Tips for Achieving a Good Latch: A Detailed Guide for New Parents
A proper latch is the foundation of successful and comfortable breastfeeding. It ensures your baby gets enough milk while preventing issues like nipple pain, cracked nipples, or clogged ducts.
Here's a step-by-step guide to help you achieve a good latch.
1) Start with Skin-to-Skin Contact
Holding your baby skin-to-skin before latching helps calm your baby and stimulates their natural feeding instincts. This is especially helpful right after birth or during challenging feeding sessions.
2) Find a Comfortable Position
Both you and your baby need to feel comfortable to achieve a proper latch. Experiment with different breastfeeding positions.
See here for more information on positions.
3) Position Your Baby Correctly
Proper positioning helps your baby latch deeply and effectively:
- Alignment: Ensure your baby's head, shoulders, and hips are in a straight line.
- Facing the Breast: Your baby's nose should be level with your nipple, with their whole body turned toward you.
- Close Contact: Hold your baby close, so they don't need to stretch or turn their head to latch.
4. Encourage a Wide Open Mouth
Getting your baby to open their mouth wide is crucial for a deep latch:
- Tickle Their Lips: Use your nipple to gently stroke your baby's upper lip or nose. This stimulates their rooting reflex.
- Wait for a Wide Gape: Be patient and wait until your baby opens their mouth as wide as a yawn.
- Aim for the Areola: Position your nipple so it points toward the roof of your baby's mouth, and bring them onto the breast, not the other way around.
5. Check for a Deep Latch
A deep latch ensures your baby is feeding effectively and minimizes discomfort for you:
- Areola Coverage: Your baby's mouth should cover most of the areola, not just the nipple.
- Lips Outward: Check that your baby's lips are flanged outward (like fish lips).
- Chin and Nose Contact: Your baby's chin should press into your breast, and their nose may lightly touch your skin without being pressed in.
- No Pain: You should feel a gentle tugging sensation but no sharp pain.
6. Signs of an Effective Latch
Watch for these indicators to ensure your baby is latched well and feeding effectively:
- Suck-Swallow Rhythm: You should hear or see your baby swallowing milk after a few sucks.
- Full Cheeks: Your baby's cheeks should look full and rounded, not dimpled.
- Breast Compression: Your baby's jaw and ear should move rhythmically as they feed.
7) When to Break the Latch
If your baby latches shallowly or if it's painful, gently break the latch and try again:
- Insert your clean pinky finger into the corner of your baby's mouth to release the suction.
- Take a moment to reposition yourself and your baby before trying again.
8) Common Latch Issues and How to Address Them
- Shallow Latch: Ensure your baby's mouth is wide open and that you bring them closer to your breast.
- Nipple Pain or Cracks: Use a lanolin cream or expressed breast milk to soothe soreness and consult an IBCLC for a latch assessment.
- Baby Refusing to Latch: Try hand-expressing a few drops of milk to entice your baby or change positions to see what works best.
9) Seek Help From an IBCLC
If you continue to face challenges with latching, an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) can provide expert support:
- Latch Assessment: An IBCLC can observe a feeding session and identify issues with your baby's latch or positioning.
- Hands-On Guidance: They can guide you step-by-step on how to position your baby and achieve a better latch.
- Problem Solving: They'll help you address specific concerns, such as tongue ties, nipple pain, or feeding refusal.
- Personalized Plan: You'll leave with a customized plan to improve breastfeeding for both you and your baby.
Remember: Practice Makes Perfect
A good latch often takes practice for both you and your baby. Be patient with yourself and celebrate small victories along the way.
For additional support, reach out to your local IBCLC. Having professional guidance and a supportive community can make a world of difference on your breastfeeding journey.