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 get the most milk.

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. 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 to support your baby’s head and shoulders as they search for your breast. Use your other arm to support your breast by using a C hold or U hold. 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.

C HOLD

U HOLD

Signs of a good latch
  • The latch feels comfortable and does not hurt or pinch you. How it feels is more important than how it looks.
  • Your baby’s chest rests against your body. Your baby does not have to turn their head while nursing.
  • You see little or 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.
FINDING A GOOD LATCH

Tickle the baby’s lips to encourage them to open wide.

Pull your baby close so that the chin and lower jaw moves 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.

Tickle the baby’s lips to encourage them to open wide.

Pull your baby close so that the chin and lower jaw moves 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.