Has anybody breastfed successfully with large breasts and flat nipples?

Question

I have a 5 day old at home and am having trouble breastfeeding. I was able to have her latch at the hospital with the help of a nurse but cannot do it at home and it turns in to a screaming frenzy from my daughter and I feel like such an inadequate mother 😞
Please tell me this is possible? Does anybody have tips on positions or any advice? I am so determined to breastfeed my daughter and can’t help but feel she pushes me away now whenever I try.

Answer

Nipple shields work wonders for me. Is recommend seeing a lactation specialist though to get advice in general for your particular situation and baby. Speak to your doctor to see if you need a referral to see someone :)

Answer

I was only able to bf my first 2 with a nipple shield (flat nipples but not large breasts). They couldn't latch without it. My 3rd (3 months old) could latch at all so I just pump and bottle feed now. But I highly recommend the nipple shield!

Answer

My daughter was fine the first few days, but after my milk came in she had trouble latching. I ended up using a nipple shield for several months before I was able to wean her from it. We went on to breastfeed over 2.5 years. I’m hoping with my soon to be born son that I won’t need one, but it is packed in my hospital bag just in case.

Answer

How are you feeding baby? If you are giving a bottle m, bottle preference happens very quickly. Switch to a syringe or dropper. Meet with a board certified lactation consultant for some in person help. I met with one every day the first few days I was home until I was confident. Your local Le Leche League is also another resource for you. Having some help and support will set you up for success.

Answer

Same exact thing happened to me. I could only get him to latch with help from a nurse and when I got home he’d be crying because he was frustrated he couldn’t latch. I used nipple shields and my right side was “less flat” so I began doing the sandwich method like they showed me only during the day and when he wasn’t crying, and he began to latch so I slowly weaned him off the shield on the right side, then I began the left. Now he’s 6 weeks and breastfeeding without shields. It wasn’t easy but we both just had to get the hang of it. I was very motivated to breastfeed and it still was hard at times but it definitely is possible, just be patient with yourself and the baby and get through the first difficult weeks and it’ll just keep getting easier!

Answer

You can try a couple things. Stimulating the nipple so it’s hard and stick out a little more for baby to latch easier. A nipple shield. Or even use a pump for a couple of minutes to stimulate letdown. 
My trick is hand expressing a little milk onto my nipple so my LO smells and tastes it.

Has anybody breastfed successfully with large breasts and flat nipples?

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