Breast Feeding Help...baby stopped latching on...

I just had my baby boy on 8/10. The first 2 days, he had no problem latching on to my breasts and seemed to be doing fine. However, I developed sore/cracked nipples (and unbearable pain) and the nurses at the hospital advised that I skip a few feedings so that the baby wouldnt swollow any blood and vomit. I supplemented with forumla and bc my nipples continued to bleed when I would nurse, I have been pumping so that I could feed him my milk and so that my milk production wont stop...
Problem is, now that I want to nurse again, he will not accept my breast. I'm assuming now that he has been bottle fed for the past 3 days, he just doesnt want to work to get the breast milk...is there any way that I can get him to latch on again???? I tried using a nipple shield this evening and he latched on for about 5 minutes and then he started his usual screaming and crying. I wouldnt mind pumping indefinitely if I had to, but i just dont know how on earth i will be able to pump for the night time feedings??

Any advice/suggestions? Has this happened to anyone and then the baby latched on again. I really hope that I will be able to breast feed again!!!

Re: Breast Feeding Help...baby stopped latching on...

I had this problem with my second DD. We had to feed her formula for a week because she was jaundiced and I had a hard time getting her back on the breast.

When I weaned her off the bottles I just took them away completely and only offered my breast. It took 2-3 days but she got the hang of it again.

Re: Breast Feeding Help...baby stopped latching on...

Yes yes and yes! This EXACT situation happened to me, we got through it!

My advice- pump a little before you nurse to ease your let down. Let him latch on for as long as he wants, he probably will get hungry more often, but he'll get what he needs and he'll probably get used to it shortly. Try different positions. DS only wanted to nurse with me laying beside him. Try not to give him the bottle if you can help it. Most importantly and as hard as it may be RELAX when you nurse him- don't tense up, babies can sense that and I think it makes it harder for them to nurse. Just keep on trying, you could always see a lactation consultant too! Let us know if you need a referral.

Good luck and don;t be shy about asking questions!

Re: Breast Feeding Help...baby stopped latching on...

Absolutely call a lactation consultant- you WILL be able to get DC back on the breast. Try to remember, you are both new to this- so relax, because it's all normal.

The LC will also show you how to latch correctly so as to avoid sore nipples.

Good luck and PLEASE feel free to fm for moral support or advice!!

Re: Breast Feeding Help...baby stopped latching on...

please call a lactation consultant. imo, it's so worth the money. many people have a hard time sticking to it in the beginning, but if you get through these hurdles you will be so happy you did. the lactation consultant will be able to help you through it.

good luck!!

Re: Breast Feeding Help...baby stopped latching on...

I agree to call a lactation consultant. If you want the number for someone, FM me and I'll send you one (she also happens to be a pediatrician, which is a nice added bonus). In the meantime, definitely check out www.kellymom.com - AWESOME BFing site.

Re: Breast Feeding Help...baby stopped latching on...

My breast feeding support person recommended that I put hot washcloths on my breasts and massage them to help with the letdown. So far it seems to be working.

BTW my baby boy was born 8/10 as well. Breastfeeding has been very difficult so far, but I'm sticking to it the best I can. Hang in there!

Re: Breast Feeding Help...baby stopped latching on...

thanks for all the great advice. i went to that website, kellymom.com last night, and this morning i managed to get in to latch on for 5 min on each side! i hope this is a sign of things to come!

also, what do lactation consultants typically charge?

Re: Breast Feeding Help...baby stopped latching on...

Posted by Arodisi

thanks for all the great advice. i went to that website, kellymom.com last night, and this morning i managed to get in to latch on for 5 min on each side! i hope this is a sign of things to come!

also, what do lactation consultants typically charge?

Re: Breast Feeding Help...baby stopped latching on...

now that 5mths and change has passed, i wish i bottlefed. maybe bottlefeed w breastmilk and nurse. it's friggin' hard weaning him off now. try doing both instead of only just nursing also. this may be unwanted advice but this is something i wish i came across early on.

Re: Breast Feeding Help...baby stopped latching on...

I was going to suggest pumping a bit before, since by day 6 you are probably quite engorged and starting let down will make DC want to suck immediately.

Don't worry about the baby swollowing blood. I have never heard of them vomitting from that. Although they may spit up with blood in it, but that's not a big deal (if it's your blood - I have heard that)

If you do pump, you don't have to pump in the middle of the night for long - really only long enough to get a good supply.

glad it worked out thios morning!

Re: Breast Feeding Help...baby stopped latching on...

Posted by Arodisi

thanks for all the great advice. i went to that website, kellymom.com last night, and this morning i managed to get in to latch on for 5 min on each side! i hope this is a sign of things to come!

also, what do lactation consultants typically charge?

Re: Breast Feeding Help...baby stopped latching on...

I had a c-section and my daughter latched immediately post delivery. I had a lot of pain the night I delivered and took morpheine shots, so I couldnt breastfeed..they gave her a bottle and latching was over.........

I was able to finally get her to latch after pumping for a few days, once my milk let down... dont give up!!! It took me a while to get her to latch again...... Almost a week to the day....

Also, I would recommend a lactation consultant as well... I plan on bringing one in to help with the transition of my going back to work.....

Good Luck!!!!

Re: Breast Feeding Help...baby stopped latching on...