breastfeeding latch

Now that baby is in the proper position for breastfeeding, it’s time to offer your breast. Many Moms find it helpful with a newborn to hold their breast with the hand opposite baby’s head (meaning if baby’s head is in the crook of your left arm, hold your breast with your right hand). Don’t squeeze your breast, just lift it so that the weight of it is not on your baby’s jaw.

Place your thumb on top of your breast and fingers underneath, making a “C” shape, taking care that not to block the nipple and areola (the area of darker skin surrounding the nipple).

Your baby’s mouth needs to be wide open before you latch him on.

He should look like he’s yawning, but don’t try to put your nipple in his mouth when he yawns because his tongue won’t be in the correct position. If your baby doesn’t open wide when he sees your breast (this is why your areola becomes darker during your pregnancy – so it’s easy for baby to spot!), try tickling him a bit on the lips or cheek.

He will likely open his mouth and “root” around wildly (newborns have a strong “rooting” reflex, you have probably noticed that everything that touches his face causes him to hunt for a nipple!). 

Some newborns can be a little lazy (I don’t mean this as an insult, more than one of mine has tried this!) and they try to open their mouths just a little and “slurp” your nipple back into position. Don’t let him do this! J This little habit will cause you pain. If your baby attempts this, place your pinky in the side of his mouth to break the suction, remove your nipple and try again.

Your baby needs to take the entire nipple and part of the areola into his mouth in order to nurse without discomfort and trigger your milk ejection reflex. Don’t worry if your breast seems huge in comparison to your baby’s tiny mouth. In fact it might seem larger than his entire head, but babies are made for this so he can handle it. J

You’ll know he’s latched on properly if you feel strong suction but no pain, and he begins sucking.

When baby first begins to nurse, he will take short, gentle “butterfly” sucks. This will satisfy his immediate thirst and hunger and also trigger your milk ejection reflex.  

Later on in the feeding he will begin to take longer, deeper swallows. You might notice his temple going in and out and his ears wiggling a little. You’ll also notice him working his jaw up and down, the way you might if you were guzzling down a cold drink. You may even hear him swallowing.

You may feel a surging, tingling or rushing sensation in your breast as your milk “lets down”. Or you may notice that milk leaks from your other breast.

If you don’t notice these sensations don’t assume that you don’t have milk. Some Moms never feel the letdown sensation and have healthy, plump breastfed babies. Every Mom is different. You should still notice the change in baby’s sucking pattern however as he takes in greater amounts of milk.

Congratulations! You’ve just fed your baby! Of course, not everything can be taught in a book format, and if you need help, ASK. Sometimes just the tiniest adjustment in technique can bring about huge changes.