Breastfeeding Latch

Getting the correct latch while breastfeeding was one of the hardest obstacles I had to go through. If you don’t have a good latch this could lead to pain, cracked nipples and blisters. Your baby's mouth should be open wide enough to get a good amount of the areolar tissue in his/her mouth, If your baby only gets the nipple, this will lead to soreness and your baby will not get enough milk.

Here are some guidelines to help position and properly latch your baby

• Prepare yourself (wash your hands and get into a comfortable feeding position)
• Align your baby's chest to your tummy and align his/her nose with your nipple
• You want your baby to extend his/her neck in order to have his/her jaw open wide
• Hold and gently lift and support your breast. Make sure your fingers do not touch the areolar tissue
• Run your nipple lightly above your baby's upper lip (this will make them want to suck)
• Make sure your baby's head is slightly tilted back
• Aim your nipple toward the roof of your baby's mouth
• Your baby's chin should approach the breast first

Signs of a good latch

• All of the nipple (or as much as possible) is in your baby's mouth
• Lips flanged or turned out
• Tongue over lower gum
• Baby stays on breast
• Absence of pinching or biting pain
• Listen and watch for milk transfer or swallowing

*A good latch is learned so be patient with yourself and your baby

When your baby is full or done feeding from one breast, you will need to remove the baby from the breast. To do this, slide your finger into the corner of the baby's mouth and your breast to break the suction. Do not pull your baby off your breast as this can lead to soreness and cracking of the nipple.

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