How do you fix a shallow latch on a newborn?

Understanding the Shallow Latch
For new mothers, breastfeeding can be a challenging journey, particularly when faced with issues like a shallow latch. This occurs when the baby does not take enough of the breast into their mouth, leading to discomfort for the mother and inadequate feeding for the baby. Fortunately, there are several effective strategies to correct this common problem.
Identifying the Problem
A shallow latch can manifest in various ways, including pain during breastfeeding, the baby making clicking sounds, or the mother noticing that the baby is not effectively transferring milk. Understanding the signs is crucial for addressing the issue promptly.
Positioning is Key
One of the most significant factors contributing to a shallow latch is the baby’s positioning. Ensuring that the baby is stomach to stomach with the mother can make a substantial difference. This position allows for better alignment and encourages the baby to open their mouth wider to latch on properly. Supporting the baby’s neck and head during feeding is also essential, as it helps them maintain a comfortable and effective latch.
Techniques to Improve Latch
1. Skin-to-Skin Contact: Engaging in skin-to-skin contact before breastfeeding can help the baby feel more secure and encourage a better latch. This intimate connection often prompts the baby to instinctively seek the breast.
2. Unlatching and Relatching: If the baby is latched shallowly, gently remove them from the breast and encourage them to relatch. This process can sometimes lead to a more effective latch.
3. Adjusting the Hold: Experimenting with different breastfeeding positions can also help. For instance, the football hold or the cross-cradle hold may provide better angles for the baby to latch deeply.
4. Using a Breastfeeding Pillow: A breastfeeding pillow can help elevate the baby to the right height, making it easier for them to latch on correctly. This support can alleviate strain on the mother’s arms and back as well.
5. Consulting a Lactation Consultant: If challenges persist, seeking help from a lactation consultant can provide personalized guidance. They can observe the feeding session and offer tailored adjustments to improve the latch.
The Importance of Patience
Breastfeeding is a skill that takes time to develop for both mother and baby. It’s important to remain patient and persistent. Many mothers find that with practice, their babies gradually learn to latch more effectively.
Conclusion
Fixing a shallow latch is not only about immediate relief from discomfort but also about ensuring that the baby receives adequate nutrition. By focusing on proper positioning, utilizing effective techniques, and seeking support when needed, mothers can navigate this common breastfeeding hurdle with confidence. Remember, every breastfeeding journey is unique, and finding what works best for you and your baby is key to a successful experience.

What does a bad latch look like?

You’ll know your baby didn’t latch on properly if you see indentations in their cheeks when they suckle, hear clicking noises or notice their lips curled inward. They may also move their head frequently or not do any swallowing. Incorrect latching may also cause pain for you.

How to fix an ineffective latch?

If you’re having trouble getting a good latch, try:

1. Moving to a quiet, calm place.
2. Holding your baby skin to skin. While both you and your baby are undressed, hold your baby against your chest.
3. Letting your baby lead. Support your baby’s neck, shoulders, and hips with your hands.

How can I get my newborn 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).

How to get baby to tilt head back to latch?

Are you holding your baby close to you, facing your breast? Supporting their neck, shoulders and back should allow them to tilt their head back and swallow easily. Always bring your baby to the breast and let them latch themselves.

How to improve baby suction?

And then I’m pushing. The top of his tongue down with my finger. So I can get him to engage. Some babies don’t do really well when they’re on their back.

Do babies still get milk with a shallow latch?

PSA: babies can still transfer well with a shallow latch If you’re in doubt or struggling, see an LC and do a weighted feed before driving yourself crazy. But if you’re not uncomfortable and baby’s having enough wet and dirty diapers, you may not have to “correct” a shallow latch.

Can a shallow latch be corrected?

Yes! Absolutely. Give her time to learn, but also you the same time to learn to place her and adjust her latch. That was a big one for me – you can somewhat correct a bad latch by gently untucking her lips if not flanged, and making sure when you put her on you press her towards you gently.

Will baby’s latch improve with age?

As your baby gets better at nursing and is able to get more milk at your breast, he will grow to trust that breastfeeding works and will have more patience when latching on.

What is the correct latching technique?

With your baby’s chin firmly touching your breast and their nose clear, their mouth should be wide open. You should see much more of the darker nipple skin above your baby’s top lip than below their bottom lip. Your baby’s cheeks will look full and rounded as they feed.

Can babies gain weight with a shallow latch?

If a mother has an abundant supply, then sucking works just fine initially, and the baby will gain weight appropriately, even with a shallow latch.