The Key To Successful Breastfeeding: Achieving A Good Latch

Breastfeeding is a wonderful way for mothers to bond with their babies and provide essential nutrition for their growth and development. However, for many mothers, getting a good latch can be a challenge, especially during the early days of breastfeeding. We will discuss the importance of a good latch and explore tips and tricks for how moms can get a secure latch with their babies.

Why A Good Latch is Important

A good latch is important when breastfeeding because it ensures that your baby is effectively draining milk from your breasts, which helps to stimulate milk production and prevent engorgement and other breastfeeding problems. A proper latch also helps to prevent nipple pain and discomfort, which can make breastfeeding more enjoyable for both you and your baby. In addition, it helps to ensure that your baby is getting enough milk, which is essential for his or her growth and development. By achieving a good latch, you can help to ensure a successful breastfeeding experience for you and your baby.

What Can Prevent A Proper Latch

Obtaining a proper latch when breastfeeding is often easier said than done. Some of the main reasons why you might be struggling to have your baby latch on effectively and without causing you pain include:

1. Positioning: Poor positioning of the baby and mother can make it difficult to get a good latch.

2. Nipple shape or size: Women with flat or inverted nipples may struggle to get an effective latch.

3. Baby’s mouth structure: Babies with a high palate or a tongue tie may struggle to latch on correctly.

4. Pain or discomfort: If the mother is experiencing pain or discomfort during breastfeeding, this can make it difficult for her to maintain a good latch.

5. Stress or anxiety: Breastfeeding can be stressful and overwhelming, especially for first-time mothers, which can make it challenging to get a proper latch.

6. Fatigue: Fatigue can make it difficult to concentrate and maintain a good latch while breastfeeding.

7, Medical conditions: Certain medical conditions, such as engorgement, mastitis, or thrush, can also affect your latch.

8. Overactive let-down reflex, which can cause the baby to pull away from the breast.

Tips for Getting A Proper Latch

Before Trying To Latch Your Baby

When you’re getting ready to breastfeed, try to pick a space that is quiet and calm. If possible, get in some skin to skin contact before you try to feed your baby. Not only does this help alleviate some of the pressure you may feel, but it actually helps your baby get ready to feed. Your baby is able to smell your milk and will be more active in seeking out your breasts. Sometimes your baby may lead the way and even start looking for your nipple on their own, and other times they may need some help.

Positioning Yourself and Your Baby

When you’re in a comfortable position and ready to go, brush your nipple against your baby’s upper lip. This causes a reflexive reaction where they open their mouth up nice and wide. You do not want to just shove your breast into your baby’s mouth because this will only result in discomfort and an improper latch. You want to bring your baby to your breast, not the other way around. Once their mouth is open wide, make sure their neck is extended upwards, not tucked in. When you bring your baby to your breast, their chin should be the first thing that touches your breast.

Their lips will be turned outward, kind of like a fish and you want to aim your nipple towards the roof of their mouth. This means don’t bring them straight onto your nipple. They should primarily have the underside of your areola and your nipple in their mouth with a little bit of the upper areola also inside. Having more of lower areola in their mouth not only helps to decrease the pinching sensation you feel, but it makes it easier for them to be able to express the milk and feed effectively. Don’t worry about them not being able to breathe, their nostrils should be faced up and they are perfectly capable of breathing while they drink. You should feel your baby’s tongue on the underside of your breast. When your baby first starts sucking, they will likely do a few short, rapid sucks to stimulate your milk flow, this is known as the let-down reflex. Once the milk is flowing, they should start taking deeper, slower sucks with some pauses. You should be able to hear and see them swallowing and their jaw moving to know that they are actually getting milk.

Recognizing When Your Baby is Full

A helpful trick for knowing when your baby is getting full or is done drinking is by looking at their hands. When they first start feeding, you may notice their hands form little fists. As they drink and get more full, their hands actually relax and start to open up. Other times you can tell that they’re done if they start gumming your breast or aren’t interested in actually drinking anymore. If your baby is drinking and it feels pinchy or painful, break the seal by gently sticking a clean finger into their mouth to cut off their suction and try again. Breastfeeding should feel more like a tugging sensation, it shouldn’t hurt you.

Takeaways For Getting A Good Latch

Breastfeeding can be a wonderful and rewarding experience, but it can also be challenging, especially during the early days. With a good latch and the right support, however, it is possible to overcome these challenges and enjoy a successful breastfeeding experience. If you are having trouble getting a good latch or are experiencing other difficulties with breastfeeding, don’t hesitate to reach out to a lactation consultant or other healthcare provider for guidance and support. And if breastfeeding ends up causing you continuous frustration and stress, consider switching to formula instead. Forget the stigma of “breast is best” because ultimately all that matters is that your baby is fed.