Is your baby having trouble latching on properly? Let's talk about the correct latch (Breastfeeding Latch)

When you become a new mother, the greatest joy you can feel is breastfeeding your own baby. It is a wonderful bond between mother and baby. But sometimes this is not as easy as you think, is it? Problems arise such as the baby not sucking properly, the nipples hurting, and the feeling that there is not enough milk. The main reason for this is that the baby is not properly attached to the breast, which is what we medically call the 'latch'. So, let's talk about this very simply today.

Simply put, what is this 'Breastfeeding Latch'?

The 'breastfeeding latch' is nothing more than a way for your baby to latch onto your breast while breastfeeding. It's very important that this happens correctly.

In a good, correct latch, your baby's mouth should include not only your nipple, but also an inch or two of the areola (brown area around the nipple) . In particular, the areola should be more in the mouth, especially on the lower lip.

Imagine, a bad latch is when the baby only holds the tip of your nipple with his mouth and sucks. This is also called a 'shallow latch'. When this happens, your nipples can become sore and even injured. And the baby won't get enough milk. That's why it's very important for the baby to open his mouth wide and latch on deeply.

How to properly latch a baby to the breast? (Getting a good latch)

This may seem a little difficult at first, but it becomes very easy once you get used to it. Let's see how to do this step by step.

1. Find a comfortable position: First, sit comfortably with a pillow under your back. It's even better if you can place a footstool under your legs. That way, you won't have to bend over to get your baby to your breast.

2. Hold your baby close to your body: Hold your baby close to your body. Your baby's ears, shoulders, and hips should be in a straight line . Your baby's body should not be twisted. Give your baby good support. Remember, you want to bring your baby closer to your breast, rather than your breast closer to your baby. Using a breastfeeding pillow can help a lot with this.

3. Hold the breast properly: Hold your hand in a 'C' shape, slightly behind the areola, as if you were feeding your baby a sandwich.

4. Encourage the baby: Bring your nipple close to the baby's mouth. The nipple should be aimed at the baby's nose. The baby's chin should be touching the bottom of your breast. Now, very slowly.Tickle your baby's upper and lower lips with your nipple. Your baby will open his mouth wide, as if opening a jar.

5. Attach the baby to the breast: As soon as the baby opens his mouth wide, quickly bring the baby closer to the breast and place the breast in the baby's mouth. Aim your nipple towards the roof of the baby's mouth. This will ensure that the baby latches on to the breast, not just the nipple, but also the areola.

6. Wait a while: Don't take your hand away as soon as your baby latches on. Hold the breast for about 20 seconds. This gives your baby time to start sucking on his own breast. Then you can remove your hand.

When doing these things, you may wish you had two more hands. At this point, ask your husband or a family member for help. It's nothing to be ashamed of. This takes some getting used to, so be patient.

What are the characteristics of a good and bad 'Latch'?

Pay attention to these signs to know if your baby is properly attached to the breast. Let's look at this in a table to make it easier to understand.

Why do some babies have difficulty attaching to the breast?

There can be many reasons why you can't latch properly. Many of these are things beyond your control. So don't blame yourself.

• Premature birth: Premature babies may have a reduced ability to suckle breast milk in the early stages.
• Some health conditions: Tongue-tie, lip-tie, or cleft lip/cleft palate, prevent the baby from using their tongue and mouth properly.
• Gastric problems (Reflux): If a baby has a condition called ``reflux'', where milk comes up into the throat, it may be difficult for them to suckle.
• Baby sleeping too much: Some babies sleep a lot in the early days, making it difficult to wake them up to feed.
• The nature of the mother's nipples: If your nipples are flat or inverted, they may be a little difficult for the baby to latch on to.
• Breast engorgement: If the breasts are full of milk and swollen (engorged) like a rock, it can be difficult for the baby to latch on properly.

Is it good to use a 'Nipple Shield'?

A 'Nipple Shield' is a thin silicone cover that you wear over your nipple. It is sometimes used to help your baby latch on.

However, it is not recommended to use this in most cases.This is only a temporary solution. For example, it can be a temporary help for a baby who has been exclusively bottle-fed for a long time to get used to the breast, or for a mother who has inverted nipples.

If you are using a 'Nipple Shield', you should definitely talk to your doctor or a lactation consultant and follow their advice . As continued use of these may reduce the amount of milk your baby receives and your own milk production.

When should I seek medical advice?

Don't give up when you have problems breastfeeding your baby. Don't wait to ask for help. If you're feeling this way, definitely see your doctor .

• If you have severe pain every time you breastfeed.
• If the baby is constantly crying, not latching on to the breast.
• If the baby looks away, cries, or pushes the breast away when you bring it closer to the breast.
• If your nipples are sore, cracked, or bleeding.
• If you feel like your baby is not gaining weight properly.
• If you have any questions, fears, or doubts about breastfeeding.

Breastfeeding has many benefits for both you and your baby. So don't be discouraged if it doesn't go as smoothly as you hoped. These are very common problems. With a little help and support, mothers can overcome all of these.