Possible Bad Latch Causing Nip Pain and Gas in 4 Wk Old

Updated on August 17, 2010
R.M. asks from Big Lake, MN
8 answers

Well, first off, I'm thrilled that my daughter is 4 weeks old and I've exclusively breastfed her thus far. However, within the last 2 weeks or so, she's starting this weird noise when she eats, it's not everytime but I think that it's causing her to get air when she eats and it's hurting me too. She makes a weird slurping/sucking noise when she eats. She does it on both sides, but not everytime she eats. I use the cross cradle position on the left and the football hold on the right. And periodically once she's latched on she seems to flick my nipple around with her tounge, which hurts too.

I plan on calling and making an appointment with the lacation nurse at the hospital as well, but thought I would see if you wise mommies have any suggestions I can try before the appointment. Thanks in advance!

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A.T.

answers from Minneapolis on

I had all sorts of problems with breastfeeding. I found that doing the "baby led latch" was extremely beneficial. If you google it a few videos pop up for how to do it. I hope it work for you too!

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M.M.

answers from Minneapolis on

1) Sounds as if she is not up high enough. You need to get another pillow under her so that she is higher. You should not be lifting her at all and your shoulders should be relaxed and back on the back of the chair/bed. If you are finding yourself needing to adjust your body from proper posture to come to her or find yourself lifting her, she is not up high enough.
2) Make sure her tummy is facing your tummy on the left and her stomach facing your arm pit on the right.
3) It also sounds as if you are releasing your breast too soon. Place your fingers in a c-position and sandwich your breast very tight... Do NOT let go during the feeding. When you let go too soon, the baby slips to the end and this is when you feel the babies flick your nipple.... This causes pain and causes them to flick your nipple. This will also cause them to slurp in more air and become gassy... So hold and sandwich the breast.
I think this will help you. Good luck and congrats on you giving your baby a great gift. Once it gets better, you do need to try a different hold on the right. She will outgrow it soon....

2 moms found this helpful
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K.T.

answers from Appleton on

I had a similar issue and it turned out to be an oversupply and strong letdown issue. Does the sound start immediately or when your milk lets down? I was advised to lean back as far as I could while nursing. It seemed to clear up around 2 1/2 months as my daughter could keep up with the strong supply. Good luck!

2 moms found this helpful
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S.H.

answers from Honolulu on

well yes if she is not latched on properly.... it will hurt.
When my kids were not latched on well... they would make sounds too.
Then I would re-adjust them
The baby's mouth should be encircling the entire areola... not just the tip of the nipple in her mouth.
Then, as they drink, you will 'hear' actual swallowing... but it will not hurt.

To me, it sounds as if maybe she is just sucking on the tip of your nipple...and yes that hurts and they suck in air... and it makes a slurpy sound.
You just need to re-adjust her mouth... or position her so she can latch on better... NOT just the tip of your nipple.
If only getting the tip of your nipple as well... a baby will NOT get adequate intake... nor will it be efficient.

Do you use a Boppy Pillow to nurse her? If not, its real great and really helps with nursing/positioning/holding the baby during nursings.

all the best,
Susan

1 mom found this helpful
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V.F.

answers from Scranton on

Try to find a local LLL leader. They would be very helpful in getting her latched back on. Also just take her off and just latch back on again. It may be a painful process but sometimes they need some extra practice. Is there something you have changed in your nursing style? Always take them off immediately if they start to hurt you. Don't let them play at the breast. Even though she is so young you don't want them to start any bad habits. I don't mean using you as a passifier, just latching badly.

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E.I.

answers from Duluth on

contact a leader of a nearby la leche league! www.llli.org they will have great info and mom to mom advice and maybe even advice from a mom whos been there!

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R.K.

answers from Boston on

is she possibly tongue tied? that can cause poor latch and nipple pain.

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M.B.

answers from Wichita on

My baby girl is 8 weeks old and I exclusively breastfeed. I second the nursing pillow comment! I use a BrestFriend pillow because I hated the Boppy (I'm too tall) and it has made a world of difference for our nursing. I even brought it to the hospital! I have found that when I am out and about and don't have my pillow, it doesn't work as well.

Also, are you really engorged? Sometimes that make her not latch as well. She will just grab the nipple and OUCHIE!

The other thing that I can think of is maybe you have fast let down and she is nipping you because she is getting too much at first. That will cause her to nip and back off grabbing only nipple.

Just my thoughts! Hope you can find something that helps!

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