Question
On the fourth day after birth, the baby won’t suckle at the mother’s breast but only at longer nipples. There’s no way to use breast pads, or to express milk with a breast pump and feed it to the baby with a bottle. The doctor said the mother’s nipples are in good condition, but the baby just can’t latch on. When offered the breast, the baby keeps searching but can’t get a hold of the nipple, and then starts crying. What can be done to get the baby to directly suckle at the mother’s breast?
Answer
In this situation, the mother should pinch the areola while breastfeeding, trying to push the nipple and all of the areola into the baby’s mouth. At the same time, position the baby semi-reclined, chest-to-chest with the mother. If the baby cries at first, don’t rush; be patient and focus on letting the baby nurse at the breast. Don’t immediately offer a bottle when the baby cries; generally, after 1-2 days, the baby will regain the ability to latch onto the breast. Also, after breastfeeding, remember to let the baby sit up and lean against the mother’s shoulder for burping. Pay attention to supporting the baby’s neck at this time to prevent over-feeding.