[*krista*]

Well that didn't go well. The LC was helpful, but there is no magical fix. Aparently I have a decent latch and holding technique when I initially put her on, but after the let down slows Charlotte starts getting lazing and chewing and falling further down on the nipple. Literally she will stop altogether, only a few suckles/chews here and there, until the next let down starts. She's done that since she was born, unfortunately. She's a lazy little thing.

I think using the pump on one side while she is nursing will help, so I'm going to give that a go. That way she will hopefully get a more continual flow of milk and learn she needs to keep on sucking.

Oh and she suggested an Rx nipple cream because she thinks I'm getting infections. Also said Charlotte's palate is deep right behind her teeth, which could be causing pain and obviously I can't do much for that.

She said latches can be hard to fix at almost Charlotte's age, almost 7 weeks.

And my goodness you would think she would know to trim her nails!

[Frozendesire]

hmm weird. I always just had one let down per session (not per booby if he ate on both sides even) and baby used just sucked during then and anything after was usually comfort nursing/not as productive. It seems like she's eating like my boys do so I'm confused as to what the problem is. Is she not having enough wet diapers?

[*krista*]

She's having enough wet/poopy diapers, but then again I'm pumping too. The LC said she wasn't doing much after let down, but I think the problem for me is that when she isn't doing much she slips down on just my nipple and starts chewing instead of sucking.

She also suggested I try to slow down her eating on the bottle by sitting her up right and pulling the bottle away and sitting it on her top lip for a little while several times each feeding.

[**Jenn**]

Once she starts getting lazy can you just stop nursing her? You may end up feeding more often but it beats your nipples getting torn apart and dealing with all the pain.

Lila slows way down after my initial let down as well but she doesn't slide off my nipple so I guess that's the big difference. I know from pumping and when she falls asleep nursing I can get up to 3 letdowns, but a lot of times she's done after just the first one. And usually if she stays on for all 3 she ends up spitting up quite a bit afterwards so I know thats too much for her.

I really hope you get all this sorted out and that breastfeeding will become easier and much less painful for you. Also, maybe as she gets older she will stay on better?

[*krista*]

Stopping her after just one letdown might be something I'll try. We'll see if she gets fussy, though. She usually gets at least 2 good ones. If she does I'll have to just try to correct her latch over and over again and keep on going. I don't know if she will ever learn to keep on sucking that way though?

Oh and I forgot to mention she was weighed... 11 lbs 6 oz! I don't have any idea what the normal range is for her age (she will be 7 weeks on Sunday) but it made me happy. She was 8 lbs 10 oz at birth, 8 lbs 2 oz a few days after birth, and 8 lbs 10 oz at a week and a half old.

[**Jenn**]

That sounds like a great size!!! Lila was 8lbs 14oz at birth and was 11lbs 5oz at 2 months.

If Charlotte still wants to nurse maybe just switch to the other side where the letdown will be quicker instead of trying to keep relatching her on the same side?

[bittersweet]

Try massaging your breast after that first letdown. Sometimes this can keep the milk flowing out better/faster. I also would pull her off if she isnt sucking properly. No point in letting her chew your nipples.

[soImarriedAnerd]

Originally Posted by bittersweet

I also would pull her off if she isnt sucking properly. No point in letting her chew your nipples.

I did this religiously at first---if he didn't do it right I took him off! Its time consuming though. I only have one let down per breast I didn't realize some woman got more than one!

[*krista*]

You ladies get enough now that they are older with just one let down or do you do both sides? She usually gets two in a good, satisfying feeding. I'm wondering if my body would train to do one if and start giving her more in that one eventually?

[**Jenn**]

I've always gotten at least 2 in a feeding, with all the kids. And I fed both sides at a time with Liam and only one side with Lochy and Lila. But sometimes they're done after one letdown and they seem just as satisfied.

[*krista*]

I'm just worried she won't get the hind milk. Do you think that would be a problem?

[**Jenn**]

If it is a problem you'll know it--she'll have green poops and be gassy and uncomfortable.

I just know, for me, I wouldn't let her continue with a bad latch because she's being a "lazy eater." Do you feed both sides at a time when she nurses? Liam always nursed both sides and I would start with the same breast I stopped on the last feeding so he was sure to get the hindmilk. It worked for us. I really think once you guys find your rhythm you'll be great!

[*krista*]

I usually feed her from one side unless she seems unsatisfied, but I will try alternating like you suggest, that is a good idea. Thank you SO much! You know you were more help than the LC I paid $260 for... you really are going to make a great LC!

[Babybear4]

I am sorry the LC couldn't help you more, but it sounds like you have gotten some great advice from the ladies here. I hope you and Charlotte can work through these issues. I am sure it is very frustrating for yoU!

[Mars]

She's doing great weight wise so the booby juice is working. I too think you should take her off when she isn't sucking properly. Good luck!

[~*sierra*~]

i'm so glad everyone here had such good advice. wtg on the awesome weight gain!