Caleb not latching? Oh no!
We continue Jessica’s breastfeeding story. Please don’t worry, it has a happy ending! We ended with Jessica in the pit of despair and Caleb not latching. Even with all the support and knowledge that Jessica has, she is ready for the final hoop to become an IBCLC, taking the exam, she really struggles with what her instincts tell her to do to help with a not latching baby and what she knows works.
Caleb has been through so much! In addition to not latching, he wanted to suck all the time, had a tongue and lip tie revision, lots of body work, and then once he did (spoiler alert!) start latching again went through a time where he would nurse but not transfer a lot of breastmilk from the breast. Jessica kept pumping and paced bottle fed Caleb but her hope was fading. She knew just how much to feed Caleb from the bottle and that she had plenty of milk. What was the problem?
We will never know for sure what finally helped Caleb be more able to feed. All we know is what a happy day it was when Jessica did yet another pre and post weight at the office and saw that he finally was able to transfer breastmilk! He took 3.9 oz during a feed! This is a lot for a baby so don’t worry if your baby is transferring between 2-4 oz. If the weight gain is good, whatever!
Jessica said she kept telling herself that this experience was going to be invaluable for helping other families. She has lived what it is like to really, really struggle with breastfeeding. She knows if she had not had the help and support, having a great IBCLC at your disposal was enormous, that she well might have given up.
You don’t have to do this alone! Get help if you are struggling. We are here for you. The best money you will ever spend.
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