Latching is the positioning of your nipple in your newborn's mouth so that he gets your breast milk effectively and without much effort. According to the What to Expect website, latching is the most important part of breastfeeding. Unfortunately, it is not uncommon for babies to have trouble maintaining a proper latch while feeding. Many issues and factors affect your newborn's ability to latch.
Why It Occurs
It is often difficult for a newborn to understand the mechanisms involved with latching on properly and getting milk from your breast. In addition, holding your baby in an improper position or lying in an awkward position yourself sometimes prevents your newborn from getting your entire nipple into her mouth. Some conditions such as flat nipples, where your nipples don't become erect during feeding, prevent your baby from latching on properly.
Side Effects
Pain and burning in the nipples and breasts often occurs if your baby keeps latching off and on while you breastfeed. In addition, your baby will not get enough milk to drink, which he needs to thrive and grow. Poor latching also prevents your breasts from being stimulated, which prevents you from producing a plentiful milk supply. Unfortunately, this creates a cycle of poor milk supply and demand that is difficult to break.
How to Tell If Your Baby is Latched On Properly
To check that your baby is latched on properly, assure that her lips are puffed outward around your nipple. You should be able to see the pink skin of the inside of your baby's lips while she nurses. Tug gently on your baby's lower lip to check the positioning of her tongue. If she is properly latched on, her tongue will lay between her lower gums and your nipple. Check that your baby's ears are moving up and down as she swallows and drinks.
Tips
To keep your baby latched on while breastfeeding, start by holding your breast with one hand. Position your thumb right above your nipple where your newborn's nose will encounter your breast. Hold your baby close to your nipple and rub his cheek lightly so that he opens his mouth and roots for your breast. Rub your finger over his lips until he opens his mouth very wide. Bring his head to your nipple, making sure that he takes in both your nipple and most of the areola.
