#asktheexpert
Hi Doctor,
My daughter is 45 days old. I do breastfeed & Formula both. While breastfeeding, as soon as breast loose she is not able to hold. & get cranky. any way to make her hold.

Question

#asktheexpert 
Hi Doctor, 
My daughter is 45 days old. I do breastfeed & Formula both. While breastfeeding, as soon as breast loose she is not able to hold. & get cranky. any way to make her hold.

Accepted Answer

It's common for newborns to have difficulty latching properly, especially when the breast becomes softer as it empties. Here are some tips to help your daughter maintain her latch and reduce crankiness:

1. **Breast Compression**: Gently compress your breast while your baby is feeding. This can help maintain milk flow when the breast becomes softer and encourage your baby to continue sucking.

2. **Frequent Burping**: Ensure you burp your baby regularly during feedings. Sometimes, gas can cause discomfort and make it difficult for them to latch.

3. **Switch Breasts**: If your baby is getting cranky and seems to be struggling to latch, try switching to the other breast. This can often help maintain their interest and flow.

4. **Proper Positioning**: Make sure your baby is positioned well. Her mouth should cover a large part of the areola, not just the nipple, to get a good latch. You might try different breastfeeding positions (e.g., cradle hold, football hold) to find one that works best.

5. **Nipple Shields**: In some cases, a nipple shield can help babies who have difficulty latching onto a softer breast. However, it's best to use them under the guidance of a lactation consultant.

6. **Paced Bottle Feeding**: When giving formula, use paced bottle feeding techniques to mimic the flow of breastfeeding. This can help reduce any preference for the faster flow of a bottle.

7. **Stay Calm and Patient**: Babies can pick up on stress and frustration. Try to stay calm and patient, as this will help your baby relax and latch more easily.

8. **Lactation Consultant**: If the problem persists, consider consulting a lactation consultant. They can provide personalized advice and techniques to help with latching and feeding issues.

If your baby continues to have difficulty or if you have concerns about her feeding and weight gain, it's important to seek advice from your pediatrician or a lactation consultant.

#asktheexpert Hi Doctor, My daughter is 45 days old. I do breastfeed & Formula both. While breastfeeding, as soon as breast loose she is not able to hold. & get cranky. any way to make her hold.