How do you latch a newborn?

Understanding the Importance of a Good Latch
Latching is a crucial skill for both mothers and newborns, forming the foundation of successful breastfeeding. A proper latch not only ensures that the baby receives adequate nutrition but also helps prevent discomfort for the mother. While many assume that latching comes naturally, it often requires practice and patience from both parties.
The Baby-Led Approach to Latching
One effective method for achieving a good latch is the baby-led approach, also known as biological nurturing. This technique allows the newborn to instinctively search for the breast, which can help reduce stress for both the mother and the baby. By placing the baby on the mother’s chest, skin-to-skin, the infant can use their natural reflexes to find the nipple and latch on when they are ready.
Steps to Achieve a Good Latch
1. Positioning: Start by holding your baby close, ensuring their chin is touching your breast. This positioning allows the baby to tilt their head back slightly, which is essential for a good latch. The baby’s nose should be aligned with the nipple, allowing them to open their mouth wide.
2. Hand Placement: Use your hand to support your breast. A helpful technique is to position your thumb near the baby’s nose and your fingers under their chin. This way, your fingers are far enough back to give the baby enough of the nipple and areola to latch onto.
3. Encouraging the Latch: When the baby opens their mouth wide, gently bring them to your breast. Aim to have the baby take in not just the nipple but also a significant portion of the areola. This ensures that the nipple is drawn to the back of the baby’s mouth, where it can be effectively stimulated by the baby’s tongue and gums.
4. Signs of a Good Latch: A good latch is characterized by the baby’s lips flanged outward, a comfortable feeling for the mother, and the absence of pain during breastfeeding. The baby should be actively sucking and swallowing, which can be observed by the rhythmic movement of their jaw.
5. Adjusting as Needed: If the latch feels painful or uncomfortable, gently break the suction by inserting your finger into the corner of the baby’s mouth and try again. It may take several attempts to find the right position and technique that works for both you and your baby.
Conclusion
Achieving a good latch is a skill that develops over time, requiring practice and understanding from both mother and baby. By employing a relaxed, baby-led approach and focusing on proper positioning and hand placement, mothers can foster a successful breastfeeding experience. Remember, every mother and baby pair is unique, and it’s perfectly normal for the latching process to take some time to master.

What does a bad latch look like?

Your baby moves their head from side to side while trying to latch or nurse. You can’t see or hear your baby swallow. Your nipple looks flat or compressed when your baby stops nursing. It should look about the same (maybe a little longer) as it did before nursing.

How long does it take for a newborn to learn to latch?

The single most important factor influencing whether or not the baby eventually latches on is the mother’s developing a good milk supply. If the mother’s supply is abundant, the baby will latch on by 4 to 8 weeks of life no matter what in almost all cases.

What should you not do while breastfeeding?

What foods and drinks should I limit or avoid while breastfeeding?

• Alcohol. There’s no level of alcohol in breast milk that’s considered safe for a baby.
• Caffeine. Avoid drinking more than 2 to 3 cups (16 to 24 ounces) of caffeinated drinks a day.
• Fish. Seafood can be a great source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids.

What is the 3 month breastfeeding crisis?

These increases occur around the same time for all babies, hence the term “3-months breastfeeding crisis”. This crisis is the most well-known because it is the most challenging for mothers. One reason is that this crisis, unlike others you may experience before, can last up to a month.

How do you know if your baby has latched properly?

What does a good breastfeeding latch look like? If your baby is in proper nursing position, their jaws will come together on your areola and their lips will seal over your breast. Their chin should be touching your breast, and their nose will be close to your breast.

How can I make my nipples easier to latch?

Use a cold compress to draw the nipple out
Cold compresses like chilled gel packs or cold washcloths applied to the breast to temporarily firm up the nipples. This can make flat or inverted nipples more pronounced, making it easier for the baby to latch during breastfeeding.

How to get a newborn to latch correctly?

Aim your nipple just above your baby’s top lip, making sure your baby’s chin isn’t tucked into their chest. Baby’s lips should be turned outward like a fish. Your baby should lead into the breast chin first and then latch onto your breast. The tongue would be extended, and your breast should fill your baby’s mouth.

How can I make latching on easier?

Getting a good latch

1. Create a calm environment first. Recline on pillows or other comfortable area.
2. Hold your baby skin-to-skin. Hold your baby, wearing only a diaper, against your bare chest.
3. Let your baby lead.
4. Support your baby, but don’t force the latch.
5. Allow your breast to hang naturally.

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.

Is it normal for newborns to struggle to latch?

It’s common in the first days of life for a baby to have trouble latching on or maintaining sucking at the breast. If this problem doesn’t go away, more help is needed. A baby must be able to remove enough milk from the breast through correct latch and sucking to gain weight.