Signs of a “bad latch”

My last post discussed signs of a “good latch” here are some signs that the latch could be improved

Early 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 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.