Breastfeeding Issues - ARGH!

I would try a nipple shield first... maybe that will give her the little bit extra she needs to get a good latch. While my DD didn't have any latch issues, she was soooo slow that I eventually started exclusively pumping. The biggest thing that helped me there was to rub a fair amount of milk onto my nipple to 'lube' it up. That stopped the chafing, which was causing most of the pain. I also rubbed milk into my nipples AFTER pumping and let them air-dry for 5-10 minutes afterward so they could have a chance to heal from the pumping. When my DD was 3 months old, I was finally able to start feeding her from the breast full time again. :) Good luck!

as others have said I would try the breast shield. It worked for me and after about 6 weeks he could latch without it. good luck

Have your baby checked for possibly being tongue tied... then try the nipple sandwich (sorry don't know a better name for it). The nipple sandwich is squeezing your areola between your index and middle fingers. This will compress the area to fit into a smaller space. Once her mouth opens, tip the nipple to her nose and lips to get her to open wider... once that happens, stick in the nipple to your fingers. Allow her to latch then flail her lips out if they aren't already.

You can also try different holding positions - for newborns, football hold seems to be best.

Check out www.kellymom.com and www.drjacknewman.com

I don't have experience with any of those issues, as I was very fortunate to have babies that latched on right away like champs. My younger son had swallowing issues, and we found out at 1 month that we needed to be bottle fed. I pumped for 3 1/2 months (days only, I didn't even consider nights). At that point, I said, "I'm done!" I did that because I found myself putting my older son in front of the tv more so I could pump. I also kept putting my younger one in the swing, where he cried, so I could pump. I stopped and thought, is this really the best thing for them?

My point is, if you come to a point where you start to wonder if this is really worth it, give yourself a break. Breast milk is best, but it really is ok for you to choose formula.

I hope you get some answers to help you out. Good luck!

So sorry to hear you are struggling. I breastfed all four of my kids. My youngest (now 4) nursed like a champ right after he was born only to give me such grief at home. He took 5 weeks to FINALLY get it. He just was a terrible latcher. After many tears, his and mine, he finally got it. Once he was on there was no stopping him. Just remember to shove as much in that little mouth as you can before she clamps down, otherwise you get the sore nipples. Unfortunately, perfectly natural does not mean perfectly easy (or easy at all for that matter!) but the good news is you know it is possible since you did it before so keep your chin up mama!

I am writing this as I am sitting in a closet at work pumping for my 7 month old. I know how hard it can me. Do not give up!
My first piece of advice is to go back to the lactation consultant. Usually that fee allows you unlimited (free) visits afterward. I had to go like 5 times before we finally figured it out. It will get better. We had the same problem. It could be because you are so engorged. Try pumping a little before putting her to the breast to soften it up so she can take more of the areola in her mouth. The LC can show you how to do it manually, but I always was sad watching that precious milk drip out so I did it with a pump to save everything I could.
Next, on the rash, put some lanolin on the area that rubs on the horns before you start pumping. Reduces the friction and prevents the rash.
I hope all goes well. Keep it up. When her mouth gets a little bigger it will be better soon.

Have you tried a breastshield like this one by medela?
http://www.amazon.com/Medela-Contact-Nipple-Shield-Standa...
Our son couldn't get a good latch until about 8 weeks in. These were a lifesaver. You might also consider asking your pediatrician if there is any chance she's tongue tied.

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I had to pump solely for the first 8 weeks due to latch issues, what I mean by this is only a few feedings a day if that were off the breast because of soreness. I would suggest purchasing large flanges for the pump you need them to be bigger so the nipples don't rub. It was a lot of work especially with two toddlers to chase around but worth the time. I suffered from engourgement for the first 4 months either way so it's tuff. Sorry you are having a rougher time this go around. But congrats on your new addition.

get a new lactation specialist!!! Also, try a prescription called "apno ointment" - stands for All Purpose Nipple Oiintment - worked like a charm for me with my first - we had problems at first, my nipples were cracked and bleeding and that cream totally saved m e.

Good luck!

I bf my DS for a year and Im currently BF my DD who is just a little over a month. My son did not latch on for a good 3 weeks and I had such sore boobs! Luckily my DD latched on right away after birth, but she was hospitalized for a month and then resumed right back to latching on correctly. With my son, I was forcing his head to my boob and thats where the problem started. I read a pamplet that said to let baby bring her head to the breast and that solved my problem.
And as for the pump hurting you, try using a different size pump part. I think they come in 3 sizes. If its giving you a rash, try using the smaller ones.

Get in touch with your local Le Leche Leuge leader asap! They have the best advice and will often come to your house to assist. Sounds like your baby needs to learn to latch on, and that requires constant nursing. Don't give up, it will get better!

Get a nipple shield. You are then able to force baby to take enough of the nipple, so it won't hurt and she will get milk. It generally takes about 30 days to correct any issues using the nipple shield. Once baby gets used to having that much nipple in her mouth. Also it will give you a barrier and help your cracked nipples heal.

OH my, I'm so sorry you are having such a hard time. I would contact someone from Le Leche League and perhaps find another lactation consultant. You were charged $140? Whoa, that is a lot of money and she wasn't even able to help you! I would not accept this at all.

Did the lactation specialist show you ways to get your daughter to open wider? A nurse showed me to use my breast (the nipple) to brush my baby's mouth until she opened wide.

Looks like you have lots of good advice, my one thought (which actually isn't so much about the breastfeeding) would be to check your health insurance coverage, mine covered three lactation visits. Well worth checking into!

have u tried a nipple shield?? worked for my son and I until he could properly latch..... u can buy it at babies r us