Hi all,
Liam and I are doing well, he's a beautiful, placid baby. The last 2 days have been a bit troublesome at feed time though - up until yesterday I had no problems with attachment, however since yesterday morning he is really struggling to attach, and twice now I've had to express and bottle feed becuase he just wouldn't latch on (after a VERY long time trying). My boobs are like rocks at the moment, do you think this could be causing the problem? Once they've let down a bit and are softer he is getting on, but this takes 20 mins or longer of him suckling and screaming!! Does anyone have any suggestions? I called the breastfeeding australia helpline this morning and everything she suggested I've been doing! Any help would be greatly appreciated xx
Hi Kelly, unfortunately offering the bottle will make his attachment worse because he may get confused by the difference between your breast and the bottle teat. If your breasts are engorged (a common problem for attaching a new baby) try hand expressing off just enough to make the nipple soft again, and then try to get him on. Or use your pump and freeze a little milk for another day when you really need it. Don't express too much off or your oversupply will get worse. Ideally, if he is having attachment problems, the only sucking he should be allowed to is at the breast - if you *must* comp feed him (for instance, if he stops having wet nappies) then you can give it to him off a spoon or out of a cup or a syringe.