Breastfeeding Latching On

Breastfeeding Latching

Latching is the process of the baby attaching herself to your breast for her feed. Your baby grasps onto the areola with the nipple well inside the mouth. She then uses her lips and tongue to suck.

Your baby is usually very alert as soon as she is born and is ready to latch herself on to your breast for her first feed. You may have to help your little one to establish this breastfeeding latch. Tickle her lips with your nipple so that she opens her mouth wide. Once her mouth is open, pull her on to your breast. Never move your breast towards her. Ensure that her gums cover most of your areola. Her lips should not be turned in. If you find her lips turned in, pull her chin downwards gently so that the lips are everted.

Breastfeeding Latching Tips

If the baby latches herself properly, you will not feel any pain as she suckles the milk. Your baby should always be alert and awake for a successful latch. A properly latched on nursing baby unlatches and releases the nipple by herself when she is full.

Stop breast feeding in case of an incorrect latch. You must break the breast feeding latch. Insert your finger into the corner of your baby's mouth to break the suction. In this way your breast tissues are not injured by pulling the nipple out. If you continue allowing the baby to feed incorrectly, you can develop sore nipples. Your baby also may not get enough milk and hold on to the breast for a longer period.

Indications of a good breast feeding latch?

You can be sure of a right latch on if:

• She opens her mouth wide for a latch on and faces the breast directly.
• You can feel your baby tugging at your breast and covers both the areola and nipple but there is no pain. There may be a slight pain in the initial weeks as you get used to breast feeding your baby and the baby learns to latch on. But, this passes off quickly.
• You can hear swallowing sounds made by your baby as she suckles your breast.
• Your baby's chin and the tip of her nose touch your breast.

Breastfeeding Latching Video

Watch an interesting breastfeeding latching video from Ameda, a leading manufacturer of breast pumps.

Breastfeeding Latching on Video