Latching
A good latch is key to a successful breastfeeding relationship . A good latch should be comfortable for the mother and effective at transferring milk to the baby . Toward the back of the roof of baby ’ s mouth , the hard palate changes to a soft palate . The baby needs to take in enough of the mother ’ s breast tissue so that the nipple goes to the soft palate . Generally , this means taking the mother ’ s areola into the mouth , and not just the end of the nipple . Trying to nurse with a shallow latch often causes pain for the mother and frustration for everyone .
When to Feed
Latching and Feeding
Preview
Feed whenever the baby show signs of hunger , In the beginning , it can be difficult to tell if baby is which may be every twenty minutes to every two latched well . Use these tips to help : to three hours . See page 32 or 59 for hunger cues . Newborns often want to feed frequently . As baby gets older , they may begin to develop a routine and want to feed on a more predictable schedule .
Bringing Baby to Breast
If self-attachment is challenging for you or baby , use these techniques : While holding baby ’ s neck and back with one hand and your breast with the other , line up their nose with your nipple . Tickle their top lip with your nipple and wait for them to open their mouth wide . When baby opens wide , gently pull them onto the breast .
62 Breastfeeding
• When latching , baby ’ s mouth should open very wide ( as pictured to the left ). They should take in a large amount of areola , with their lips flared out ( as pictured above ).
• Baby ’ s chin should touch the breast and their head should be tipped back slightly .
• If the latch is painful or shallow , break the suction by pressing on baby ’ s cheek at the corner of the lips , then take baby off the breast and begin again .
• When a good latch is established , continue to support baby ’ s neck and back and keep their body close . Be sure to use pillows to support yourself and stay comfortable .
• Feed for as long as baby shows interest and is actively nursing . When activity slows , offer the other breast . Some babies will be satisfied with just one breast at a feeding .
• It is common for a nursing blister to form on the middle of a breastfed newborn ’ s upper lip . This does not indicate poor latching . Often this will simply flake off and a new one will form in its place . Long-term or severe blistering may need attention from a lactation professional .