preferred my left side, are you right handed? I found that I was just a little awkward trying to get him to latch on the right side because I'm right handed.

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ewe+lamb

· #4 · Apr 8, 2009

Can you before nursing baby on that side, pump a little so that the let down isn't so strong for her? Do you think you could have a strong let-down on that side? It sounds abit like that to me, especially with the engorgement etc, it could as simple as that - just until the flow gets a little steadier. Some babies prefer that side as your heart is on that side, right-handed/left handed can be it too, have you tried a sling or wrap - that can also help, experiment with different positions, as mentioned before, for a strong let down - if you have one, getting baby to sit astride your leg, maybe on a cushion if she's not at the right height for your breast so that it's easier for her to swallow could ease up the problem. In the meantime, yes keep pumping so that you don't loose your precious supply if she's still refusing that side. What are her stools like? Any gas, if so, is it low or high?

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goodmomma76

Discussion Starter · #5 · Apr 8, 2009

Thank you! I have tried different positions, but I only have tried the classic and football holds. I did notice that she latched on longer the closer her bottom was to my leg, so I will try the sitting position. I am right handed, and I probably am more akward on that side, I will get better right? She is tiny, at only 5 pounds, I have a hard time with positions, but the cushion is a good idea...

I will keep pumping! How often should I do it, every time she eats?

She is gassy, it seems low, and her poops just 'fart' out...does that make sense? She doesn't always burp, but we seem to be figuring that out a little better too. She poops almost every time she eats, sometimes more than once! She doesn't pee much, but the doc said as long as it was 4/day it was ok, so I am trying not to worry about that. She eats all day long! So I feel pretty confident that she's getting enough.

Thanks again. It's been a long time for me to be here...

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hedgewitch

· #6 · Apr 10, 2009

Go and see a chiropractor! This helped my ds (3 weeks old) and me sort out our nursing difficulties. He was sore on his right side making left side nursing painful. I'd also keep up with the pumping til things settle down.

I would periodically 'drain' the breast you aren't using. I had to do this a few times at the start as I have a LOT of milk and it hurt. I didn't find that it increased my supply just kept away engorgement. Trust your instinct about what is needed. You sound like a really brave and dedicated mum.

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ewe+lamb

· #7 · Apr 10, 2009

Quote:

Originally Posted by goodmomma76

She is gassy, it seems low, and her poops just 'fart' out...does that make sense? She doesn't always burp, but we seem to be figuring that out a little better too. She poops almost every time she eats, sometimes more than once! She doesn't pee much, but the doc said as long as it was 4/day it was ok, so I am trying not to worry about that. She eats all day long! So I feel pretty confident that she's getting enough.

OK this is an over-supply issue - low gas and farty poops - are the poops more a greeny colour than yellowy? if so, definitely - you may want to try block nursing = nursing more than once on one breast, but pump the other to make yourself feel more comfortable - you have to be the judge of that one. I would keep pumping at the beginning of the nursing session until you feel that the let-down is less strong. Depending on your supply you may have to nurse say half the day but your case may not be as extreme as that. If you need anything else please do post again, also try to go to a LLL meeting for support - I know it's hard with other kids, but that may help you as well. You're doing a great job - it's such a wonderful but simple thing to share with our children.

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