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Ask A Lactation Consultant

Q. My son came three weeks early and has a tiny mouth and jaw opening and my nipples plus areola area are large- how can I get him to take more than the nipple only- he's two days old, has a great suck/swallow, but I can barely get anything more than the nipple in his mouth. I did not have this problem with my first and I need a fast answer. Thank you,
Schatze

A. Congratulations on your new baby. Has anyone showed you the "sandwich technique"? Where you put tuck the nipple inside of the areola making it likek a sandwich and offering your baby the breast that way. It is so hard to explain in writing. If there's a lactation consultant in your area give her a call and see if she can elaborate on that technique. Some other pointers for the "little mouths" Use the football hold so he can drop his jaw and hopefully take a little more in. Also try to gently open his mouth while you are trying to latch him on. Be very patient with him as well - I've seen very tiny babies with big breasted mamas and once they know where the food comes from - they open!

Good luck,
Stephanie

Stephanie Ryan, RN, BSN, ICCE, IBCLC answers your breastfeeding questions.