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My baby can't suck on my nipple. How can I breastfeed?

If your baby is having difficulty latching or sucking on your nipple, there are several strategies and tools you can use to help facilitate breastfeeding:

Proper Latch Technique

Ensuring a correct latch is crucial. Here’s how to achieve it:

Hold your breast to create a "nipple sandwich" by compressing it with your thumb near your baby's nose and your fingers near the chin. This helps your baby get a deep latch on the areola3.
Encourage your baby to open their mouth wide by touching or rubbing your nipple on the skin between their nose and lips.
Bring your baby to the breast quickly when their mouth is open wide, ensuring their nose almost touches your breast and their lips are flanged outward3.

Alternative Feeding Methods

If your baby is still struggling to latch, you can use alternative feeding methods that support breastfeeding:

Supplemental Nurser System (SNS)

Use a feeding tube or syringe attached to your breast. This allows your baby to receive milk while still latching onto the breast. You can slip the tube into the corner of your baby's mouth or tape it to the breast so the baby latches onto both the breast and the tube2 5.

Cup or Spoon Feeding

If your baby cannot latch at all, you can use a small cup or spoon to feed them expressed breast milk. Fill the cup not more than 3/4 full and let the baby lap or sip the milk, ensuring they pace the feeding themselves2 5.

Finger Feeding

This involves using a feeding tube attached to your finger, which is then inserted into the baby's mouth. The baby sucks on your finger, drawing milk from the tube5.

Addressing Underlying Issues

Tongue-Tie: If your baby has a tongue-tie, it can affect their ability to latch properly. Consult a healthcare provider or a lactation consultant for advice on how to manage this4.
Flat or Inverted Nipples: Using nipple shields can help if you have flat or inverted nipples, making it easier for your baby to latch4.
Breast Engorgement: If your breasts are engorged, it can make latching difficult. Express some milk to soften the breast before feeding, or use cold compresses to reduce swelling1.

Seeking Professional Help

It is highly recommended to consult with a lactation consultant or a healthcare provider who specializes in breastfeeding. They can observe your feeding technique, identify any issues, and provide personalized advice and support3 4.