How do I stop my latch from hurting?

Understanding Latch Pain
Experiencing pain during breastfeeding can be a distressing issue for many new mothers. It’s important to recognize that discomfort when latching is quite common, especially in the early weeks. Studies indicate that as many as 90% of new moms report some level of nipple pain during this period, as both mother and baby are adjusting to a new skill.
Causes of Latch Pain
The pain often stems from improper latching techniques. A poor latch can lead to nipple trauma, which manifests as soreness, cracking, or even bleeding. Factors contributing to a painful latch include the baby’s positioning, the angle of the latch, and the baby’s sucking technique. Additionally, conditions such as tongue-tie can exacerbate the issue, making it difficult for the baby to latch effectively.
Strategies to Alleviate Pain
To alleviate latch pain, several strategies can be employed:
1. Ensure Proper Positioning: Positioning is crucial. The baby should be aligned with the breast, with their head and body in a straight line. Their mouth should be wide open before latching, allowing them to take in a good portion of the areola, not just the nipple.
2. Experiment with Different Holds: Different breastfeeding positions, such as the cradle hold, football hold, or side-lying position, can help find what works best for both mother and baby. Each position can affect how the baby latches and can reduce discomfort.
3. Seek Professional Help: Consulting a lactation consultant can provide personalized guidance. They can observe the latch and offer tailored advice to improve the technique, which can significantly reduce pain.
4. Use Nipple Creams: Applying lanolin or other nipple creams can soothe sore nipples and promote healing. These creams are safe for breastfeeding and can provide much-needed relief.
5. Practice Patience: It’s essential to remember that both mother and baby are learning. With time, the latch often improves, and pain typically decreases as the breastfeeding relationship develops.
When to Seek Help
If pain persists beyond the initial weeks or is severe, it’s crucial to seek medical advice. Persistent pain may indicate underlying issues such as infections or anatomical problems that need addressing. Early intervention can prevent further complications and ensure a more comfortable breastfeeding experience.
In conclusion, while latch pain can be a common hurdle in the breastfeeding journey, understanding its causes and implementing effective strategies can lead to a more enjoyable and pain-free experience for both mother and baby.

How do you latch pain free?

The latch is comfortable and pain free. Your baby’s chest and stomach rest against your body, so that baby’s head is straight, not turned to the side. Your baby’s chin touches your breast. Your baby’s mouth opens wide around your breast, not just the nipple.

How do you fix painful latching?

If you feel discomfort during nursing, stop nursing and reposition your baby to get a better latch. Your nipple areola (the ring around the nipple) should be mostly in your baby’s mouth. When babies are latched on wrong, it can hurt or feel like a pinch each time your baby sucks.

Do I always have to hold my breasts while breastfeeding?

First of all, because it is not needed. You also “lose” a useful hand by trying to keep your breast away from the baby’s nose. Furthermore, holding the breast during the feed could unintentionally cause the baby to latch on poorly (more on how to achieve a good latch here).

How to toughen nipples for breastfeeding?

Thankfully this is no longer recommended. There’s no research that supports doing anything to try to toughen up the nipples before breastfeeding begins, so you can leave your toothbrush and steel wool in their respective sinks.

How long does a painful latch last?

Normal soreness or pain usually occurs for about a minute when the baby first latches on to the breast. For minor discomfort, you can try home treatment. But pain that’s severe or ongoing or that occurs again after it seemed to go away needs to be checked by your doctor, midwife, or a lactation consultant.

How do I make my latch not hurt?

Try to put your finger on her lower chin when she latches. This will help with getting more boob into her mouth if it is a shallow latch issue. Also, always be sure to aim your nipple to hit her soft palate on the roof of her mouth when she is latching.

Can a baby have a good latch but it still hurts?

You may feel slight discomfort when your baby first latches on and perhaps even for the first few sucks. But once they begin to suckle steadily you should not feel pain. Pain beyond the first minute or so of nursing is a sign of improper latching on and should be immediately corrected.

How to fix a bad latch?

These tips help you get a good latch—and know if you have one.

1. Tickle your baby’s lips with your nipple. This will help baby open their mouth wide.
2. Aim your nipple just above your baby’s top lip. Make sure your baby’s chin isn’t tucked into their chest.
3. Aim your baby’s lower lip away from the base of your nipple.

How to get baby to latch deeper?

You can pull the baby’s chin down while nursing to try to force a deeper latch. Another method is you can use your finger to sort of drag the top of your breast tissue back (making the top more shallow sometimes prompts the baby to deepen on the bottom side).

What does a blocked milk duct feel like?

A plugged milk duct feels like a tender, sore lump or knot in the breast. It happens when a milk duct does not drain properly. Pressure builds up behind the plugged duct, and the tissue around it gets irritated. This usually happens in one breast at a time.