lol You'd think I'd never done this before, but I nursed Adelaide for 14 months. However, Emma has a very small mouth and I'm having trouble with nipple soreness. I believe it was a contributing factor for the thrush. I compress the nipple before she latches, but I'm still sore as can be. Anyone have any suggestions? I may call the LLL tomorrow, but they'll probably want me to come in so they can observe.

One thing a Lactation Consultant told me would help was to say

"O P E N......." clearly and drawn out to the baby from newborn on...

and guess what?!

My youngest child actually seemed to learn what this meant very quickly and knowingly! I would use my finger to pull his bottom lip down, say "open" and then when he was latched on I would flay his upper and lower lips to be as wide as he could comfortably do it.

lol I've done that. I've also pulled down on her chin and said "big big!" Her lips do flare, and due to the compression of the areola, she does take a good bit of it in her mouth. However, due to her super-strong suction (so strong that the pediatrician commented on it in the hospital after she was born) and her tiny mouth....I'm in pain! I remember having some trouble with this with Adelaide, but at 6 weeks things got much better. I'm eagerly looking forward to next week!

not long noe mama ... growth spurt in sight...