Wyoming WIC

Getting A Good Latch

Getting A Good Latch

No matter how you hold your baby while breastfeeding, it’s important to get a good latch. A good latch will help you feel comfortable and allow your baby to remove milk from your breast well. Try the following steps or reach out to your local WIC office for support in getting a good latch.

Tips for a good latch:

Create a calm environment

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 skin-to-skin

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.

Let your baby lead

One way to get your baby to latch is to let them lead and follow their natural instincts to suck. Allowing your baby to search for the breast can take some of the pressure off you and help keep your baby calm and relaxed. You can hand express a few drops of milk onto your nipple so that your baby can smell your milk. If your baby is not hungry, they will stay curled up against your chest. If they are hungry, your baby will bob their head against you, try to make eye contact, and squirm around.

Support and help your baby, but don’t force the latch

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.

C HOLD

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.

U HOLD

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.

Getting a Deep Latch

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.

Signs of a good latch

  • The latch feels comfortable and does not hurt or pinch you. You should only feel a gentle tugging while your baby nurses.
  • Your baby’s chest rests against your body. Your baby does not have to turn their head while nursing.
  • Depending on the size of your areola, you might see little to no areola. Your baby's mouth will be filled with breast.
  • You hear or see your baby swallow. Some babies take a pause in their breathing when swallowing.
  • You see your baby’s ears “wiggle” slightly.
  • Your baby’s lips turn outward like fish lips-not inward.
  • Your baby’s chin touches your breast.

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SIDE-LYING HOLD

Side-Lying Hold

  1. For the right breast, lie on your right side with your baby facing you.
  2. Pull your baby close. Your baby’s mouth should be level with your nipple.
  3. In this position, you can cradle your baby’s back with your left arm and support yourself with your right arm and/or pillows.
  4. Keep loose clothing and bedding away from your baby.
  5. Reverse for the left breast.

This hold is useful when:

  • You had a C-section
  • You want to rest while baby feeds
  • You are breastfeeding in the middle of the night
  • You and your baby are comfortable in this position
CROSS-CRADLE HOLD

Cross-Cradle Hold

  1. For the right breast, use your left arm to hold your baby’s head at your right breast and baby’s body toward your left side. A pillow across your lap can help support your left arm.
  2. Gently place your left hand behind your baby’s ears and neck, with your thumb and index finger behind each ear and your palm between baby’s shoulder blades. Turn your baby’s body toward yours so your tummies are touching.
  3. Hold your breast as if you are squeezing a sandwich. To protect your back, avoid leaning down to your baby. Instead, bring your baby to you.
  4. As your baby’s mouth opens, push gently with your left palm on baby’s head to help them latch on. Make sure you keep your fingers out of the way.
  5. Reverse for the left breast.

This hold is useful when:

  • Your baby is premature
  • Your baby has a weak suck
  • Your baby needs help to stay latched
  • Your baby needs extra head support
  • You and your baby are comfortable in this position
CLUTCH OR “FOOTBALL” HOLD

Clutch or “Football” Hold

  1. For the right breast, hold your baby level, facing up, at your right side.
  2. Put your baby’s head near your right nipple and support their back and legs under your right arm.
  3. Hold the base of your baby’s head with your right palm. A pillow underneath your right arm can help support your baby’s weight.
  4. To protect your back, avoid leaning down to your baby. Bring baby to you instead.
  5. Reverse for the left breast.

This hold is useful when:

  • You had a C-section
  • You have large breasts
  • You have flat or inverted nipples
  • You have a strong milk let-down
  • You are breastfeeding twins
  • Your baby likes to feed in an upright position
  • Your baby has reflux
  • You and your baby are comfortable in this position
CRADLE HOLD

Cradle Hold

  1. For the right breast, cradle your baby with your right arm. Your baby will be on their left side across your lap, facing you at nipple level.
  2. Your baby’s head will rest on your right forearm with your baby’s back along your inner arm and palm.
  3. Turn your baby’s tummy toward your tummy. Your left hand is free to support your breast, if needed. Pillows can help support your arm and elbow.
  4. To protect your back, avoid leaning down to your baby. Instead, bring your baby to you.
  5. Reverse for the left breast.

This hold is useful when:

  • Your baby needs help latching on
  • You and your baby are comfortable in this position
Laid-Back Hold

Laid-Back Hold

  1. Lean back on a pillow with your baby’s tummy touching yours and their head at breast level. Some moms find that sitting up nearly straight works well. Others prefer to lean back and lie almost flat.
  2. You can place your baby’s cheek near your breast, or you may want to use one hand to hold your breast near your baby. It’s up to you and what you think feels best.
  3. Your baby will naturally find your nipple, latch, and begin to suckle.

This hold is useful when:

  • Your baby is placed on your chest right after birth
  • You have a strong milk let-down
  • You have large breasts
  • You and your baby are comfortable in this position