Getting your baby to latch properly

The most important part of breastfeeding is the latch. If your baby doesn’t latch properly, feedings can be frustrating. You might experience pain and your baby probably won’t relax, nor get all of the nourishment he or she needs. Parents contributor Holly Hays describes it best: “The latch is the moment everything comes together: Your baby takes a big mouthful of your nipple and areola (or "latches on"), begins to suck, and draws out your milk. When your baby has established a good latch, your nipple soreness is minimized and your little one gets the nourishment he needs.” Hays spoke with Emily Pease, R.N. and international board certified lactation consultant (IBCLC), and shared steps you can take to help you avoid potential latching problems.

Take a Class

Before you have your baby, take a breastfeeding class. Hospitals and birthing centers offer classes, and demonstrate latching with videos and/or dolls. Become comfortable with the process, ask questions, and connect with other moms. They can be a great support network should you have questions, or experience difficulties breastfeeding.

Start Breastfeeding as Soon as You Can

The earlier you can start breastfeeding after your baby is born, the better. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends breastfeeding begin within the first hour after birth (even for Cesarean deliveries). This allows you to tap into your baby’s innate latching ability, and keeps your milk supply strong, making the process easier for the both of you.

Get Comfortable and Try Different Positions

All babies are different. And so are moms. What might be a perfect hold for your best friend and her baby, might not work for you and your little one. Pease suggests moms “find a relaxed position that you can stay in for a while.” How you sit, hold your baby, and offer your breast will affect how your little one latches. You may want to use a nursing pillow or a stool. For beginners, an easy position is the cradle hold. Sit upright in an armchair or rocking chair and cradle your baby’s head with the crook of your arm using your hand to support their bottom. Your other hand supports your breast. Guide your baby’s mouth to the right place, and help her latch on.   Your baby’s mouth will cover most of the bottom of your areola and some of the top.

Know the Signs of a Good Latch

If you feel pulling and tugging on your breast, this is a sign of a good latch. To see if your baby is swallowing, “his temple and lower jaw move rhythmically and you hear a breathy ‘aah’ occasionally,” says Hays. Your baby’s lips should be flanged out, not tucked under your nipple and areola. If your baby’s lips are tucked under it could make your nipples sore. Womenshealth.gov shares other signs of a good latch:

• The latch feels comfortable to you, without hurting or pinching. How it feels is more important than how it looks.
• Your baby’s chest is against your body and he or she does not have to turn his or her head while drinking.
• You see little or no areola, depending on the size of your areola and the size of your baby’s mouth. If areola is showing, you will see more above your baby’s lip and less below.
• When your baby is positioned well, his or her mouth will be filled with breast.
• The tongue is cupped under the breast, although you might not see it.
• You hear or see your baby swallow. Some babies swallow so quietly, a pause in their breathing may be the only sign of swallowing.
• You see the baby’s ears “wiggle” slightly.
• Your baby’s lips turn out like fish lips, not in. You may not even be able to see the bottom lip.
• Your baby’s chin touches your breast.

Look for Signs of Trouble

Your breasts will feel a little sore or tender after feeding, especially in the beginning. However you shouldn’t feel pinching or biting. You also shouldn’t feel sore throughout the entire feeding. It can be painful for mom if baby is firmly latched on, and then suddenly turns his or her head when dad walks in the room. If your baby has a habit of pulling away without letting go, keep your finger ready to break the suction when they begin to pull away. Cracked or bleeding nipples are also signs of trouble. If you notice any of the above, are in a lot of pain, or you and baby are frustrated, talk with your healthcare provider or a lactation consultant to figure out and fix the problem. If you are struggling to get your baby to latch on you may be feeling frustrated, maybe even defeated. But don’t give up. Breastfeeding is a learned skill, not one that necessarily comes naturally. You need to practice with your baby to get your routine down.