Fear of bonding with aunt and nursing problem

Question

My older sister , mom of 2 month old baby, told me yesterday that she nursed my 5 week old for a couple of min in order to see how was her latch.

It took her 4 min to latch her , but I struggle for not less than 15 min to latch her on my breast.

Today she gave me some tips, but still I am struggling.

I saw her latch, she has more milk, she did it very easily,my baby latched on to her in seconds.I fear that, is it that because I keep my baby in her care for long time, theer is some confusion for the baby .

Answer 1

No, your baby won't get confused. But see, your baby CAN latch, so now you can see that you just need to work on some other things...I would go ahead like others have said and see a lactation consultant. That person should be able to monitor you and baby nursing, and check for any problems...Usually when I see the baby nursing, I can determine possible problems vs. over the phone or from what someone simply tells me. I think that you should not worry...Babies have survived thousands of years due to wet-nursing....so its not gross, and the richest people on earth spent thousands looking for the best women to nurse their children, so its not weird either....

More importantly, you have a great source in your sister. I would emulate her technique and position and keep at it...I just learned that my client had been nursing her 8-month old who was 7-weeks early since he was about a month...well when I worked with her at home when he was just 2-3 weeks old it was NOT latching on at all..he would latch 5 seconds, drop off and scream....But after hours of sweat...he only went 10 more seconds, which ain't much....But he is great now...She said it was slow-going, and she kept at it....She said she is glad she didn't give up, and if you keep practicing, you and your baby will find the PERFECT solution that works for you both!

Good Luck, and good for you for your selfless act!

Answer 2

You baby knows who its mother is, not doubt.  You may be having a little trouble, but worrying about it will just make it worse.  If you do not like her doing it, let her know.

Answer 3

My sister had a similar issue- mine was 7 months, hers 3 weeks.  Her son was born small and she just assumed (as did the nurses) that his feeding issues were related to his size.  I tried though and had no issues feeding him.  I had flat nipples when my daughter was born and sure enough so did my sister.  The reason her son latched on me more easily was because of my anatomy not because of bonding.  Alternately you could a forceful let-down or a slower let down.  

I would talk to a lactation consultant if you can, check out La Leche League or kellymom.org.  All the best.

Answer 4

Don't kick yourself..it takes time to get used to nursing and your sisters milk is much more established.  Also, your nipples could be different or you could be holding the baby different so it takes a little longer.  Hang in there!  I actually called the hospital where I delivered and spoke to a lactation consultant who came to my house and helped me learn how to hold her a different way to latch on.  I suggest you call the local hospital and ask for the lactation consultant.  She not only showed me more ways to hold the baby and get her to latch on, she also made me feel more confident and calmer.  I was about to give up on nursing and she convinced me to hang in there!  You are doing a wonderful service to your baby by continuing to breast feed! Congrats to you!

Answer 5

you jus have to keep at it, you will get it and she will get the hang of it. I wouldnt allow my sister to continue breastfeeding my child though as it could cause nipple confusion.

good luck I wish you all the best,

Answer 6

While I personally find it disturbing to nurse other people's children/have your child nursing from someone else, maybe it's fine for you. Anyways, your b*****s could be totally different. "Madonna" b***s are easier to breast feed with. Personally, I have rounded b*****s and had a h**l of a time trying to breast feed. I would simply ask your sister not to breast feed your daughter. It could cause problems if your sister is easier to latch onto.

Answer 7

I would recommend that you do not cross nurse on a regular basis.  If you're comfortable with the concept and it's once in a while, that's fine...but your milk and your sister's milk taste different based on what you eat and that may cause some problems.  Good luck dealing with your latch troubles.

Answer 8

Dont worry about your baby bonding with her.

Babies dont get confused they know their mother!