hmmm. sounds like you might need a trouble-shooter LC... Some have great reputations for solving seemingly intractable problems.
Anyway, sorry I can't actually offer any advice - what you describe sounds very much like my son. Was told over and over that attachment was right etc etc, but it really wasn't. I finally ended up using sheidls for nearly 2 months, then at around 11 weeks he just finally was able to latch on without squashing my nipple. One of the LCs I saw said he had a slight TT, but didn't think it would affect feeding. Was told my GP etc that it didn't need clipping. I suspect it actually did, and he couldn't latch properly till his mouth was much larger.
i agree with marcellus, i think you really need to see a knowledgable LC. maybe someone from the BC class tomorrow can help you further?
hang in there hun
Hey I've only skimmed through the replies, so I'm sorry if I repeat someone elses suggetions, but here goes:
Attachment : I'm hoping you have an LC booked. In the meantime, check out youtube videos of correct latch/how to fix a bad latch etc. Type in "breastfeeding Dr Jack Newman" I found those really helpful.
Cradle hold is usually easiest and most efficient feeding position.. easiest to get a good latch.. but if you are happy with football, don't go changing, it'll just stress you out more!
Have you tried Baby Led attachment? (Lying on your back, baby on your belly) I found that this position was sometimes the only one that wouldn't hurt/wouldn't make baby scream.
Stabbing Pains: I find the let down quite painful... Like a strong shooting surge in my chest...
Lips not fanned out : Not a perfect latch, get your nipple level with baby's nose so that baby's head has to tilt back to latch, resulting in most of the nipple at the bottom of baby's mouth.. Baby's nose should point out into the air, not touching any breast (unless you have very large breasts, in that case I'm not sure..)
DD still doesn't always get her lips fanned out, often it's the top lip that I have to flick out with my finger.
Pinched Nipples : Can you feel baby pinching down during feeds? If so, unlatch immediately.
It could however maybe be due to not enough nipple in baby's mouth?
DD sometimes clamps down on me at the end of a feed.. some kind of expression of contentment. But if you are experiencing constant pinching during a feed, something needs to change!
Sore Nipples: My nipples were always SO sore and sensitive and unbearable to touch, even though they looked perfectly fine. I think this is just your nipples getting used to bf.
Of course, it could be all the pinching.
Have faith, breastfeeding was a huge ordeal for me till about 8 weeks, then from then on it all just fell into place and now it's as easy as pie.
Just keep feeding baby whenever he/she is hungry. Try to feed before baby cries, makes it much easier to latch. Try to avoid using bottles at this stage, as it might confuse baby.
Best of luck, stay strong, you will get through this!!
Surprised hun, it sounds like a very painful few weeks for you You have done an amazing job of getting through it so far
Best of luck with the class tomorrow. Sometimes when a baby's lips don't flange well, it can be due to a tight frenulum (the bit that holds your lip to your gum - there is one on top and one on the bottom. Just like a tongue-tie, sometimes one of these is too tight and needs to be snipped. A really good LC is one of the best options for having this diagnosed, but you could also see a paed or GP who is experienced in that area.
Shooting pain that lasts between feeds is often thrush, but could be bacterial. Thrush can be in the breast itself rather than the nipple (or just the nipple) so this is still a possibility. Unfortunately this can be hard to diagnose - swabs are very unreliable in these cases. One of those one-dose thrush tablets might not hurt in this case to clear up any internal thrush that might be hanging around. I also posted some thrush ideas for another poster here - https://www.bellybelly.com.au/forums...time-wean.html.
Best of luck with it hun - I really hope you are pain free soon. Keep up the great work hun
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