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Expert Q&A

	By Ann Calandro BSN, RNC, IBCLC Lactation Consultant

I have had many problems trying to breastfeed my son. I really am missing the experience (I am expressing at this time). Here is what has happened up to now, with my question to follow.

My son is 3 weeks old. During the first 48 hours we were unable to breastfeed due to some breathing difficulties he was having. Before he came home from the hospital we did have two successful feedings but the evening he came home, my milk came in. He could not latch on. I have flat-nipples as well. We went twice to a breastfeeding clinic at the hospital. We tried massaging the breasts, pumping a bit before latching, attaching a lactation aid to the breast, finger training and finger feeding. Matthew also had thrush, which he was treated for. After several days of trying all of the above, I could not take the frustration anymore. Since then I have been using my Avent pump to express my milk and feed it to my son.

Now that I have given you the background, my question is: Is there a chance that my son will ever breastfeed? If so, what can I do to help it to happen?

Any advice would be appreciated, but please be honest if it is unlikely he will breastfeed."

One of the things that has been most helpful when the baby has had a difficult beginning and things have not gone as planned is to begin doing a lot of skin-to-skin holding with the baby. The baby is wearing only a diaper, you wear a shirt that opens down the front, no bra, and hold the baby frequently with his skin touching yours. He will begin to get the idea of where all this great milk is coming from! Watch him carefully for cues such as when he puts his hands to his mouth, when he begins to root around, and then slide him down and offer your breast. If he is having trouble learning, be patient. It is different to learn to grasp the breast and suckle than it is to drink from a bottle. He will be using different muscles and a new technique. It is positive that he has been successful with this a few times thus far.

Try feeding him before he is really, really hungry, and tell him how great he is doing when he opens his mouth and begins to try his new technique. Never touch the back of his head or push his head up into your breast that way. Support him with your hand on his shoulders and the back of his neck. He needs to feel that he can move his head away to breathe if necessary. Be sure that you have helped him to ""find his place"" by firming up your nipples a little. I cannot tell you that he will begin breastfeeding right away, but I can tell you that many mothers have been successful at helping a baby to return to the breast with patience and persistence. Other moms will help the baby return with the use of a silicone nipple shield for a few days. You may want to talk to your breastfeeding clinic about using this device to help for a while.

Congratulations on continuing to pump for your son through this difficult time . Your milk is a special gift which will make a tremendous difference in his life. Consider contacting La Leche League as well for support during this time. Surround yourself with successful people, and do let us know how things are going for you!

Ann Calandro, RNC, IBCLC

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