Is your baby having difficulty latching at the breast?
Do they refuse a bottle or also have difficulty at the bottle such as clicking or losing milk?
Have you been told that “some babies can’t breastfeed, you’ll just have to switch to a bottle,” but that’s not what you want?
While there is absolutely nothing wrong with bottle feeding, if your desire is to breastfeed, we have resources for you!
First of all, babies SHOULD be able to breastfeed with ease. Latching should not be increasingly difficult.
Babies are wired to breastfeed from birth! If they cannot, there is an underlying cause and there is help available.
The first step is to seek out an IBCLC and/or infant feeding therapist to help. Sometimes it’s prudent to have both on your team.
There are many things that could play into WHY your baby is having difficulty. What I want to encourage you with is this, it’s not you! No you’re not crazy, and no the journey should not be this difficult to provide nourishment for your sweet little baby.
When you see an IBCLC or infant feeding therapist, some things they may look at are:
- Positioning: is there a different angle, different position that will allow the baby to latch easier
- Lip seal: is your baby able to effectively create a seal around the nipple in order to feed effectively, if not why
- Tongue function: is the tongue functioning optimally
- Overall muscle tone and strength of the orofacial complex: how are the muscles of the mouth functioning
- Body tension: is there excess body tension somewhere in the body that is affecting your baby’s ability to latch
If you’re concerned, I am concerned. Mama knows best, trust your intuition. Reach out to one of the feeding therapists in our directory today!
