How to Get a Good Latch Breastfeeding

Breastfeeding is natural and beneficial for both mother and baby, yet when things are not going so well early on it can also be frustrating. Both mother and baby need to learn how to work together in order to make breastfeeding possible. According to Dr. Sears, getting a good "latch" is important because it reduces discomfort and helps maintain a good milk supply. There are a few simple things you can do to get a good latch breastfeeding.

Instructions

1

Get comfortable. The first thing you to need to do is make sure that you and your baby are comfortable. Sit back and relax, prop your self up with pillows or use a pillow under the baby for support. Be sure you have everything you need like a glass of water, phone or other items you want so that you can sit down and focus on your baby. Many breastfeeding mothers like to set up little nursing stations that they keep next to their favorite nursing chairs. I used my rolling bassinet as my little nursing station because it had a place to put drinks, diapers and other essential items right underneath. With the bassinet right there you can also put your baby in the bassinet when he or she drifts off to sleep.

2

Position your baby correctly. Be sure to raise your baby up to the level of your breast. If you are a very tall woman you might need a few extra pillows. Rotate your baby on his or her side so that the babys tummy is facing your stomach area. The babys head should be aligned right next to your breast as well.

3

Hold your breast in position. After your baby is in the correct position the next step you need to take is to hold your breast in position for the baby to latch on. Women who have very large breasts may need to roll up a small receiving blanket and place it under their breasts in order to bring the breast to the same level as the baby.

4

Tickle your babys bottom lip with your nipple. In order to convince your baby to open his or her mouth you typically need to use your nipple to help the baby open their mouth. Hold your breast up gently and tickle your babys bottom lip with your nipple. You can also put a small amount of milk on your nipple to entice the baby to eat.

5

Put your nipple in the babys mouth. Once your baby opens his or her mouth place your entire nipple and most or all of the areola into the babys mouth. Keep repeating the first few steps until you get a good latch. A good latch is when the babys entire mouth is firmly on the nipple and areola. The nipple should be pretty far down the mouth because nipples are delicate and the milk is only going to be efficiently expressed when the baby is latched on to the nipple and areola. The baby has to be able to properly compress on the areola in order to get milk. The babys lips and mouth should be curled outwards around the areola.