in Breastfeeding/Nursing & pumping Mamas

Struggling to hold baby when latching

I'm trying to breastfeed, it's only been a few days since baby was born but the midwives at the hospital all had different opinions on which latch was correct, one would come in and tell me it's fine just for another to come in and tell me it's not. I just can't seem to hold baby the way everyone tells me, by using the same arm I'm holding him with to bring my hand up and hold his head up with that hand, like around the back of his head but not touching his head. I just can not seem to do it, my hands are smaller than his head and I don't seem to have the dexterity or anything which is the main struggle of latching on properly. I don't know what to do

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You'll find a way, my baby is 5 weeks now and I struggle with holding him too. He's really long and has a big head😂 with time you'll adapt to a way that suits u x

My HV suggested the natural feeding position where you lay on your back and let baby follow their instincts and seek out the breast, gravity also helps too! It changed my whole BF journey. I also struggled with the coordination of bringing baby up and ‘shoving’ them on the boob like they say in hospital. These few days are the most frustrating and I definitely cried over it all a fair few times but it does get easier once you learn what works for you and your baby 😊

i couldn’t/can’t hold my baby in the “normal” position but the football position seems to be best. he’s 3 months now and that’s the main one i’ve been using. also while turning on my side and turning him on his side while lying down seems to work fine as well

I got a breastfeeding pillow from Amazon it basically latches at the back and it’s been a bloody game changer!

You could see an IBCLC to get help! Using the lactation network, they can find one for you and most insurances cover 100%

i couldn’t figure out the one arm with my hand up his back despite all the midwives telling me it’s the best way. I just cradle him using both arms and prop myself up with cushions if needed.

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