Today everytime I try to put W on the left side he screams and will not latch. It started this morning and I thought maybe he was just having trouble latching because I was a little engorged. I tried again after his morning nap and he did the same thing but did latch for about 5 minutes. He would still pop off and cry though. I pumped while he was sleeping this afternoon to get rid of the engorgement thinking that would help. Nope. More screaming. He latches and feeds fine from the right side. I think the left side has a faster flow because sometimes he gags or coughs. Although it seemed like he had gotten the hang of controlling it lately. What do I do? Help!
Do you think it could be torticollis or something where it's uncomfortable for him to more his head that way?
Hmm...I'm not sure. I tried a different position and he wanted no part of that either. I don't know much about torticollis. Is it something that starts out of nowhere? He's never done this before.
I tried a football hold again and he finally latched after some fussing. He calmed down after the let down so I'm hoping it is just that. Next time he nurses I'm going to try it again. Thanks for your help, ladies.
Ok. It's still a screamfest on the left side. I tried football hold again and he just screamed. I can't seem to get us both comfortable with that hold. I have only ever used cradle, even with B. I'm getting frustrated and upset. I don't know what to do. After he calmed down he latched fine on the right side. I never had any problems like this with B. It just seems so much harder this time. First the possible dairy issue, coughing and gagging from fast let down and now refusal. I almost feel defeated but then I feel silly for feeling that way. Like I want to just give up but then I think these issues are probably easily fixed.
@loco coco. I can look into a LC. I was using a nipple shield at first but haven't used it since he was 2 weeks. I just tried again and he just screams. Thanks for your suggestions.
can you lay him on that side (just on your bed or somewhere) and see if he screams? to rule out ear infection or a neck pain (like how it would be if we sleep weird)
Not sure if this is helpful but Jane used to do this because she was mad it didn't come out faster. Maybe he really notices the difference in the flow? ETA I read it wrong, I thought the side he was upset with had a slower flow.
can you lay him on that side (just on your bed or somewhere) and see if he screams? to rule out ear infection or a neck pain (like how it would be if we sleep weird)
I just tried laying him on that side propped up against the back of the couch and he just stared at me, so that's good I guess. He's not fussing unless I try to latch him on that side. It's 1am and he has not been to sleep yet. He's just staring at me wide-eyed. I'm sure this is unrelated though.
I have a suggestion. Can you start him on the right side and then after a while, unlatch and slide him over to the left side. So his head and neck will be in the same position just his legs will be hanging off the side of your body so put pillow there to brace him. Just in case it is a neck/position issue. I know people who have had to do this.
Hugs honey. It is so so hard. I second the rec for an LC. They can really help with the holds, I really prefer cradle too haha. Also, maybe try a different pillow? When R was having so much trouble the boppy didn't seem to have enough support. I tried the My Breast Friend lol and he did great with it.
How was your night @pambeesleyhalpert ? I hope you both got some rest!
Thanks for asking! He was wide awake until 2am. Not fussy or anything. Just awake. He fed off the left side around 5am with very little fuss, but wouldn't any other time today. I got out the nipple shield and he is using it fine on the left side right now. So I'm guessing it's either something to do with the nipple or fast let down. I'll try the shield for a couple days and then try without and see what happens.
I have a suggestion. Can you start him on the right side and then after a while, unlatch and slide him over to the left side. So his head and neck will be in the same position just his legs will be hanging off the side of your body so put pillow there to brace him. Just in case it is a neck/position issue. I know people who have had to do this.
Luke has been doing this off and on as well but on both sides. For him I think it's a combo of tired/cranky and developmental and I know they are close in age. The thing that helps the most is to get him calmed down with a paci and almost asleep and then latch him. It's really frustrating and makes me feel kind of rejected. I know it really stinks! Hugs. Newborns are hard.
A never had ANY signs of an ear infection. And she had enough of them to get tubes at 7 months. I never had any clue. It was always at a well check or something that they found it. If this is sudden and out of the ordinary, I might bring him in
A never had ANY signs of an ear infection. And she had enough of them to get tubes at 7 months. I never had any clue. It was always at a well check or something that they found it. If this is sudden and out of the ordinary, I might bring him in