photo from the CDC Media Center
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Too often parents are told that their baby “has a great latch” just because the baby’s mouth is on the breast.
But latch is not good if:
Latch is painful - no excuses for anyone who tells you that you have to “get used to it”, or “toughen up” or any other gaslighting remark. Latch should not cause pain, sores, or nipple compression.
Baby has a visibly shallow latch (usually painful and limiting milk intake)
Baby latch looks wide on the outside but they are constantly sleepy, only “nibbling” (not drinking), always seem hungry (even after latching) - they are very likely not getting enough milk.
You hear clicking, gulping, squeaking, or any other noises. Good drinking is quiet.
Your supply is not rising from colostrum to more and more volume after the first few days.
Baby is not gaining weight after a normal weight loss.
for any reason. Or you may actually see a baby latched widely/deeply but not “pulling”the milk out. Either way, they are not actually getting enough milk - leading to low diaper output, slow weight gain or weight loss for baby, lower supply, plugged ducts and many other issues.
You may think that your supply is low
but it might be the other way around
A less effective latch causes low supply, becoming and “vicious cycle”
- a low supply then causing a less effective latch.
If a baby’s latch is not effective (or if your pump doesn’t fit you well), less milk is “removed” from the breast - telling your body to make less milk.
Of course some people have low supply for other reasons - less growth of breast tissue in adolescence, hormonal issues, retained placenta and so many other possibilities - work with your IBCLC to determine if ineffective latch/pumping caused low supply, or if there are other issues to address.
Here are some great tips for an effective latch
Start with baby’s chin anchored on the breast and their nose away - like the angle you would hold your head up if you drink from a glass of water.
Bring baby to the breast asymmetrically - not like a “bullseye”. This places the baby’s tongue on the breast rather than the nipple, and ultimately the nipple deep in the back of the mouth (by the soft palate), rather than squished between the hard palate and the tongue (ouch!).
The asymmetric latch is often called the “flipple” because your nipple flips into the baby’s mouth last. Here are a few more resources that show this deep latch well.
This video showing the cross-cradle position also shows an excellent asymmetric latch
This instagram post showing some nice detail for a deeper latch
This exaggerated asymmetric latch video
Breastfeeding positions that help with latch
There are many positions for nursing - I’ve devoted a whole page to them!. Which position(s) work for you will depend on how you and your baby fit together. The most important things are that
Both of you are supported and comfortable
The baby is fully facing you
The baby’s arms/hands are around your breast (like a “hug”), which helps their whole body to be closer to you.
The baby comes to the breast asymmetrically (chin first - see above)
And a few more resources:
Supporting/sandwiching your breast while feeding - helps baby hold the breast more deeply. You want to hold your breast not too close/not too far from the nipple to make a nice “sandwich”.
Fantastic article called “How to Get A Good Deep Latch” including a variety of visuals, videos and more.
And two more videos - one showing the asymmetric latch using a puppet, and one that is more a discussion with helpful analogies
Breast compressions help push the nipple deeper in the baby’s mouth and also help baby’s get more milk (which also helps supply!). For a newborn, breast compressions can be so helpful for them while they are fully incorporating nursing skills - over time you shouldn’t have to use them anymore.
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