in Breastfeeding/Nursing & pumping Mamas

Not ready to give up nursing, but I feel like I might have to

My son will be 4 months on the 10th. We struggled in the beginning. A postpartum hemorrhage killed my supply and he had a bad tongue tie. I pretty much exclusively pumped from week 2-4. He latched right back on after getting his tongue tie revised at 4 weeks old. Everything was fine for awhile, but his latch has become gradually more painful. I saw a lactation consultant in month two, at that point it only hurt for the first few sucks and swallows, and she said he bites his way on, which would be a hard habit to break, but I could unlatch whenever he did it and try again. It wasn’t unbearable. But at this point it’s becoming awful. Every suck feels like a bee sting. If I put my finger in his mouth he immediately bites so I can only imagine he’s chewing on my nipple. I don’t want to give up. I mostly pump, but I nurse at night when it’s just me and him. I love that time with him. But last night, I had to wake my partner at 4 AM to get a bottle because I was sobbing. It hurt so bad. Has anyone fixed a bad latch this late in the game? I really don’t want to give up. But it hurts.

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Have you tried a nipple shield? No guarantees but it might help

@Adriana I’ve tried the lansinoh ones but he hates them 😭 he gagged so bad

Oh that makes me feel so sad and I feel for you, sending hugs!! Is there a possibility to see a different lactation consultant again? Sometimes someone else could help more? There’s also apparently a breastfeeding line that you can call, they might also signpost you to someone who could potentially help. I love that you don’t want to give up, strong mama!! ❤️

@Sara awe yeah my lo didn’t like them either she’s a year now and I finally realized she has a lip tie and was probably the reason why we had such a hard time I wish I didn’t give up breastfeeding tho cause she had such a bad time with formula we went through so many kinds I’m hoping my next one I’ll be able to longer. I’d say just keep trying but don’t stress or continue if it causes that much pain maybe just pump or try latching during the day rather than the night so you aren’t as tired and can try a bit more.

@Kalina I haven’t been able to find another one who takes my insurance other than the one at the hospital I gave birth at 🥲 maybe I can call another hospital who has one and they’ll see me even though I didn’t give birth there?

I mean I could be completely wrong here and I apologise if so but could it possibly be that you have nipple thrush and it may not be his latch? 😊

@Zoe I don’t think I do. I don’t see any signs in him or on myself. It’s gradually been getting more painful over the past few weeks

@Sara just wanted to make sure that was ruled out, but like you say if you have no signs and he doesn't have thrush in his mouth it must not be that, just thought it was worth a mention as I had it with my little girl and that was painful

I’m going through this right now, sending love. I personally have decided to exclusively pump and have found peace with that. The first pain-free day convinced me I did the right thing. any choice you make is valid 💕

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