Basic Breastfeeding Latch Techniques

Beginning breastfeeding can be frustrating and overwhelming. Latching or having the baby attach to your breast is not "natural", this is a learned skill both you and your baby can master but it may take some time. For most new moms it could take two to three weeks for breastfeeding to feel comfortable and easy.

1. Get Comfortable in the bed or your favorite chair.

2. Use as many pillows or boppy to bring the infant at breast level. Your arms are supported and the baby is laying on the pillows.

3. The baby's whole body should be facing you. His ear, shoulder and hip should be in alignment. His tummy will be touching your tummy. If you were to turn your head and swallow it would be difficult and uncomfortable. Look at the baby's position.

4. If the baby is across your chest and will be breastfeeding on the left breast, use your right hand to guide the infants head. Place the palm of your right hand on the infants shoulder blades, place your thumb and forefinger at the baby's ears or jaw line, now you will have more control of the baby's head and neck. I promise you will not hurt your infant, you are not forcing him to breastfeeding only guideing him in the right direction.

5. Your left hand will be supporting your left breast. Support your breast at the angle of the infants mouth. Think of eating a submarine sandwich, would you begin eating it sideways? Your thumb will be at the 3 o'clock position and your first finger will be at the 9 o'clock position on the edge of the areola or even further back toward your breast area. Do not pinch or hold the nipple as if to place the nipple into the babys' mouth. The baby comes to you.

6. His head will be slightly tilted back so that his nose his level with your nipple. Picture yourself drinking a glass of water, do you hold your head down to your chest or slightly tilted back?

7. Tickle his top lip, remember his head is tilted slighlty back, when he opens very wide (like a yawn) bring his shoulders to you so that the nipple touches the roof of his mouth not his tongue, this is called an asymetric latch. His lips, with this technique, will be flanged out. And will have a large amount of the areola drawn into his mouth.

8. You should feel a tugging pulling sensation with a correct latch. At first it might be tender, but that will go away within a few days.

9. Place your finger in the corner of his mouth to release the suction. Do not pull him off.

10. Your nipple should appear round after he is finished. Flat, compressed, pinched, wedged, cracked and bleeding nipples are not normal and a Breastfeeding Specialist should be consulted.

Above all relax and enjoy your new baby it may take several attempts to obtain a correct latch. Patience and persistence! If you are having problems contact your Healthcare provider or local hospital to direct you to a Lactation Consultant in your area.