How to Help a Baby Latch to a Breast

Breastfeeding can either happen naturally or it can be frustrating to some. Working with your baby, you can have a successful breastfeeding experience you can be proud of. If your baby won't latch on at first, or has problems consistently latching on each time, learn how you can help the baby latch on to the breast.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. Get the baby to open his or her mouth wide, as if yawning. Brush the baby's lips with your nipple to encourage him to open wide.
2. Quickly pull baby onto the breast once the mouth is open by pulling him toward you using the arm that is holding him. It is important to move the baby towards you, rather than moving yourself towards the baby.
3. Check that the baby's gums completely bypass the nipple, covering approximately one inch of the areola behind the nipple. The baby's lips should be everted. Some babies will tighten or purse their lips. If the lower lip is inverted or turned in, try lightly pressing down on baby's chin to evert the inwardly turned lip.
4. Look to make sure that baby is correctly latched on. Check to make sure that much of the areola is in the baby's mouth.
5. Know that if baby is latched on correctly, you should feel no pain. If you do, stop the baby and repeat the process to help him or her latch on correctly.
6. Break the baby's suction if needed, to adjust your position or help him to relatch, by gently placing your finger between the baby's gums.

Tips & Warnings

• Do not let the baby continue to feed incorrectly. Doing so can leave you with painful and damaged nipples. The baby may not be able to get enough milk.