Hi, I am a reproductive physiologist (PhD) who spent 7 years in basic academic
research. Am currently retraining as an Ob/Gyn Nurse Practitioner, though still
in the BSN portion. My interest in Lactnet is both professional and personal.
I recognize a tremendous need for improvement in the delivery of childbirth and
lactation support services in the state of Kentucky and hope to help make some
important changes. In the meantime, I have a more immediate need to address and
would greatly appreciate your input. I gave birth to my 2nd child 5 wks ago and
have encountered BF problems. My 1st was successfully BF for 8 mos. Effective
latch-on has been hindered by my daughter's relatively small "gape", high
palate and tongue that she does not protrude beyond her lower gum, all leading
to chronic injury of the nipples (analysis courtesy of my LC). After 3 weeks of
trying to improve the latch-on, I developed mastitis in 1 breast, was put on Di
cloxacillin which cleared it after 4 d, then it recurred after 7 d. The pain
was too great to nurse on that side and pumping with a hospital-grade pump was
nonproductive. After 1 1/2 wks the other side developed mastitis and I started
Keftab. Meanwhile, my milk supply was low in the other breast and soreness re-
mained a big problem. I decided to stop BF altogether to allow both breasts to
heal. I have been pumping 4-5 times a day now to be able to fed her some EBM,
in addition to using ABM. She is growing very well. What I want to know is what
compromise can I reach? I cannot bear the constant burning/shooting pains that
follow nursing (thrush is ruled out) and fear recurrent debilitating bouts of
mastitis, but desparately want to continue to provide BM to my baby, preferably
the good old-fashioned way, though I am willing to pump and bottle feed if that
is necessary. Will time help cure her latching/sucking problem by growth? Or is
"suck-training" needed? Will an older baby go back to the breast at a later
date? I would appreciate any thoughts/suggestions that you have on this issue.

You may reply to me individually. Thanks in advance for your support at this
trying time!