How to fix a painful latch?

Understanding the Pain of a Poor Latch
For many new mothers, the journey of breastfeeding can be fraught with challenges, one of the most common being a painful latch. A proper latch is crucial not only for the comfort of the mother but also for the effective feeding of the baby. When a baby latches incorrectly, it can lead to discomfort, pain, and even long-term breastfeeding issues.
Identifying the Signs of a Painful Latch
A painful latch often manifests as sharp or burning sensations during breastfeeding. If the nipple appears flattened or compressed after feeding, this is a clear indication that the baby is not latching correctly. Ideally, the nipple should return to its normal shape, appearing round and elongated, which signifies that the baby is taking in more than just the nipple itself.
Steps to Achieve a Comfortable Latch
1. Positioning is Key: Start by ensuring that both you and your baby are in a comfortable position. The baby should be facing you, with their head and body aligned. Support your breast with your hand, and bring your baby to your breast rather than leaning forward.
2. Encourage a Wide Mouth: To achieve a deep latch, encourage your baby to open their mouth wide. You can gently tickle their lips with your nipple to prompt them to open wide. When they do, quickly bring them to your breast, aiming for the lower part of the areola, not just the nipple.
3. Check the Latch: Once latched, observe your baby’s mouth. Their lips should be flanged outward, and you should see more of the areola above the baby’s mouth than below. If you notice that the baby is only sucking on the nipple, gently insert your finger into the corner of their mouth to break the suction and try again.
4. Adjust as Needed: If you experience pain, it’s essential to break the latch and reposition the baby. A good latch should not hurt; if it does, it’s a sign that adjustments are necessary.
5. Seek Support: If difficulties persist, consider consulting a lactation consultant. They can provide personalized guidance and support, helping to troubleshoot latch issues and ensure that both you and your baby are comfortable during feeding.
The Importance of Patience and Practice
Achieving a proper latch can take time and practice. It’s important to remain patient and persistent. Many mothers find that with a little guidance and adjustment, they can overcome the challenges of a painful latch, leading to a more enjoyable breastfeeding experience for both mother and baby. Remember, breastfeeding is a learning process for both you and your little one, and seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness.

How to help baby latch deeper?

Keep your thumb pressing down to form the flattened sandwich as you place your baby’s upper jaw behind the nipple. The lower jaw will be more deeply positioned then the upper jaw. Wait several seconds, then release your breast.

How do I stop my latch from hurting?

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.

Does baby still get milk with a bad latch?

Learning proper latching techniques is one of the most important steps to successful breastfeeding. Your baby may still be able to remove milk from your breasts with a bad latch, but a good latch can help: Regulate and support your milk supply.

How to get a painless latch?

Steps to a Good Latch
Make sure your baby’s chin isn’t tucked into their chest. Aim your baby’s lower lip away from the base of your nipple. 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.

How to fix a bad breastfeeding latch?

Using the C-hold to breastfeed your baby
You can provide gentle compression of the breast with your fingers to make it easier for your baby to latch. With the breast supported, stroke your baby’s lower lip with your nipple or bring their chin in to touch the breast closely.

How long will latching on hurt?

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.

What does mastitis look like?

They include: a swollen area on your breast that may feel hot and painful to touch – the area may become red but this can be harder to see if you have black or brown skin. a wedge-shaped breast lump or a hard area on your breast. a burning pain in your breast that might be constant or only when you breastfeed.

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.

Why is my babies latch so painful?

Incorrect positioning and attachment: each breast is different, so you should try to trace an imaginary line from the centre of your nipple towards the baby’s head. If there are imaginary angles, your nipple is twisted inside the baby’s mouth and this can cause pain.

How do I get my baby to have a deeper latch?

You may also need to use the exaggerated latch or flipple technique

1. Hold your breast and shape it so that your nipple is pointing up against your baby’s nose.
2. Shape your breast like a hamburger in line with the baby’s mouth.
3. Wait till your baby roots and opens it’s mouth very wide.