One of the hardest things to nail when it comes to breastfeeding is when your baby will not latch. It’s absolutely crucial to perfect your baby’s latch to keep milk supply up and prevent nipple and breast pains from happening. A good latch should include the following:
- Baby’s mouth is open wide
- Baby’s top and bottom lips should be flanged out
- Baby will be sucking on your areola, not your nipple
- Baby’s chin will be touching your breast; baby’s nose will not be
- You will feel a comfortable pulling sensation as baby nurses
My Baby Will Not Latch Properly, Why?
If you’ve tried different latching and breastfeeding positions and your baby still doesn’t suck, there may be underlying problems. Initial complications with latching may be due to the medications given to the mother while in labor, suctioning done at birth, or forced latching. Other problems include:
- Tongue problems.
- Nipple confusion, due to the use of pacifiers or artificial nipples.
- Flat or inverted nipples.
- The baby is small for gestational age.
- The baby has neurological problems.
- A high arched palate.
- The baby is premature.
- Sensory integration issues.
- Poor latching due to a receding jaw.
Tips For Latching A Newborn
An effective and proper latch benefits both the baby and mother. The baby will receive the best source of nutrition, while the mother can enjoy a painless and pleasurable breastfeeding experience. Although you may have your own preference when it comes to breastfeeding positions, this general technique has worked great for many moms:
Latching technique: Tummy to tummy, support your baby’s body with your right arm, with your hand behind his shoulder. Aim the nipple at your baby’s nose and bring him closer with his chin touching your breast. When he opens his mouth wide, bring his body closer to yours and let him take the nipple deeply into his mouth.
Here are other tips and techniques you can try:
- Find a comfortable place and position that will give you great back support.
- Have a support pillow. Some people buy special breastfeeding pillows to assist them with their latch.
- Make sure that you bring your baby closer to your body, and not you leaning over to the baby.
- Keep your baby’s ear, shoulder, and hip aligned so they can swallow easier
- If you’re still getting the hang of your latching but your nipples are starting to hurt, you can use nipple balms for instant relief! They will help soothe, heal, protect and moisturize your sore nipples for a pleasant breastfeeding experience.
