baby wont latch: new mom

[tiia]

Hi ladies,
I'm from ages ago, but a friend just had a baby and is nearly ready to give up bfing already as her 1 week old is not interested in latching, just cries and fusses when put to the breast and she's feeling rejected and very down about it.
She had a difficult pregnancy and labour to boot.  It would be nice if something could go her way!
Right now they are suplementing with formula in a bottle.
Are there any suggestions from moms with the info fresher in mind that me? My youngest is 7 now.
Thanks!

Tiia

[*Ali*]

Is she getting advice and support from a qualified lactation consultant? There is only so much anyone can do over the net and there really is nothing like IRL help. I cannot stress enough how important it is to see a qualified person in the early days before it is too late.

Has the baby been checked for a tongue tie?

It can help to feed from a cup or syringe rather than a bottle so LO doesn't come to prefer the quicker flow of a bottle

It is worth looking into baby led latching. There is some info on it here
https://breastfeedingusa.org/content/article/baby-led-latch-how-awaken-your-babys-breastfeeding-instincts

There are also some useful suggestions in this post Is my baby weaning or is it a nursing strike?

[Fiver]

Breastfeeding and EASY in the first few weeks
Tips for Sleepy Newborns
Making breastfeeding work - delays in milk production
"In real life" help, Useful websites, helplines

Hopefully there's some helpful information in one of these FAQs.  If she's having real problems and wants to BF, I would strongly suggest finding a local BF support group (or even calling one of the numbers for La Leche League or similar) and getting someone to take a look at a feed IRL and give some guidance.

At a week old, there could be a variety of issues and it's pretty tough to troubleshoot online without a bit more information.

I hope you can help her out

(Posted with Ali - I see we had some similar thoughts )

[tiia]

Thanks I will check out those other posts.  Sadly we live in a very small town so IRL is not to be found.
I'm not sure what tongue tied is, but the doctors never mentioned that the baby had a problem.
Thanks again!
Tiia

[*Ali*]

Some consultants will give support over the phone or visit the home. There may be someone attached to the hospital as well.

Tongue tie is often missed and normally only checked for if LO is having trouble feeding. There is more info here. Information on Tongue Tie in babies and children