Our first son (now 4.5 years old) found it difficult to latch on. But our second son (2 weeks old yesterday) won't unlatch. The more I try to get him off after a feeding, the harder he clamps down with his little sharp gums causing a lot of pain. Some feedings he is on my breast for over an hour until he finally lets go. My nipples are in tatters!!! Any advice?
I have tried releasing the suction with my finger - didn't help - he just bites down harder. HELP!!!
Do do do see a consultant if you can. If you can't call them. There is a free advice line for "maternal connections" at el camino hospital. they are really wonderful and can talk you through some of your issues. also try this website www.drjacknewman.com. he has a lot of videos on there that may help. I know for me I had to do an asymetrical latch. there is a video on it. hang in there!!!
Ouch! An hour? Really? I feel sore just thinking about it...that's WAY too long. I guess he'll be a boob guy.
Seriously now. Use your thumb to break the suction instead of your index finger. Put it in the side of his mouth as far as you can. Once the suction is broken, rotate your thumb to a vertical position which will pull his little gummers apart and you can free yourself.
If you think he's staying latched on because he really needs to eat or maybe he's taking his time or any number of other reasons (other than just to comfort himself), you should contact a lactation consultant. Those women are wonderful!
Good luck and feel better. Oye! An hour!
Take the lactation nurse advice and go see someone who can help with this. I was really thankful for mine when my daughter was having problem latching on. They are helpful and become a great resource. It "saved" my breasts.
G.,
as a lactation consultant I can tell you that while an hour nursing in not always desirable it is also not that uncommon for a new born.
I am more concerned that you describe your nipples "in tatters". This would indicate that something is not correct. It may be just not a deep enough attachment/latch - which can also really slow the feed, or it may be something else.
Your comment regarding feeling the gums clamp down indicates that a full assessment is needed. If baby is in a good nursing position his tongue should cover his lower gum and with his head tilted back slightly with chin leading and airway open the top gum should not be involved.
Please arrange a full assessment with a lactation consultant in your area (you can find one through www.ilca.org ) or at least seek a trained peer counselor through Nursing Mothers Counsel or La Leche League.
K. H.
