Establishing A Proper Breastfeeding Latch

By Kelly L White 


Signs of a good latch:


Mom's breast is drawn deeply into the baby's mouth

The insides of the baby's upper and lower lips are against mom's breast

At the beginning of the feed, the baby will have short, quick jaw motions stimulating the milk to let down and after the milk begins to flow the jaw motions will become deep, rhythmic, and slow. The baby will swallow every 1-3 jaw strokes and the baby may take 5-10 sucks then rest for 10 seconds.

Mom's nipple will come out of the baby's mouth holding the same shape as it had when the baby began suckling, although elongated

Signs the baby is getting enough milk:


The baby is content - and usually falls asleep after a feed

Mom notices her breasts feel full before a feed and softer afterwards

The baby will have the "appropriate number" of wet and soiled diapers each day

The baby will have an appropriate weight gain, increased length, and head circumference - measured at well baby appointments

If the baby is not latching well, it is important to think about why. Some reasons that can contribute to the baby's difficulty in latching include:


A variation in the anatomy of mom's nipple - large, inverted, or flat

Mom may be offering the breast at times when the baby is not ready to nurse

Mom may be trying to put her breast into the baby's mouth instead of allowing the baby to latch on

The tissue around mom's nipple may be filled with excess fluid

Mom's breasts may be engorged or too full

Positions and techniques that can encourage a good latch take some practice. Here are some suggestions:

1.  Positioning:


Get comfortable. Use any of the basic breastfeeding positions. The cross cradle hold works well when looking to improve the latch and it helps you have better control of the breast and the baby.

Hold the baby securely so the baby is snuggled as close as possible.

The baby's ear, shoulder, and hips should all be in alignment.

Hold the baby at the level of the nipple to prevent soreness or damage from pulling.

2. Breast Support:


Hold your breast so your thumb and fingers cup the breast from underneath and make the letter "C". Your thumb and fingers will shape the breast to line up with the baby's mouth.

Keep your fingers away from the areola - this is where the baby's mouth will be.

Gently compress your breast to form the shape of an oval.

3. A Good Latch:


Hold the baby so his/her nose is directly across from your nipple

Wait until the baby opens his/her mouth wide - to stimulate the baby's mouth you can lightly brush your nipple against his/her nose.

Once the baby's mouth is open wide, gently and quickly pull the baby onto the breast, making sure to place the breast under the nipple against the baby's bottom jaw first and tuck the nipple and the rest of the breast into the baby's mouth so the nipple goes into the back of his/her throat.

When the baby is latched on well, his/her mouth will be full of breast and the lower jaw and tongue will remove the milk effectively.

If you don't feel the baby latched on well, take the baby off and start over. It might help to try a different technique. It is important to be patient - it takes a while to learn. Don't hesitate to consult with a lactation professional or doctor.

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Article Source:  Establishing A Proper Breastfeeding Latch