HOW TO GET A GOOD LATCH WHILE BREASTFEEDING?

When a baby latches on to the breast correctly, he/she can more easily remove breast milk from your breasts. Efficient removal is important for both, you and your baby. It allows your baby to get enough milk to grow healthy and strong while also telling your body to build and maintain your milk supply.

However, getting your baby to "latch on" properly can take some practice. What you can do first is – create a calm environment, hold your baby skin-to-skin, don’t force the latch in fact let him/her lead, and allow the breast to hang naturally. Once done, tickle your baby’s lips with your nipple to encourage him/her to open the mouth!  

For more, here is what you need to know about getting a good latch; 

5 SIGNS OF A GOOD LATCH

1. Your baby's mouth opens wide around your breast, not just the nipple

2. Your baby's lips turn out

3. Your baby's tongue cups under your breast

4. Your baby's ears move slightly

5. You hear or see him/her swallowing

5 STEPS TO GET A DEEPER LATCH

1. With your baby's head tilted back & chin up, lift him/her to touch your nipple

2. The nipple should rest just above the baby's upper lip

3. Wait for your baby to open very wide

4. Scoop the breast by placing the lower jaw first

5. Tip your baby's head forward and place the upper jaw well behind your nipple

Takeaway

If the skin on your breasts becomes tight and your nipples flatten out, your baby may have a hard time latching on. You can soften up the skin around your nipples and areola by pumping or hand expressing a little breast milk before you begin to breastfeed. This will make it easier for your baby to latch on.