How to Make a Baby Latch on Properly

Breastfeeding has been shown to benefit both mother and newborn. A proper latch-on is central to make breastfeeding a positive experience. When your baby latches on correctly, she will be able to get an adequate amount of milk from your breast. Furthermore, you will less likely to suffer from sore nipples and breast engorgement.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Breastfeeding pillow
• Snack
• Soft music

1. Choose a location so you can breastfeed your baby comfortably. Ideally, it should be a quiet place. Each feeding session lasts about 20 to 30 minutes. Have water, juice and snack with you. You can have your baby in either a crossover hold, football hold, cradle hold or side lying hold. Make sure that you support your baby's neck and head. You can use a breastfeeding pillow to support as well.

2. Get your baby’s mouth open wide. Guide your baby to the breast, not vice versa.

3. Make sure that your baby gets a good grip on the areola, not just the nipple. Her lips must be open up to 100 to 120 degrees. A correct latch-on is when the entire areola and nipple are in your baby’s mouth. Your baby's inner lower lip should be placed against the breast.

4. You may feel discomfort initially. However, if you continue to feel discomfort, it may mean that your baby is not latched on properly.

5. Listen for her sounds. A clicking sound is a sign of poor latch-on, which indicates that your baby's suction is broken. Insert your finger into your baby's mouth to break the seal and try again.

Resources

• Help me latch on