Getting a Good Latch

Getting a good latch is key to comfortable breastfeeding. Here are some helpful tips on how to get a good latch, which is especially important in the early days of breastfeeding. It's important to know that a latch doesn't have to look perfect to be working for both mom and baby. The most important factors are that mom is comfortable and baby is able to transfer milk effectively.

How to get a good latch breastfeeding?

• wide open mouth or gape

• deep latch nipple and areola are deep in baby's mouth

• baby's lips are flared out

• asymmetrical latch

• chin is firmly planted on breast

• most importantly- it is comfortable and baby is able to transfer milk effectively

  Here are some more signs of a "good latch".

  audible swallowing

  • a good suck, swallow, breathe ratio 1:1:1

  • you should see the baby's ears wiggle, this shows they are swallowing

• baby appears satisfied after feeds

What does a “bad latch” look like

Nipple pain can be common for many moms, unfortunately. It’s common, but it’s not normal. Some minor discomfort can be normal and caused by hormonal fluctuations or the nipple getting used to this new stimulus. If your nipples are sore beyond the first few days of breastfeeding, that is a good reason to get help.

Most mother and baby dyads benefit from minor adjustments in technique to get a deeper latch. When babies has a shallow latch their ability to transfer milk is less effective. Mom also experiences a lot of trauma to her nipples.

Nipple pain

Nipple pain can have other causes too. These are just a few conditions that can also cause painful feeds:

• Tongue tie

• Lip tie

• Oral motor dysfunction (chompy or uncoordinated feeds)

• Too forceful a suck

• Long feeds

• Inverted nipples

• Raynaud's syndrome

• Milk blisters

• Thrush

• Bacterial infections of the nipple

If you are having painful feeds with your baby, reach out to a lactation consultant for help. Nipple pain is one of the most common causes of early weaning, so getting help early is critical.

Breastfeeding positioning

Breastfeeding Positioning

There are two nursing positions that work especially well for newborns, the cross cradle hold and laid back nursing positions. Other positions work better for larger breasts or to help slow the milk flow.

Cross Cradle Hold

• great for newborns supports baby's head

• parent can assist baby with latch

• can provide breast compressions

• this mom is using a c-hold

Laid Back Nursing Position

• baby and mom are tummy to tummy

• stimulates the babies feeding reflexes

• can do skin to skin

• great for the immediate time after birth-takes pressure off of perineum

Football Hold Breastfeeding Position

• Football hold is a great position for newborns

• Its great position for larger breasts

• It gives mothers a great view of their babies latch

• It can also encourage more milk flow

Cradle Hold

• best for older infants

• not ideal for newborns

• comfortable for breastfeeding parent
  

Side lying position nursing

• everyone can rest

• good if you perineum is sore

• not as good for newborns

• not good if breastfeeding parent is taking sleep aids or narcotic pain medication

• a great position for large breasts

Parents positioning is important too

• Both baby and parent should be well supported and comfortable

• bring the baby to your breast (not your breast to the baby)

• baby should be at breast level

• baby's ears, shoulders, and hips should be in alignment

• pillows and a footstool are also very helpful!

This is not an exhaustive list of breastfeeding positions, but it does cover a lot of the early positions for newborns.

Breastfeeding Stations

Breastfeeding stations are another great tip for new moms. In the early breastfeeding days, things are often hectic. New moms spend a lot of time tending to their babies, changing diapers, and feeding. It can be hard to stay hydrated, eat, and get your own needs met. Breastfeeding stations can be helpful. I recommend having water bottles, snacks that don’t go bad, a phone charger, any breastfeeding tools / supplies at your stations. Some tools can include, nipple shields, breastfeeding pillows, a comfortable seating setup. I found having a changing station nearby helped too. My daughter often pooped after feeds, so having everything within arms reach made feeds easier.

If you are looking for lactation support for you and your newborn, reach out to Nurture and Nourish Services. I offer breastfeeding, bottle feeding, and oral tie support. Learn more about services below.

If you found this post helpful, you might want to check out my newborn optimal latching guide. Sign up for my newsletter and get it right away

Want to learn more about breast and bottle feeding, lactation and development? Check out the archive