[karenv]

Hi Andrea,

Thanks for providing this service! I have breastfed my daughter Asta now for almost three months with no problem whatever. However, recently she has started not wanting to take the right breast when I hold her in the cradle or stomach to stomach positions. She will still take the left breast in those positions and when I lie down, she is happy to take the right breast, too.
I have tried breastfeeding her on the right breast when it was completely full, but also when it was not full (as suggested by LLL), but regardless she will only latch on for max 30 seconds and then she starts compaining. Her cries do not sound like cries of pain. I have no clue what the problem might be. She is also somewhat reluctant to the football hold, but I think that's mainly because she gets distracted from looking at me.

This Friday we am going on a 9 hour plane ride, so I won't be able to lie down and feed her then.

Do you have any suggestions?

Thanks in advance!

Karen

[Deb]

Hello Karen,
Firstly, congratulations on the birth of your daughter,Asta. She is very lucky to have a Mum who is so clearly committed to breastfeeding her and thereby preparing her for all the yummy and varied flavors of solid foods!

My first recommendation is to have Asta straddle your right leg facing you, supporting her neck and back as needed, while offering her your breast. Feeding in this position lessens the effect of gravity on your breastmilk thus slowing down the initial milk flow. It may take a bit of practice but many Mums report that this position really does make a difference!

Also, try applying light to medium pressure to your ducts, the tissue above and in line with her nose, just after she latches, to manually slow down the milk ejection reflex or letdown.

Finally, hand expressing for 1 to 2 minutes just before Asta latches will also lessen the pressure of the letdown and should help her to feed without distress.

These recommendations are more practical in flight than perhaps pumping or lying down, so give them a try before travelling. Hope it works and happy travels!

Much warmth,

Andrea

[karenv]

Hi Andrea,
Thanks so much for your sweet and quick reply. This is very helpful!
Best,
Karen