Establishing breastfeeding 10 day old

[PrincessGurn1984]

Hi everyone, our son is 10 days old, I’ve been BF since birth and overall, it’s going well.

He feeds really well from my right boob, but the left is a nightmare, I think my nipple may be slightly flatter and no matter how much I stick with it the latch and comfort for him just isn’t there. So he’s feeding from my right and I’m pumping once a day to keep the supply up in my left boob.

Any one else had this happen? Or advice what to do? Thanks

[PenguinBlue]

Hi and congrats on the birth of your son. It might just mean that you need a different position / hold for your little one on the left side. My nipples were occasionally flat and I found if I either pulled them slightly or used a Hakka / pump for a few mins before the feed, it would help ‘pull it out’ for a better latch.

I also used a lactation consultant near me for support and it really helped with positioning etc so would recommend that if it is an option for you x

[Seb9]

Congratulations on baby, I always had a favourite boob with both my babies, I nearly always fed from my right and found feeding from my left was never as easy. I managed over a year with both of them without much problem. My friend only ever used one boob, because her little boy couldn't patch from one of her boobs. They did nearly 3 years and he's nearly 8 now.

It definitely worth trying different holds, positions or maybe a nipple shield to see if that helps, also baby is only 10 days old so they might just need to get a bit stronger and confident in what they're doing.

But if nothing helps in that side, I just wanted to let you know that it doesn't mean your breastfeeding journey won't be a success.

Congratulations again

Xx

[Hidden]

I had this problem in the beginning too. I found that it still persists now she is 7 weeks but she feeds a bit from the left as she is stronger and more able to manage different positions. In the early days I held her the wrong way on my left so basically the same position as she lay for my right breast, so her feet and body on the left hand side of my body and I found she did feed a bit like that. That’s easier when they are smaller and gets harder as they grow x

[Purpledoggy]

When I had BF problems I went to our local free BF drop-in. They were brilliant, so knowledgeable and kind. They recommended seeing a lactation consultant as he had tongue tie but also gave me lots of tips on trying to improve my latch. Definitely worth looking into-I’m not sure telephone support is terribly helpful in a lot of cases as they really need to see your latch and positioning, so the in-person dropins are invaluable. Xx

[Nelfina]

Good morning, congratulations on your new baby boy. I'm a mother of 4 & also a volunteer "la lechee league" trained breastfeeding peer support worker,

one of the best positions I would recommend for you to try (if you haven't already)would be the:-

rugby ball position for him

I always found that particular position extremely helpful in most latch issues I personally had with all 4 of my baby's & also a lot off new mom's like yourself have succeeded feeding in this position also.

If you have a local children's centre/family hub near you see if there is a breastfeeding peer support group there or if they know off any in your local the area.

I hope this this helps a little 😘

Good luck & Congratulations again

Claire xx