Hi Jannette,

Has the mom tried a nipple shield? that's the simplest thing to try first.
She can try the finish at the breast method, which is to give most of the
feeding by bottle, so babies are not so hungry, and finish at the breast,
with a shield if needed.

Here are some other suggestions:
Continue lots of skin to skin. Possibly mom could wear some bottle nipples,
over her own, in between feeds, so the smell of the artificial teat is there
(just an odd brainstorm thought) - remove them to offer the breast. I really
do think babies can smell that artificial nipple. Perhaps try feeding in a
different position, like football (clutch) hold, and start with the bottle,
remove the bottle after 1/4 of feed, and offer the breast, dripping with
milk.

Sometimes I think mom has to get naked from waist up and babies too (in just
a diaper) and get the milk dripping and spraying all over, laying on towels
or whatever because it will be messy. Have baby or babies there on bed,
perhaps sidelying, and not necessarily ravenously hungry, and see if they
seek the milk and will latch. May have to try for several days. Make it a
determined effort, no visitors for a couple days.

If there is one baby that seems more agreeable at breast, coach him first???


Laurie Wheeler RN MN IBCLC
Mississippi USA

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