How to get your baby to breastfeed properly
Breastfeeding mothers may face a variety of challenges in the first days
of their baby's life. One of them is to make sure that the baby takes the
breast correctly during feeding. The quality of the latch can be affected by
factors such as pain levels, milk production, and even the duration of
breastfeeding. Many mothers and babies find it difficult to achieve a good
latch on the breast, leading to discomfort and sometimes forcing them to stop
breastfeeding before they are ready.
Even if your baby doesn't latch properly at first, with time and
practice you can develop a good latch.
What does a proper latch look like?
As soon as the baby is attached to the breast, his chin and the tip of
his nose will touch your breast. Your baby's lips should be pressed against
your chest, not sucked in. A good grip will include both the nipple and areola.
In addition to these visual cues, you can identify a good latch by the
rhythm of suckling. This should include sucking, swallowing and breathing.
How to get the perfect latch
The quality of blocking can be affected by various factors, including
positioning and timing. Some things, such as the shape of the nipple, may be
out of your control. These strategies may contribute to a better capture.
Choose the correct position. Breastfeeding
positions affect the quality of the latch, but what works for some mothers and
babies may not be ideal for others. If locking in one position is difficult,
try several others until you find a comfortable fit.
Good choices for newborns who have problems with latch on include:
- Laid-back. Try this position
if you have an overabundance of milk or if your milk comes in quickly, as this
will restrict the flow of milk and therefore any rejection or excitement. In
this position, you will put the baby on your stomach, while you yourself will
lie on your back.
- Football. If you are recovering from a C-section, this position will help you find the perfect grip while avoiding pressure on your stomach. It also works well for twins and premature babies. In this position, you will hold the baby close to you while he suckles.
- Side lying. This is a great option for comfortable breastfeeding in the hospital or at home. The side lying position is often recommended for rapid milk inflows. Like the soccer position, this method can also help you feel more comfortable after a C-section. In this position, you will lie on your side, propped up on pillows, while your child looks at you.
- Cradle. When most people think of breastfeeding, they think of the classic crib grab. This includes sitting with your child's neck next to your forearm and your bellies touching. This position can be comfortable for older babies but is often difficult for newborns because it offers limited support. However, it might be worth a try if you haven't had much success in other positions.
- Cross cradle. A staple for many new moms,
this approach works best in a hang glider or a comfortable chair. In this
position, you will support the baby's head with the fold of your arm on the
side opposite to breastfeeding.
Try
a nipple shield. If you have flat or inverted nipples, it can be difficult to get a
good latch on. A nipple shield can help by giving a more defined shape. It can
also make breastfeeding more comfortable if you have cracked nipples or other
sources of pain.
Wait until your baby's mouth
opens wide. You may have a shallow latch if your child's mouth does not open wide
enough. It should cover both the nipple and most of the breast tissue. Encourage
this by gently pressing the nipple against the baby's lips.
Don't be afraid to gently unlock and try again if you have trouble
finding the right time at first. You can do this by placing your finger in your
baby's mouth and gently interrupting the suckling.
Check
for tongue-ties. The condition, known as ankyloglossia or frenulum of the tongue,
involves pulling on the umbilical cord that links the tongue and the lower part
of the mouth. It occurs in 11% of newborns and can limit tongue mobility,
leading to a form of breastfeeding compression that can be painful for new
mothers and prevent the baby from gaining weight in the first few critical
days. A procedure called language review can solve this problem.
Work with a lactation consultant. Many new mothers struggle to find the cause of a poor latch. If you've tried several positions and are still having trouble, don't hesitate to meet with a lactation consultant. This specialist can review your approach to breastfeeding and make suggestions.