9 week old latch issues

[Nbeidel]

My son is 9 weeks old and we had been using a nipple shield because I have very short nipples. We went to his 2 month check up three days ago and the pediatrician said he's not gaining nearly enough weight (only 5 ounces in 1 month). Because of that we have doubled the time of each nursing session so he can try to get more milk. I think it's working but my problem isn't with supple its with his latch. He is more content with the milk flow/amount without the shield but my nipples are extremely sore. When he latches I don't have a pinched, creased or otherwise deformed nipple (usually) but I'm still experiencing pain. I've been using lanolin. Anyone have this experience? I feel like something must be wrong with the latch but I can't figure out what. Most of the lactation consultants in my area are very expensive and the more affordable  hospital lactation consultants are booked up for weeks.

Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated. I was really hoping to have a hang of all this by now.

[*Ali*]

Has he been checked for tongue tie?

What country are you in? Just so we can direct you to relevant IRL help.

[Nbeidel]

He's not tongue tied. His pediatrician just checked at his last visit a few days ago. I'm in the USA.

[becj86]

Have a look at biological nurturing - its basically a fancy name for lying back to feed and letting LO latch on their own rather than doing all the mechanical stuff you get taught initially, you know, basically letting them use their instincts and reflex to get there.

I didn't have any deformed nipple most of the time either but I did end up with BIG cracks, so be really attentive to putting some breast milk and/or lanolin on them after a feed to help them heal.

Have you tried expressing a little before he latches? It may help, as may a C hold. LO should be taking a big mouthful of breast, not just nipple.

[Nbeidel]

We have tried the laying back, cross cradle, side lying, and football hold. The laying back and side lying he tends to try to slurp my nipple in. I keep trying all the positions in case something finally clicks. Any other positions anyone can recommend?

[*Ali*]

Have you tried the flipple? http://youtu.be/M8iYdNE-ShY

There is a fee helpline in the USA that you can call for  specialist advice. Details here. Re: "In real life" help, Useful websites, helplines

Have you looked into alternative sheilds? I know some ladies use them long term with success. I know some are thinner and allow more stimulation for example.

[Nbeidel]

I've been watching the flipple videos. I thought it was helpful then the next day my soreness seemed to increase. I think I'm going to have to bite the bullet and see a LC. Maybe once someone can see what's going on. Part of my problem I feel is my areola are large (the size of my palm). There's no way the entire thing would fit in his mouth but I don't know how much is enough.

We had been using a shield but he refuses to nurse with it now.

[*Ali*]

How are things?

I don't think any baby would fit the entire areola in their mouths. As long as his mouth is wiDe and full I wouldn't worry what proportion  of your breast is in there.

Did you see a LC?