Why is my babys latch so painful?

Understanding Painful Latch During Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding is often portrayed as a natural and nurturing experience, but for many new mothers, it can come with unexpected challenges, particularly when it comes to latching. If you’re experiencing pain during your baby’s latch, you’re not alone. Many mothers report discomfort, especially in the early days of breastfeeding, as both mother and baby are adjusting to this new skill.
The Importance of a Good Latch
A proper latch is crucial for successful breastfeeding. It involves your baby taking a significant portion of the breast into their mouth, allowing their gums and tongue to compress the areola effectively. This technique not only helps the baby feed efficiently but also minimizes discomfort for the mother. When a baby latches correctly, the nipple should emerge from their mouth looking round and elongated, rather than flat or compressed .
If your baby is only sucking on the nipple, it can lead to pain and soreness. This is often a sign that the latch needs adjustment. A good latch should feel more like a tugging sensation rather than sharp pain.
Common Causes of Painful Latch
1. Improper Latch Technique: One of the most common reasons for painful latching is that the baby is not latching on correctly. This can happen if the baby is positioned too far forward or if they are not opening their mouth wide enough to take in the areola.
2. Nipple Sensitivity: In the early days of breastfeeding, many mothers experience heightened sensitivity in their nipples. This can be exacerbated by a poor latch, leading to increased discomfort.
3. Tongue Tie: Some babies may have a condition known as tongue tie, where the frenulum (the tissue connecting the tongue to the floor of the mouth) is too tight. This can restrict the baby’s ability to latch properly and can cause pain during feeding.
4. Nipple Trauma: If the latch is consistently poor, it can lead to trauma or damage to the nipple, resulting in pain that persists even when the latch improves.
When to Seek Help
If you’re experiencing persistent pain during breastfeeding, it’s essential to seek support. Consulting with a lactation consultant can provide personalized guidance on achieving a better latch and addressing any underlying issues. They can help assess your baby’s latch technique and offer strategies to improve it, ensuring a more comfortable feeding experience for both you and your baby.
Conclusion
While some discomfort during the initial stages of breastfeeding is common, it shouldn’t be unbearable. Understanding the mechanics of a good latch and recognizing the signs of a poor latch can help alleviate pain. Remember, breastfeeding is a learning process for both you and your baby, and with the right support and techniques, it can become a more enjoyable experience. If pain persists, don’t hesitate to reach out for professional help to ensure both you and your baby are thriving in this new journey.

Is it supposed to hurt when a baby latches on?

Initial latching pain/discomfort is normal. It should last less than 30 seconds in any feed and be gone completely in a few days just as the uterus afterpains are. Just as those uterus afterpains can be managed, so can the latch. Some mums will use painkillers, and some will use their labour breathing techniques.

Why is my baby so bad at latching?

A baby’s ability to suck and remove milk may be affected in different ways. Prematurity, labor and delivery medicine, and conditions such as Down syndrome may initially make it difficult for a baby’s central nervous system to remain alert or coordinate suck-swallow-breathe actions.

Why do my nipples hurt extremely when latching?

Incorrect attachment of the baby on the breast is the most common cause of nipple pain from breastfeeding. Breastfeeding is possible if you have inverted nipples, mastitis, breast/nipple thrush, eczema or nipple vasospasm. Avoid soaps and shampoos during showering to help prevent nipple dryness.

How can I help my baby get a deep latch?

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.

How do I make my latch not hurt?

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 do you fix a painful latch?

Signs that baby isn’t latching properly
If you feel nipple pain while nursing, something’s not right. This means your baby is likely chewing on your nipple instead of gumming the areola. The fix: Unlatch (break the suction by putting your finger into the corner of her mouth), and try again.

Can a poor latch be fixed?

Devices that may be helpful in certain situations include: Nipple shield. This thin silicone device is centered over the nipple and areola. It encourages a better latch, more effective sucking pattern, and better milk intake during breastfeeding for certain babies.

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.

Why is my baby aggressively latching and unlatching?

Oversupply and overactive milk ejection reflex are two reasons your baby may pop on and off your breast, while breastfeeding when there is too much milk coming at them too fast or faster than they can handle. Your baby may come off your breast choking and sputtering or need to burp more often.