How to Get Newborn to Latch
Breastfeeding is an integral part of the development of your baby, but it’s not without its challenges, especially for first-time mothers. One of the most common struggles new parents face is getting a newborn to latch properly. A good latch ensures effective milk transfer, prevents nipple pain and promotes bonding between you and your baby. In this post, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about how to get a newborn to latch and provide helpful breastfeeding latching tips that will assist you on your breastfeeding journey.
Understanding the Latch
Before we dive into how to get a good latch while breastfeeding, it’s important to understand what a latch is and why it matters.
A latch in the context of breastfeeding refers to how your baby attaches to your breast during feeding. For breastfeeding to be successful, your baby needs to latch deeply onto the breast, ensuring they take in both the nipple and a good portion of the areola. A deep latch ensures that the baby can effectively transfer milk while also preventing pain or damage to your nipples.
Steps to Achieve a Proper Latch
So, how to get a newborn to latch? Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you achieve a proper latch during breastfeeding:
Positioning Yourself and Your Baby
The first step in getting a good latch is ensuring that both you and your baby are in a comfortable position. Here are a few breastfeeding positions you can try,
- Cradle Hold: This is one of the most common positions where your baby’s head rests in the crook of your arm, with their body aligned with yours. This position works well once your baby has better head control.
- Football Hold: In this position, you hold your baby under your arm with their body supported by pillows. This can be especially helpful for mothers who’ve had a cesarean delivery or for babies who have difficulty latching in the cradle hold.
- Side-Lying Position: This position is perfect for mothers who need to rest while nursing. Both you and your baby lie on your sides facing each other, which can be more comfortable during nighttime feedings.
No matter which position you choose, make sure both you and your baby are comfortable. If you’re tense or uncomfortable, it may be difficult for your baby to latch properly.
Aligning Baby’s Body
For a successful latch, it’s important that your baby’s body is aligned with yours. The baby’s head and body should be in a straight line, facing the breast. This alignment helps the baby open their mouth wide and achieve a deeper latch. Ensure that your baby’s nose is opposite your nipple, allowing them to open their mouth wide when it’s time to latch.
Encouraging Baby to Open Wide
One of the most important steps to a good latch is ensuring your baby opens their mouth wide enough to take in more than just the nipple. To encourage a wide mouth opening:
- Gently tickle your baby’s upper lip with your nipple. This encourages them to open their mouth wide in response to the stimulus.
- Wait for your baby to open their mouth wide enough before bringing them to the breast. You want to make sure that their mouth is fully open, allowing them to latch deeply.
Bringing Baby to the Breast
When your baby opens their mouth wide, gently bring them to the breast, not the other way around. Lead with the baby’s chin so that the chin touches your breast first. This helps them latch onto the lower part of the areola and prevents the nipple from being the sole focus of their latch.
Don’t push your baby’s head toward your breast. Instead, allow them to lead the latch by following their cues. This way, they’ll be able to latch comfortably and effectively.
Ensuring a Deep Latch
A deep latch is crucial for how to get a good latch breastfeeding. For a deep latch, your baby’s mouth should cover both the nipple and a large portion of the areola. Signs of a good latch include:
- The baby’s lips should be flanged outward, like “fish lips.”
- Your baby’s chin should be touching the breast.
- There should be no pain for the mother. If you’re feeling pain, the latch is likely shallow.
- Your baby’s cheeks should be rounded as they suck, not sucked in.
When your baby latches properly, you should be able to see and feel their jaw moving as they suck, and you’ll hear them swallowing the milk.
Signs of a Good Latch
How do you know if your baby has latched correctly? Look for these signs:
- Rounded Cheeks During Sucking: If your baby’s cheeks are rounded and not sucked in while they suck, it’s a good sign that they have a deep latch.
- Audible Swallowing Sounds: As your baby drinks, you should hear them swallowing. This indicates that milk is being transferred properly.
- Absence of Nipple Pain or Damage: If you feel no pain or discomfort during nursing, your baby has likely latched deeply. Pain is a sign of a shallow latch, though it is completely normal to feel some discomfort in the first few weeks of breastfeeding as your body adjusts.
- Baby’s Chin Touching the Breast: The baby’s chin should always be in contact with the breast, indicating a deeper latch and a good seal.
Common Latching Challenges and Solutions
Even with the right techniques, some mothers face challenges when trying to get a newborn to latch. Here are some common issues and solutions:
Shallow Latch
A shallow latch occurs when your baby latches onto just the nipple or only a small part of the areola. This can cause nipple pain and inadequate milk transfer. To fix a shallow latch, try repositioning your baby, encouraging them to open their mouth wider, and guiding their chin to touch your breast first.
Nipple Pain
If you experience pain during breastfeeding, your baby may not be latching properly. Try adjusting their position, ensuring that their mouth covers a large portion of the areola and that their lips are flanged outward. If pain persists, consult with a lactation consultant.
Baby Refusing to Latch
If your baby refuses to latch, it could be due to a variety of factors, such as a tongue-tie or simply difficulty learning how to latch. Try calming your baby with skin-to-skin contact or using breast compression to encourage them to latch. If the issue persists, seek professional help.
When to Seek Professional Help
If you’re still struggling with breastfeeding latching tips and your baby’s latch despite trying different positions and techniques, it may be time to consult a lactation consultant. Here are some signs that professional help may be needed:
- Persistent Nipple Pain: If your nipples are still painful after a few minutes of nursing, your baby may not be latching properly.
- Baby’s Inadequate Weight Gain: If your baby is not gaining weight or seems unsatisfied after feedings, they may not be feeding effectively.
- Ongoing Latching Difficulties: If your baby continues to have trouble latching despite your efforts, a lactation consultant can help identify the cause and provide guidance.
Conclusion
Achieving a proper latch is essential for a successful breastfeeding experience. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can help your baby latch deeply and effectively, ensuring they get enough milk and preventing nipple pain. Remember, how to get a good latch breastfeeding may take time and practice, so be patient with yourself and your baby. If you continue to struggle, don’t hesitate to seek professional support to make your breastfeeding experience as smooth and enjoyable as possible.
FAQs
How can I tell if my baby has a good latch?
Signs of a good latch include rounded cheeks during sucking, audible swallowing sounds, no nipple pain, and the baby’s chin touching the breast.
What should I do if my baby is not latching properly?
Try adjusting your baby’s position, ensuring they open their mouth wide, and bringing their chin to the breast. If the problem persists, seek guidance from a lactation consultant.
Why is my baby’s latch shallow?
A shallow latch may occur if the baby doesn’t open their mouth wide enough or if they’re not positioned correctly. Repositioning and encouraging a wider mouth opening can help.
When should I seek help from a lactation consultant?
If you experience persistent nipple pain, your baby isn’t gaining weight, or you’re struggling with latching difficulties, it’s a good idea to consult a lactation consultant.
