We found out two days later that my son was not only tongue tied but lip tied as well, meaning that glorious wide mouth that most newborns can do, was a physiological impossibility for my boy. The resulting sensation was akin to having my nipples vigorously rubbed with wet sandpaper multiple times per day.
Until it was happening to me, I never would have dreamed this kind of discomfort was possible from the simple and natural action of a sweet baby trying to get food. Needless to say, nature has an interesting sense of self-preservation sometimes.We've had his tongue and lip tie undone and have seen a Lactation Consultant for the last ten and a half weeks. For the first four weeks our job was to massage his wound site six times a day so it didn't re-attach. (Welcome to the world Kid! Let me laser you and then get my hands up in your ouchy area and rub!) He's worked so hard his little jaw quivers from retraining his muscles. I've taken more herbs, modified more diets and taken blood pressure medication to help with any circulation issues I might have to give us the best shot possible at me tolerating breast feeding long enough for him to learn how to do it without causing me to curl my toes.
Bliss, where are you. Definitely in little Quiver Jaw's smiles and laughter. The amount of time we spend learning to breastfeed and trust the process is decidedly greater at this point. Of course, I didn't want to go knocking for trouble before it opened the door, but this has certainly been a shocker.
I'm gonna need some venting and wisdom sharing space while we continue our Quest of the Breast. Get ready for all the myths and unspoken experiences of this mama in the hopes that it will not only help me get through this and triumph, but also, that any other mamas going through challenges will feel more supported and have a voice.
The bliss is elusive but I'm not giving up today.
