The first step to a successful breastfeeding journey is getting your baby to latch onto your breast correctly. It can be slightly difficult as a new mother with a squirmy newborn and full breasts!
Read on for information on what a good latch looks like plus a checklist to make sure your baby is latched on correctly.
How to get a good latch while breastfeeding:
Support your breast from the base with your fingers on one side and your thumb on the other side in a ‘C-shape’ or a ‘U-shape’.
Keep your baby close to you. Remember the two golden rules:
Nose to Nipple - your baby’s nose and mouth should be towards your nipple
Tummy to Mummy - your baby’s tummy should be facing you
Squeeze your breast a little and aim the nipple towards the palate of your baby’s mouth and rapidly pull your baby in close.
Your baby’s mouth should be latched onto the areola as far as possible, not the nipple itself. The milk sinuses are located beneath the areolae and if your baby latches onto only the nipple, milk flow will be inadequate and you will get sore nipples. (link to poor latch article).
The lips should be flanged i.e., both the upper and lower lip should be outwards, not tucked in. If the lower lip is tucked in, use a finger to gently press down on your baby’s chin to flip it outwards.
Ready to give it a try? Here’s a final checklist for recognising a good latch:
Your baby is close to you.
Your baby’s head is slightly tilted back, nose and chin touching your breast, latched onto the areola, with both lips facing outwards.
You are able to see your baby’s jaw moving, with pauses for swallowing.
Your baby comes off the breast on their own, with a moist mouth and a satisfied look, often falling asleep after a feeding.
Your breasts feel softer, not hard or still full of milk.
If you have understood how to get a good latch and are able to tick off all the points on our checklist - you and your baby have gotten your breastfeeding journey off to a great start! However, if you are still struggling, it is totally normal. This is the time to reach out to a certified Lactation Consultant who can correct your breastfeeding positions and/or latch in person. It may take a few bumps along the way, but you will also get there!
Reference:
https://www.fogsi.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Binder_Breastfeeding.pdf
