[blparent] Getting baby latched on without help

[Veronica Smith]

I found that when I had too much help, that included my husband, we just
couldn't seem to do it ourselves.  When all was quiet and no one was
watching, Gabriella just latched on.  I held her with her head in the crook
of my elbow and just made sure her nose was to the side of my nipple.  
Don't worry, you can do it.  Take a deep breath and don't get too worried.
I think that was the key to our success was the quiet, no expectations.
Just put your nipple in front of his mouth, I mean right in front so your
nipple is touching his lips Don't try to force his mouth open just make sure
he knows the milk is for him.  If you have to squeeze a little onto your
finger and put it in his mouth.   Don't give him a bottle to  supplement him
or he will choose the bottle as he doesn't have to work too hard for it.
V

-----Original Message-----
From: blparent-bounces at nfbnet.org [mailto:blparent-bounces at nfbnet.org] On
Behalf Of Ronit Ovadia Mazzoni
Sent: Saturday, April 23, 2011 7:33 PM
To: 'NFBnet Blind Parents Mailing List'
Subject: [blparent] Getting baby latched on without help

Hello everyone,
Just a quick question for those of you who breastfed your babies. I am three
weeks in to it and still having a lot of trouble latching the baby on by
myself. This is getting very frustrating that I need someone sighted to help
me do this. I use one finger to feel when his mouth is open and some of the
time I can do it successfully, but a lot of times we both get frustrated and
I need my husband to help me. Any other tips for getting babies to latch on
more easily without sight? Also, I'm wondering if there are any certain
positions that you've found work better for this. I've been using the
football hold but I found it hard to get him in to position and out of it
when it's time to burp because he's so far to my side. Any tips would be
appreciated. I really want to be able to do this independently and I only
have one week left before my husband goes back to work.
Thanks so much.
Ronit

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