Pain at latch

[mmooki]

So this is new for me...

Background:

Dd was a 33 week preemie. We nursed for 22 months with a shield. No supply issues and she will be 3 next month. Healthy as a horse. Never had any breastfeeding issues other than the need for a shield.

Ds is 7 weeks tomorrow. He is a 35week preemie who also needs a shield. In the last week or so, especially on the right side, his initial latch is so painful, it makes me gasp out loud. There's no cracks or cuts or anything and after 30seconds- 1 minute, it subsides.

Any thoughts as to how to help this? Thanks ladies!!

[beckyrosen]

Do you get the milk flowing before the baby latches?

[melody330]

Sorry not much help. I would get the toe curling pain with DS, but it only lasted about two weeks.

Keep an eye out for any cuts, and I could try to express some milk so there is a small amount on your nipple before he latches. Might help

[flcl]

Do you have access to a LC? If you can meet with one, she may be able to help figure out what's happening and give you some tips. Kellymom is good but not a sub for live support. I had terrible latch pain and the LC found that LO was mildly tongue tied. BF was so much better once we got that addressed. GL!!

[mmooki]

Thanks for the advice.

Ds uses a shield. I never had this issue with dd. I definitely do have access to a LC and have worked with her a few times. I'll give her a call.

[Deleted]

I had terrible pain when latching (went away after about 30 seconds) and it went on for a couple months until we found out LO had an upper lip and slight tongue tie. Everything changed for the better when we had that clipped. A lot of pediatricians aren't capable of diagnosing them (as our pedi admitted) so we did the consult with an ENT and had it clipped during the same appointment. You could also try getting your milk to let down prior to latching so your LO doesn't have to work as hard for it.

[Deleted]

Check the nipple for small cuts or if there is a bleb that partly clears after a fee minutes of nursing but then seals over again when you stop nursing. So you feel the pain over and over again with each nursing session. Could also be thrush where it feels like glass going out they he nipple when diet latching and then it feels better after a bit. Or it could just be a bad latch on that side try a different position and see if that helps any.

[mmooki]

Thanks! I spoke with the LC I've been working with and she wants me to call the Ob tomorrow and have her call in a script for APNO and gave me some other things to try in case the dr won't call it in since it's the weekend. Plus I'll touch base with her next week.

[rmg5020]

Glad you spoke to an expert. I experineced a lot of pain for the first minute after latch for the first 2-3 weeks. After that my nipples toughened up and I didn't have any issues.

[Deleted]

you also might need a different size shield on that side!