It’s quiet. Maybe too quiet, except for the soft, frustrated whimpers from your little one… and maybe a few of your own sighs. You’re trying so hard to get this breastfeeding thing right, but it feels like a battle. If this sounds familiar, please know you’re not the first, and certainly not the last, parent to feel this way. Getting that breastfeeding latch just right can be a bit of a learning curve for both you and your baby. And that’s perfectly okay.
I often tell new parents in my clinic, think of the breastfeeding latch as the way your baby’s mouth takes hold of your nipple and the surrounding darker area, the areola. This connection is super important because it’s how your baby starts drawing milk and getting all that wonderful nourishment.
What is a Breastfeeding Latch, Really?
So, what does a good breastfeeding latch look like? Well, truth be told, it can vary a bit. There’s no single “perfect latch” that fits everyone. So, please, try not to put that kind of pressure on yourself.
Most breastfeeding experts, myself included, usually suggest finding a comfy spot for yourself first. Then, we can talk about simple ways to help your baby latch. Sometimes, though, little ones might have things going on, like tongue-tie (that’s when a little band of tissue under the tongue is a bit tight), which can make latching a bit trickier. Every baby is unique. What’s a breeze for one duo might be a bit more of a puzzle for another. And that’s alright. It’s all about finding what clicks for you and your baby.
If you’re finding it tough, please don’t throw in the towel just yet. And definitely don’t be shy about asking for help. A chat with a lactation consultant (they’re absolute wizards with breastfeeding!) or a breastfeeding medicine specialist (a doctor with extra training in this area) can make a world of difference. They’ve got loads of tips.
What Can Affect Your Baby’s Latch?
You know, so many little things can play a part in how well your baby latches on. It’s not always straightforward!
Things like:
- How you’re holding your baby at your breast.
- How much of your breast your baby takes into their mouth (we call this the depth of the latch).
- Your baby’s age and development – for instance, if they were born a bit early.
- The unique shape of your baby’s mouth and jaw.
- Any medical conditions your baby might have, like reflux or those congenital things (meaning present from birth) like tongue-tie.
- The size of your breasts and nipples – yes, that matters too!
- Your milk supply and how quickly your milk flows.
With all these pieces to the puzzle, just be kind to yourself and your little one. Patience is key. Ideally, yes, your baby would just know what to do and happily nurse away. But if that’s not happening right off the bat? It’s okay. Latching difficulties are incredibly common, and it’s not a reflection on you as a parent. We can help you figure out what’s going on and how to tweak things.
Spotting a Good Latch vs. a “Could Be Better” Latch
So, how do you know if the latch is good?
A good breastfeeding latch:
- Lets your baby get enough milk to grow well and gain weight steadily.
- Feels comfortable for both of you. Really, it shouldn’t hurt you.
Now, if you’re feeling nipple pain, a not-quite-right latch is often the culprit, either now or in the past. Usually, this means your baby is only latching onto the very tip of your nipple. We call this a shallow latch.
With a shallow latch, your baby’s mouth puts an odd pressure on your nipple, and ouch, that can hurt. What we’re aiming for is for their mouth to cover not just your nipple, but also a good bit of your areola – about 1 to 2 inches, and more of the areola on the bottom lip side than the top. The nipple should be pointing towards the roof of their mouth. Getting their mouth to open really wide, like a big yawn, can help them get a deeper, more comfortable latch.
It’s also good to remember that nipple pain isn’t always about the latch. Other things can cause it, like:
- Vasospasm: This is when blood vessels around your nipple tighten up, often from cold.
- Nipple blebs: Tiny, painful white spots on the nipple.
- Dermatitis: Skin irritation.
- Even using your breast pump incorrectly can cause trauma.
If you have any pain at all with breastfeeding, please reach out to us. Don’t just grit your teeth and bear it. We’ll help pinpoint the cause and get you feeling better.
Nailing That Breastfeeding Latch: How-To Tips
Alright, let’s talk about getting that breastfeeding latch feeling good. First things first: get comfy! Find a breastfeeding position that works for you. This really depends on your preference, your body, and your baby’s.
No matter which position you choose, these general tips usually help:
- Get close: Make sure your baby is snuggled right up against you. Their ear, shoulder, and hip should be in a nice straight line. Support them well so you can bring them to your breast, rather than leaning your breast down to them. It helps to hold your breast just behind the areola with your fingers in a C-shape, almost like you’re offering them a little sandwich.
- Guide them gently: Steer your baby towards your nipple.
- Tickle time: Let your nipple gently tickle your baby’s upper and lower lip. Aim your nipple towards their nose. This encourages them to open their mouth really wide – think big yawn!
- Bring them on: When their mouth is wide open, bring your breast into their mouth, making sure your nipple aims for the roof of their mouth. This helps them latch onto the areola, not just the nipple. You want their chin to be touching your breast.
- Hold steady: Once your baby latches, don’t let go of your breast right away. Keep supporting it with your fingers for about 20 seconds. This gives them time to get a good rhythm of sucking going. Then, you can gently let go.
What About Nipple Shields?
I get asked this sometimes. Should you use a nipple shield? Well, in most cases, the answer is probably no. A nipple shield is a little silicone cover you wear over your nipple. It’s meant to be a temporary fix for specific situations.
For instance, if your baby has only ever had bottles and never latched directly, a shield might help them transition. Or if you have inverted nipples, it can sometimes be useful.
But, and this is a big but, if you’re using a nipple shield, you really should be working closely with a lactation consultant. The goal is usually to stop using the shield as soon as you can. Why? Because using it long-term can sometimes mean less milk gets to your baby, and it might even affect your milk supply.
When to Call for Backup
Please, please call a breastfeeding medicine specialist or a lactation consultant if:
- Breastfeeding hurts. Period.
- Your baby just won’t stay latched on, and you’re worried they’re not getting enough milk.
- Your baby seems to push away when you try to latch them.
- Honestly, if you have any questions or worries about breastfeeding.
Your healthcare provider is there to help you through any bumps in the road. Breastfeeding has so many wonderful benefits for both you and your baby. So, try not to get too disheartened if your baby isn’t latching or nursing as easily as you’d hoped. These are common hurdles, and with a bit of extra support, most families can find their groove.
Take-Home Message: Your Breastfeeding Latch Journey
Here are a few key things I hope you’ll remember about your breastfeeding latch:
- Comfort is Key: A good latch shouldn’t be painful for you. If it hurts, something needs adjusting.
- Baby’s Cues: Watch for your baby to open their mouth wide, like a yawn, before latching.
- Deep Latch: Aim for your baby to take in a good portion of the areola, not just the nipple.
- Signs of a Good Feed: You’ll hear swallowing, your baby will seem content after feeds, and they’ll have enough wet/dirty diapers.
- Don’t Hesitate to Ask for Help: Lactation consultants and doctors are there to support you. You don’t have to figure this out alone.
You’re doing an amazing job, even when it feels tough. Remember, every feeding journey is unique. Be patient with yourself and your little one.
You’re not alone in this. We’re here to help.