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How to help your baby get a good breastfeeding latch
If you're planning to nurse your baby, you've probably heard that a good latch is important. But you may be wondering exactly what a "good latch" means and how to achieve one. This article will walk you through the importance of a good breastfeeding latch, what steps to take to help your baby achieve one, and how to troubleshoot any problems that come up.
Why is a good breastfeeding latch important?
A good latch means efficient transfer of milk from mom's breast to baby's mouth. A baby with a good latch can effectively empty the breast so that he gets all the milk he needs and so that mom has less risk of painful engorgement (swelling of the breast) and mastitis (breast infection).
A good breastfeeding latch also prevents nipple pain and soreness. Moms who have nipple pain are understandably more likely to reach for a bottle of formula at feeding time, which sets up a cycle of less demand for breast milk, followed by less production, followed by the need to use more formula. Before you know it, mom is in a tough spot: she no longer has a full milk supply and must work to bring it back up or decide to use formula permanently.
How to get a good latch
During pregnancy, some parents have the idea that breastfeeding will come easily and naturally. But if you're a first-time nursing mother, breastfeeding is a skill you learn through trial and error. Your baby has been fed through his umbilical cord throughout your entire pregnancy, and he has to learn to breastfeed as well. The most important thing to remember is to be patient with yourself and to reach out for help if you need it.
The steps to achieving a good latch are:
- Hold your baby in a nursing position that's comfortable for you. Often, sitting in a recliner or lying on a bed or sofa in a reclined position works well. You may want to use several pillows to support your arms and your baby's body so that you don't get tired while nursing.
- You may want to choose a "cross-cradle" position so that his body is perpendicular to yours, and he will be nursing "sideways."
- "Laid-back" or "natural" breastfeeding is another good position. Your baby's body will be parallel to yours, with his head toward your head and his feet toward your feet.
- Put one hand on your baby's head so that you can help him control it. You can position your other hand on your breast or to support your baby's bottom so that you have full control of his body.
- No matter what position you choose, your baby will need to have his ear, shoulder, and hip all in alignment while he is nursing. (Turn your head right or left and imagine trying to suck and swallow. It's very difficult, and you want to avoid creating this situation for your baby.)
- Try to feed your baby just as he begins to get hungry. A baby who is very hungry and upset will need to be soothed before attempting to latch. (Imagine trying to drink while screaming — not very pleasant.)
- Express a small amount of breast milk with your hand so that your baby can smell and taste it. This will help him know that he is about to eat.
- Wait for your baby's mouth to open very wide and then quickly pull him onto your breast.
- Bring the baby to the breast; don't bring the breast to the baby. If you bring your breast to your baby, your neck and shoulders will be very tired by the end of a day's nursing.
- Note the difference between a yawn and a wide open mouth that is ready to eat.
- Your baby's mouth should be well back on the areola (the darker part of the nipple), and both his lips should be flanged out like a fish.
- When you have a good latch, your baby's ear, shoulder, and hip will all be aligned. You will feel a tugging sensation, but not pain, and you will be able to see the space just in front of your baby's ear move when he swallows milk. (Note that short periods of rest at the breast and then more nursing are common in young infants.)
- During the first two weeks of nursing, there may be some pain at first, but this should last less than a minute. If you have pain that doesn't subside, break the suction by inserting your finger into the corner of your baby's mouth first, and then take him off the breast. Start the process over and try again. Your baby is learning; he will repeat the same sucking pattern if you allow him to continue because he will assume that he is nursing the way he should.
- If you hear a clicking or smacking noise, your baby doesn't have a good latch. Break the suction and try again.
If you're having trouble or just feeling frustrated, find a lactation consultant in your area. Breastfeeding takes practice, and in many cases, a little professional help can go a long way.
As you learn more about breastfeeding, check out this article on what expecting mothers need to know about breast pumps.
