SEVERE NIPPLE DAMAGE. Claire, Alex, and 3-week-old Hamish. Dr Pamela Douglas 6 November 2024

Claire's notes prior to online consultation as volunteer patient

I have a nearly 3 week old baby and we’re struggling to exclusively breastfeed after a rocky start. Born at term, however instrumental birth with some mild jaundice and baby was quite sleepy first couple of days. Painful latch in hospital with resultant severe nipple trauma. Baby needed formula/EBM top ups due to weight loss. Now trying to increase supply, work on latch and improving milk transfer. Currently breastfeeding 4-5 times a day with EBM/formula top ups if required and expressing overnight (slowly increasing the number of breast feeds in 24 hours to preserve my sanity with triple feeding). Latch is still painful at times and baby loses interest in sucking after 10 minutes each side - but then demands further feeds 5-30 minutes later. No issues with weight gain.

Hamish's weights

Born: 3510 g

Day 4: 3160 g

Day 10: 3480 g

Day 22: (3 weeks, 1 Day):3950g