Breastfeeding might look normal when someone feeds their baby. But when it comes to you, it poses many challenges, like random squirting and awkward positions with a newborn in your hand. So, do you know what latching is? It is basically how your baby grabs on to your breasts and drinks your breast milk without giving you any pain.
If you can get your baby to latch on properly, then your baby will have enough milk, and you won’t have to worry about unnecessary pain in your nipples. For mothers who find issues with latching, seeking guidance from the Neonatology Hospital in Coimbatore can provide valuable support. Now, let’s learn how to get your baby to latch on during breastfeeding.
What is Latching?
Latching is nothing but putting your baby in the right position at your breast to feed. If the baby’s latching position and mouth are good, then he or she will consume sufficient milk from your breast without you experiencing any discomfort or pain.
A proper latch is when your baby’s mouth covers your nipple as well as a larger portion of the areola, which is the darker region around your nipple. This will lead to proper sucking and milk consumption while preventing damage and soreness to your nipples.
On the other hand, poor latching is something that causes cracked nipples, pain, and discomfort for the mother and baby. Hence, a new mother needs to understand how to latch a baby properly.
What Are The Signs That Your Newborn Isn’t Latching Properly?
Sometimes, new mothers might be unsure if their baby is latching properly or not. Here are the most common signs that your newborn isn’t latching properly.
1. Shallow Sucking: If you see your newborn’s mouth on the nipple, but it does not cover the areola region, then he or she might struggle to consume breastmilk.
2. Nipple Injury or Pain: In the beginning, breastfeeding might feel delicate. But if you feel cracks, sharp pain, or bleeding, then your baby is not latching properly.
3. Frequent Feedings: In case your baby is still hungry even after feeding and is not gaining sufficient weight, then improper latching could be the reason.
4. Smacking or Clicking Sounds: The clicking or smacking sound signals that your baby is not covering the nipple properly.
5. Misshapen or Flattened Nipple: After feeding, if you feel your nipple is creased or pinched, then your baby is not latching properly.
Identifying these newborn latch problems helps you latch your newborn properly and prevent future challenges.
What Are The Common Tips For Effective Latching?
Though each mother and baby is different, here are some of the most common tips that help with a positive latching experience.
1) Bring Baby Close: Avoid leaning forward and bringing the breast to the baby. Instead, you need to pull your baby towards your breast. This helps relieve strain on your shoulders and back.
2) Ensure Proper Alignment: Make sure to keep your baby’s hip, shoulders, and ear in a straight line. This makes swallowing easier.
3) Support Your Breast: Press your breast gently with your hands into a U or C shape. Doing so helps your baby’s mouth fit properly.
4) Find a Comfy Position: Whether it could be a football hold, a cradle hold, or lying on your side, find a position that supports your baby’s body and head and keeps you relaxed.
5) Skin-to-Skin Contact: If you hold your baby against your bare breast, it will keep them warm and encourage natural latching reflexes.
6) Wait for an Open Wide Mouth: Tickle the upper lip of your child with your nipple to make them open their mouth wide like yawning before bringing them closer.
7) Check the Latch: If your baby covers most of the areola with their mouth, their chin touches your breast, and their mouth is flared outside like a fish, then the latch is good.
8) Break the Latch If Needed: If the latch feels incorrect or painful, gently slip a clean finger into the baby’s mouth and break the latch.
These simple breastfeeding latch tips can help make a huge difference in how your baby latches.
What Are The Best Positions For Proper Latching?
Position plays a significant role in how your baby latches and how you feel while feeding. Here are the best positions for proper latching.
1. Cradle Hold
Sit upright and hold your child across your breast, with the head resting in your arm and the body towards you. This is the position that works well for most new mothers.
2. Football or Clutch Hold
The football hold is a great position for mothers with twins or C-sections. By positioning your baby under the arm, tucking their legs like a football, and supporting the baby’s head with your hand, you can latch them properly.
3. Cross Cradle Hold
Hold your baby across your body, and support their head with your hand that is opposite the breast you are feeding. This position gives more control to new mothers.
4. Side-Lying Position
Lying on your side with your child facing you allows you to rest while breastfeeding. This position helps with recovering after giving birth and nighttime resting.
Conclusion
Breastfeeding might sound simple, but it doesn’t come naturally for everyone. Understanding what latching is, when it doesn’t work, and practicing proper techniques helps toward a smooth journey. If you face persistent challenges despite all your efforts, do not hesitate to reach out to a neonatology specialist in Coimbatore so that you can turn your breastfeeding into a nurturing experience.
