I never thought it was possible, but my baby forgot how to breastfeed.
I started breastfeeding Rissa within a few hours after she was born. She spent a lot of time at the breast during our two day stay at the hospital.
The nurses and lactation consultants commented on what a good little nurser she was and complimented me on positioning and technique.
They said it was obvious I attended a breastfeeding class and prepared before Rissa's arrival.
Certainly I had nothing to worry about, right? I felt like all my fears of “will she nurse ok?” were silly.
Things were going to be just fine.
We were naturals.
Like old pros.
The day we were discharged, Rissa clusterfed like nobody's business. She was CONSTANTLY at the breast.
It made for a difficult morning because I could barely break away to go to the bathroom. The nurses and lactation consultant seemed pleased with this though.
A couple nurses told me that my daughter was a baby that needed to do extra sucking, which may be part of the constant cues to be nursed.
I was shown how to let Rissa suck on a clean finger, nail side down, to assist with her need to suck if I needed a break from giving her my breast since a pacifier wasn't recommended yet. The nurse also said that is helpful for calming her down.
The back pain was from hunching over her and bringing my breast to her. I knew I was supposed to sit up straight and bring her to my breast, but I was too focused on trying to see her to make sure she was latched correctly and she didn't leave much time with her mouth open.
I still am not 100% sure why I was having breastfeeding pain at initial latch. It could have been related to my strong let down in the beginning or a shallow latch.
It wasn't easy to tell, but since the pain didn't last after she started swallowing, I just kept working on positioning and a deep latch.
I learned how to break suction better. It was hard though, when she would be latched on improperly (that I could tell for sure, it hurt WAY more than anything else. Definitely pain and not just severe discomfort.) it hurt and was awkward for me to get a finger there to unlatch quickly.
I had one hand behind her head (cross cradle) and the other supporting my breast (U hold). I learned real quick why you don't want to just try to pull it out of the baby's mouth. YE-OWch!
RELATED: Breastfeeding Tips for Full Figure Moms
What I had been taught was to press my finger down on my breast close to baby's mouth until there was a release. This wasn't working very well for me. She would just suck me back in right away!
Instead, I read somewhere to try placing my finger at the corner of her mouth, on her cheek, and gently pressing the corner of her mouth away from my breast.
This worked better. Plus, it was easier to slip my finger in as I slipped my nipple out, so she could suck on my finger for a bit.
But try as I might… scouring the internet and my class materials on latching and positioning…. I couldn't see anything as blatantly wrong. She seemed right.
They told me I was great!
So why was I experiencing nipple trauma? I had cracked and bleeding nipples. Not just soreness (some of that too). Everything I read said that was not normal. They shouldn't be bleeding or cracked.
I decided to call the hospital to schedule an appointment with a lactation consultant to get hands on help. The appointment was scheduled for a couple days out.
At this point, Rissa was about 2 weeks old. The day before our appointment is when our biggest obstacle came.
The obstacle that almost ended our breastfeeding relationship.
Or, at least, it had the potential to end it.
It was a Thursday morning. The night before had been a little rough with getting her to stay asleep once I laid her down.
I admit, I had gotten a little frustrated and said in a tone with little patience something along the lines of “I guess I'll just be awake rocking her all night.”
I usually have a lot of patience, but it goes away faster when I'm tired… like it does with anyone.
can babies forget how to breastfeed?
I think I ended up nursing her again after saying that and was eventually able to put her to bed. But the next morning… she wouldn't latch.
I kept trying and trying, but she just wouldn't latch. She would mouth at my breast, doing a light sucking motion, but she kept slipping right off.
I didn't understand. My boob was in her mouth. She was sucking. How was she not latching and drinking from me? We did this just a few hours ago!
She tried and fussed and I kept trying to latch her on. Switching sides… nothing. She fell asleep. But then, if I tried to move her, she'd wake up and cry. We'd try again. We'd get no where.
I started to panic.
It was like she forgot how to nurse. My baby forgot how to latch.
How the hell could she forget? What did I do wrong?
I started crying, like really crying and asking her what was wrong and why she wouldn't eat.
My husband heard and came to the nursery. I told him what was happening through blubbering tears.
He tried to look up some information and he found some people talking about “baby amnesia,” where the baby seems to have forgotten how to nurse or was on a nursing strike.
I kept trying. Different positions, different places in the house, different sides, different pillows. The poor thing would fuss and cry for a bit then fall asleep without really eating.
I called and left a message for the lactation consultant at the hospital, asking for help.
In the meantime, my breasts continued to swell. I tried so hard to help my baby eat, but she couldn't or wouldn't. I was leaking like crazy. I think she would get a little bit from this during our attempts. She became increasingly upset.
I became increasingly upset.
Sobbing.
My husband was such a great support. He rubbed my back and told me everything would be ok. He suggested I call the pediatrician since it'd been a couple hours and the lactation consultant hadn't called back.
I called, I sobbed on the phone to the nurse, trying to explain the situation as coherently as possible. She tried to reassure me and said we could come in to see the doctor.
Yes, I hate to say it, but she missed several feedings.
She hadn't eaten for about 6 hours or so, which at her age was quite a long time, especially for during the day. She, surprisingly, didn't really cry much until shortly before going to the doctor.
I would have figured being hungry she would have started wailing hours ago and not stopped til she was fed something.
Getting Help When baby forgets how to latch
When we got to the doctor's office, the nurse asked me to try feeding her so she could see. Rissa tried, but just suckled.
At this point, my boobs were disgustingly engorged and leaking everywhere. Nursing pads were of little help. They hurt to the touch.
The nurse discussed that as I became more engorged, it was even harder for Rissa because the tissue around my nipple wasn't as soft. This made it harder for her little mouth.
Next we met with the pediatrician. He reassured me that I hadn't done anything horribly wrong and that this can happen sometimes where a newborn forgets how to latch .
He said it's hard to know what triggered it. He asked if I had a breast pump to give her expressed breast milk. I said no, but I was planning to buy one at my appointment tomorrow. A good one.
We discussed getting a hand pump in the meantime, at least to help bring me relief.
He asked to feed Rissa a bottle. She was clearly hungry. I said yes, because she needed to eat, but I cried.
He fed her some of the ready mixed formula. My poor baby sucked it down – completely emptying the bottle.
He gave me some formula to take home until I could pump enough to give her breast milk. He encouraged me to continue trying to nurse and that with patience and persistence, she would likely start nursing again.
On the way home I bought a hand pump. It was such a rough day. My husband continued to provide me with strength and support.
We also discussed that if we had to, I would exclusively pump. In between feedings I started to feel some relief. We fed her breast milk when I had enough pumped out, so it was given to her between formula feedings.
She could still get breast milk from a bottle. I also thought about how formula isn't the worst thing in the world, if we have to… but I want to nurse her. I want the BEST possible food for her.
Then at each attempt to nurse and she couldn't latch… I would break down crying again.
Tips On how to get baby to nurse again
The next morning we saw the lactation consultant. She reassured me that the two main things to take care of when a nursing issue arises are:
1 – Feed the baby
2 – Maintain milk supply
I was so afraid that she would shame me about letting her have a bottle and formula, but she did not.
She also reminded me that breastfeeding is a relationship between me and my daughter. She said that any issues we have are not just about me, that she is a partner in this too.
She held her and checked her mouth out. She put a gloved finger into Rissa's mouth and commented on what a tight suck she has, which contributed to my discomfort when latching and unlatching.
She also said that Rissa's tongue was all over. Her sucking was disorganized.
Rissa fussed as the LC wiggled her finger in her mouth. She said she was “petting” her tongue, doing suck training. She did this until Rissa's tongue was down over her lower gum and lip and curled around her finger.
She then gave her to me. Rissa latched right now! Just like old times!
I felt such a wave of relief. The feeling I had when she latched again was so powerful. And, she looked quite happy, sucking away and looking up at me.
The LC even said, “Aww, mom, we've reconnected.”
She weighed her before nursing and again after, she was 2.5 ounces heavier. She said my supply didn't seem to be an issue.
She complimented my technique and positioning again. That apparently was not an issue. She gave me some cool gel pads to help heal my nipples.
She also gave me instructions on how to work with Rissa if she doesn't latch at a feeding.
Only give a little bit of milk from a bottle if she's having trouble, just to keep her from being too upset and hungry before trying again.
And to pump to maintain my breast milk supply; and to help her organize her sucking with my finger.
I felt so much better.
The next feeding she wouldn't latch again, but I kept trying to work with her, between tears. We were supposed to attend a family dinner that evening but we didn't… we were under too much stress and I was too embarrassed about the situation.
It took some time before I could comfortably talk about what happened with family and friends. Now, I can talk about it without a problem (ok, I'm a little misty-eyed) but maybe it will help someone else out.
Before bed, she latched!
The next day was crazy though. She latched with no problem (or would need a little suck training and then be able to latch), but suddenly she was ravenous!
I could do little else that weekend besides cluster feed her almost every hour for at least 20 minutes.
I called the LC and she said that it was a good sign and was probably a growth spurt. It just had bad timing with the no-nursing situation because my supply was behind by about a day. Things were back to normal within 48 hours.
I could have given up, but I didn't. I had a lot of support and I reached out to people that I knew could help me and my daughter. If you ever have a breastfeeding obstacle, just know it doesn't mean you have to stop.
Oh, and you know who called me that Saturday? The pediatrician. Yep, he called to follow up and see how we were doing since he'd seen us on Thursday.
Whew, that was long. Thanks for hanging in there with me! I hope sharing my story helps you.
More breastfeeding tips and resources:
- Tips For Handling Breastfeeding Pain
- 10 Helpful Tips for New Breastfeeding Moms
- 5 Top Benefits of Breastfeeding New Moms Should Know
MJ says
Oh sweet pea! How terrible! Good for you for sticking with it though. You have a beautiful baby and thank you for sharing your story.
Darcy says
Thanks :) It gets easier to share each time I tell it. It was an emotional roller coaster, but we survived!
Erin says
I was getting misty eyed reading this. It’s so confusing when you know they have to eat and you don’t want to do the “wrong” thing. It sounds like your LC had a resonable head on her shoulders. Great story, great outcome. Nice job Mama!
Darcy says
Thanks Erin! I think I was lucky to have a supportive LC and a supportive pediatrician through this. Neither made me feel bad and encouraged me to continue nursing. I think our breastfeeding relationship is stronger because of going through that together.
Jen J. - Life With Levi says
I’m so glad your LC made you feel comfortable and was helpful. Having support is so huge!
Thanks for linking up to the Breastfeeding Blog Hop.
-Jen (@LifeWithLevi)
Darcy says
Hi Jen! Thanks for stopping by :) I think I would have given up if it hadn’t been for all the support I received.
JulieK says
wow – that sounds terrible! Glad you got thru it – sounds like you had a good consultant. We had latch problems due to tongue tie… same as you – everyone told me EVERYTHING I did was perfect and he had a great suction, etc. But he just couldn’t get his tongue out far enough for a good latch and it was killing my boobs! (He was happy as a clam! LOL). Finally we got it fixed and everything got better but took a LONG time for me to heal up! :)UGH!
amber says
Your story is so helpful. I wish that I found it when I was breastfeeding my youngest. I would love for you to guest post at our online baby shower event at Living at the Whitehead’s Zoo. (September 23 to October 23) if you would be interested let me know . Thank you
Amber
Darcy says
Hi Amber, I’m glad my story is helpful to others! I’d love to write a guest post for you. Can you send me an email? darcy@darcyandbrian.com Thanks dear!
Lindsay Cooper says
I’m currently in this situation. My little man was born three days ago, before we left the hospital one the nurses introduced him to a pacifier.. and now it’s like he forgot how to latch on my nipple.. I’ve tried everything to get him to latch but he ends up just getting it in his mouth and moving it around but he won’t latch and feed.. I do have a pump so I guess I will use pump and offer breast in between and hopefully it will come back. We do have an appt with pediatrician tomorrow. No available LC appt until Monday. My poor babe also went about 6 hours without eating and I feel terrible.. I will now use the pump and bottle feed the breast milk for now.
Darcy Zalewski says
I’m so sorry you are going through this, Lindsay. I’m glad you have an appointment scheduled and hope you can get in with an LC right away on Monday. Definitely pump to keep your supply up while bottle feeding. The LC will be able to observe and help figure out the latching issue. Hopefully he will be latching well again soon.
Gigi says
Thanks for sharing your story! My LO suddenly forgot how to latch when he was 20 Days.. I’m getting him some tongue exercises and it seems to help, at least he’s able to nurse from my right side now. Thank you so much! (Any special skills I should note for the tongue exercise?)
Darcy Zalewski says
Latch issues in the early days can be so rough! The main thing I was looking for when I would “pet” her tongue with my finger before nursing was for her tongue to start to curl around my finger like a “u”. Good luck and hang in there!
Sapna varshney says
Thanx for ur story….my daughter also forgot how to latch my breast as I was having breast engorgement n rough n cracked nipples…I started feeding her with expressed milk in bottle…after 20 days I realized she totally forgot how to latch n suck my breast…ur story is so helpful for me…I won’t give up now…thnx once again
Darcy Zalewski says
Hi Sapna, I’m glad you found my story helpful. I went on to nurse her into her toddler years! Engorgement and cracked nipples are no fun at all. If you need more support, please reach out to a lactation consultant. Keep up the good job!
Fam says
Hi Darcy,
My son forgot to latch since yesterday and he is just 42days old. I had been trying since morning 6.30 am but of no use. Got him checked to pediatrician for any problems in him but of no use.
He is crying very badly out of hunger and prb with sucking of my nipple.
I am still trying to help him suck by offering finger first and then offering mu breast. Doc says he is latching finger in a good manner.
I am greatly worried….
May God help me…
Darcy Zalewski says
I’m sorry to hear that you and your son are struggling with latching. Are you able to meet with a Lactation Consultant? I would try to make an appointment ASAP. If he’s too hungry or your breast is getting engorged with milk that can make it difficult to latch. If you need to pump to feed him, it is ok! Can even try to latch after he’s eaten a little. It took us a couple weeks to get back on track.
Fam says
Today is the 3rd day where I am into tears viewing the conditon that my baby doesnt latch. I had consulted pediatrician again today only to know that may be his nose is blocked. I have used the nasal drops once but not of much use…. he jist bites the nipple with a loud hissing sound and leaves off.
We do not have lactatiom consultant in our country.
This situation is taking my life out…
Fam says
Number of feeds of the baby has also rediced to 3 bottles of 120ml milk (including formula n expressed milk). And he is sleeping alot in these days whereas during breastfeeding he used to be continously be awake for 3-4hrs… but here as soon as he drinks milk he dozes off.
I am really worried. Loosii all my patience
Darcy Zalewski says
Please continue to seek help where you can – from your doctor and friends or family. If he’s having a hard time staying awake to eat try a few things to keep him awake and remembering to eat like changing his diaper, lightly tickling his feet, lightly stroking under his chin, a cool washcloth on his feet. Lots of skin to skin time as well. I hope both of you are doing better soon.
Natalie says
Hi Darcy,
My baby is almost two months now and I went through a similar situation during the first few weeks. I wasn’t producing enough milk, my nippples were cracked and my baby had jaundice so the nurses let me formula feed. I was so relieved to be able to feed my baby even though it was formula. I started pumping breast milk and supplementing formula since my supply wasn’t enough (it still isn’t). I also let him suckle at my breast in order to bond with him.
My issue is after a few weeks, my son stared getting confused at both my breast nipple AND the bottle nipple. It was a nightmare to feed him and my heart hurt to see him so hungry yet not being able to latch. He would push out both nipples with the tongue. Finally by God’s grace I figured out that he would latch when he’s distracted. So now I feed him while carrying him around the house showing the light fixtures. I did try this method breast feeding as well, and my it was a task! So now I feed him through the bottle both breast milk and formula. It does take a few tries to push in the nipple but I am so glad he’s able to eat. I’m praying that he will figure out how to suck again. Poor thing gags on his own thumb when he tries to soothe himself. I really don’t know why this happens to babies.
I read in one blog that encouraging the baby to self soothe on their thumb helps. My little one goes through a bit of a halabaloo while trying to self sooth (finding thumb + gagging). But I’m hoping it would fix things.
Darcy Zalewski says
Hi Natalie,
Thank you for reading and sharing your story as well. I wish there was more information readily available to help new moms and babies through situations like this! I am glad you found something that worked – it’s so hard when we know our babies are hungry but they are struggling to eat. <3
Natalie says
And Darcy thank you so much for letting us know your story! It made me feel normal. I will try the tongue exercises you mentioned. I’ve never heard of them before. Hopefully it will help .. It would be nice to be able to sit and feed my baby instead of walking around the house distracting him with light fixtures :)
Shanna Lawless says
What exactly are you doing when your petting her? I’m literally going threw this now. I was in tears earlier.
Darcy Zalewski says
I’m so sorry you are going through this, Shanna. When petting her tongue, I was rubbing the middle of her tongue with my finger, dragging it towards the tip of her tongue. For some reason doing that a few times helped her curl her tongue and position it correctly when latching.
Katie says
Thanks my son wasn’t latching and after reading your post I practiced with my finger and he latched afterward! Yay!
Darcy Zalewski says
I’m so glad this helped you, Katie!