A good latch while breastfeeding is one of the most important things to ensure a good feed without unnecessary pain for the mama. It not only prevents sore nipples but also ensures sufficient milk supply by stimulating plentiful milk production. While some babies don’t have latching issues, a few might need extra guidance. As new moms, there are a few ways to ensure your baby gets a good latch while breastfeeding. With August being National Breastfeeding Month, it is the perfect time to get informed about how to ensure your little one has a good latch while you breastfeed them.
How to get a good latch while breastfeeding
While breastfeeding, ensure you and your baby are lined up correctly, irrespective of your breastfeeding position. Just make sure your infant’s head and body are in a straight line and well-supported. If not, they will have difficulty swallowing the breast milk. Once in position, try the following steps to get a good latch while breastfeeding.
- Place your little one close to you with their nose level with the nipple.
- Then, let your infant’s head tip back a little. This will cause their top lip to brush against your nipple, helping your baby open their mouth wide enough to take in your nipple and a bit of your areola (the darker-colored area around the nipple).
- If their mouth stays closed, stroke their lip again, press gently down on their chin with your index finger, and open your mouth, too. You will be surprised to know that babies sometimes imitate the action. So, seeing you open your mouth could be just the motivation they needed to open their mouth wide.
- When your baby’s mouth is open wide enough, their chin will touch first at the areola.
- Now, quickly guide them closer and place their open mouth on your breast. Make sure this guiding movement is quick yet gentle.
For additional support, you can even hold your breast in a C-hold. Use your free hand and place four fingers under your breast and your thumb on top to present the nipple to your baby. Make sure your fingers are well behind the areola so it doesn’t get in the way. You can gently compress the breast to make it easier for your little one to latch. It also helps with secreting breast milk.
Once latched, let them drink the milk without disturbing them. Your little ones’ cheeks will look full and rounded as they feed. Moreover, post-feed, your breasts should feel lighter. When your baby gets a good latch while breastfeeding, you can hear them swallowing. They will also seem calm while feeding and unlatch when their tummy is full.
It’s important to remember that you have to bring your infant to your breast, not push your breast into their mouth. If you push your baby’s head into the breast hard, they will have difficulty breathing, causing agitation. It might even frighten them. This may result in arching their back and refusing to take feed. Instead, support their upper back and neck in place with your hand.
How to fix a painful latch while breastfeeding
When your newborn latches while breastfeeding, it’s natural to feel slight discomfort for the first few sucks. However, once they begin feeding correctly, you should not feel pain.
If you still feel discomfort beyond the first minute or so of nursing, it’s a sign that your infant is not latching well and should be corrected immediately. Hence, unlatch, correct your baby’s position, and guide them to a good latch.
You can try this with your other breast so that the painful breast can recuperate from the discomfort. Moreover, you can try other positions to help your little one get a good latch while breastfeeding.
However, if the problem persists, seek help from your pediatrician, nurse, or lactation specialist as early as possible. Continuing feeding with a painful breast might lead to other breastfeeding complications like cracked nipples, thrush, etc. In such a situation, your baby will remain fussy and unsettled as they cannot latch well and feed properly.
How to safely unlatch baby from breast
If you want to unlatch your baby while breastfeeding due to pain or maybe because they are full and have fallen asleep while nursing, it should be done properly, or else it might hurt your breast. Never pull them away, as it might wake them up as well as injure your breasts.
To safely unlatch your baby, insert your finger at the corner of your little one’s mouth between the gums to break the suction. Then, continue along the side of your nipple using your finger to protect your nipple. This way, if your infant tries to suck again or bite, it will be your finger instead of your nipple. Once in position, unlatch them slowly.
We agree that breastfeeding is complicated. Getting the position right or helping your baby get a good latch the first few times may not be easy. With regular feeding, you will gradually figure out what works for you and your little one. Even your newborn will eventually get a good latch while breastfeeding. However, if, even after a few days of nursing, you both are still struggling, contact your doctor immediately. They will guide you and examine any underlying problem, if any.
