Getting A Good Latch
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- Getting A Good Latch
Breastfeeding will be easier when you and your baby are relaxed and calm. Find a comfortable chair and position where you feel safe and supported. Try playing some soft, calming music.
Hold your baby, wearing only a diaper, against your bare chest. Hold the baby upright between your breasts, and just enjoy your baby for a while with no thoughts of breastfeeding.
Your baby may need help latching at first. Use one arm or hand to support baby's neck and shoulders as they search for your breast. Use your other hand to support your breast by using a C hold or U hold. You might find that you need to support your breast during the latch on and throughout a feeding. Supporting your breast may remove some of the weight of your breast from your baby's chin, making it easier for them to breastfeed and more comfortable for you.
Support your breast with your thumb on top and fingers underneath, away from your areola. Your fingers should be placed far enough back that they do not touch your baby's mouth. This hold can be helpful in the clutch/football and cradle positions.
Using your free arm and hand, drop your elbow and support your breast between your thumb and your index finger. This hold can be helpful in the cradle and cross-cradle positions.
When your baby’s chin hits your breast, the firm pressure will make them open their mouth wide and up over the nipple. As they press their chin into the breast and open their mouth, they should get a deep latch. When your baby has a good latch, they can breathe at your breast and their nostrils will flare to allow air in. Check to make sure your baby’s nostrils are not blocked by your breast. Their nose should be very close/touching breast but if baby is struggling to breathe then gently push fingers against breast to allow more air.
Tickle the baby’s lips to encourage them to open wide. Your nipple should be pointed toward the roof of their mouth.
Pull your baby close and allow your baby to tip their head slightly back. Their chin and lower jaw should move into your breast first.
Watch the lower lip and aim it as far from the base of the nipple as possible, so the baby takes a large mouthful of breast.
Once your baby is latched on, their mouth should still be open wide with their lips sealed on your breast. If your baby is latched on to just your nipple, gently put a clean finger in the corner of their mouth to break the suction and then try to latch again.
Tickle the baby’s lips to encourage them to open wide. Your nipple should be pointed toward the roof of their mouth.
Pull your baby close and allow your baby to tip their head slightly back. Their chin and lower jaw should move into your breast first.
Watch the lower lip and aim it as far from the base of the nipple as possible, so the baby takes a large mouthful of breast.
Install this web app on your iPhone: tap and then Add to Home Screen.
Side-Lying Hold
This hold is useful when:
Cross-Cradle Hold
This hold is useful when:
Clutch or “Football” Hold
This hold is useful when:
Cradle Hold
This hold is useful when:
Laid-Back Hold
This hold is useful when: