What are the signs of an unsuccessful latch? How do you know if you are having problems with breastfeeding? According to the Office on Women’s Health (OHW), the tell-tale signs of problems with breastfeeding latch are the following:
- A mother with breast pains
- A frustrated baby
- A baby with a weak sucking movement
- And a tongue-tied baby
If you notice most of these signs between you and your baby, it’s time to make an effort to improve your baby’s latching. Latching is a very common breastfeeding problem, especially for newborns. Worries are also common for new moms and that’s very understandable. For a problem like this, find out in this article how to get your baby to successfully latch.
What happens if the baby has a latching problem?
Latching problems by moms and babies have been studied for years by experts. From these researches, they have found that this dilemma may potentially cause low milk supply and engorgement among others.
Low Milk Supply is when a mother cannot produce enough milk for the baby. This is even with the endless efforts with hand expressing, massaging, and pumping. It causes the milk flow from the mother’s breast to pause or completely stop since it doesn’t get any signal to make more.
Another result of a latching problem is engorgement when a mother experiences terrible pain and swelling on her breasts. It happens when the breasts are full of milk since the baby has not been successful with sucking out due to the latching problem.
What is the Laid-Back Position?
To avoid those problems, let’s try a latching position that is very easy to do — the Laid-Back Latching Position. This is a position that brings comfort to the mother and the baby. Make sure to do it this way:
- Prop up comfortably on the bed or the sofa.
- Place a pillow behind you so you are inclined.
- Carry your baby in your arms and let gravity bring you both to skin-to-skin contact. Your baby’s weight should be resting on your chest.
- Guide your baby to your breast, wait for the latch, and relax.
The laid-back position is very ideal since it is dependent on reflex and ideal for newborns who cannot support their necks yet. This is also referred to as “biological nurturing”. It’s been used since the discovery of breastfeeding and is usual for most nursing experiences.
Don’t get worried if your baby pops out. You can always try to do it again. It takes a whole lot of practice and patience. For additional reference, Nancy Mohrbacher, IBCLS, FILCA is one of the experts that I can vouch for with a lot of breastfeeding tips.
What do I need to prepare before latching?
Now that you know how to do the Laid-Back Latching Position, you might want to prepare for it. If the latch is successful, you will probably be bonding with your baby for quite some time. So make sure to bring near whatever you might need: a bottle of water, some snacks, your phone, or maybe even the TV remote control.
If you were to try this position, make sure it’s somewhere comfortable so you and your baby can have a pleasant bonding experience. This is also a chance for you to relax and breathe a little since your baby’s weight is on your chest. You are rested from the long hours of carrying. So make the most out of it, mommyz!
Wrap-Up
The Laid-Back Latching Position is only one out of the numerous latching positions that are possible for breastfeeding. Master this position first and you’ll be breezing your way into the other recommended positions.
As passionate breastfeeding moms, it always feels great to be able to try different things for us and our baby’s wellness. My advice is to reach out to motherhood support groups to have someone to talk to. Lastly, always contact your healthcare provider or any certified lactation consultant so that you are always well-guided in your amazing breastfeeding journey.
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