If you’re a new parent, you’re probably wondering about the best way to make breastfeeding work for your family. Here’s a look at the three main latch positions for newborns that mothers typically use to breastfeed and some tips on how to help your baby find the perfect position for breastfeeding.
What are the three main latch positions for newborns?
- The newborn tongue-root position – The newborn tongue-root breastfeeding latch position is the best way to breastfeed your baby. When you are breastfeeding, the latch should be on top of your baby’s mouth, in their lower lip. You should line up your nipple with their tiny bottom lip and push down gently. You may need to tweak the positioning a few times during breastfeeding, but it’s important to get it right the first time so that your baby gets the most effective feeding.
- The paci-carrying position – Nursing mothers in the paci-carrying breastfeeding latch position provide their infants with the best possible feeding experience. The shoulder-width stance provides a comfortable and stable platform for the baby to latch onto while providing easy access to the mother’s breasts. The baby’s head is positioned below the areola, ensuring that ample milk flow is directed into the infant’s mouth.
- The thumb-suckling position – The thumb-suckling breastfeeding latch position provides optimal access for both mother and child. Some mothers find that the thumb-suckling breastfeeding latch position is the most comfortable for them. This position allows your baby’s head to be close to your breast, which is thought to provide more milk.
If the baby falls asleep while breastfeeding, don’t be alarmed; many babies sleep through their feeds at this stage. After feeding for about two minutes, remove him from the breast and put him in a safe spot next to you before resuming nursing elsewhere on the chest.
Tips On How To Help A Baby Latch Properly
Babies have a natural instinct to attach themselves to their mothers. However, not all babies latch on perfectly from the start. There are several tips you can use to help your baby latch on more easily.
- Make sure your baby is warm and comfortable. If your baby is cold or uncomfortable, it will be harder for them to latch on properly.
- Wait until your baby is hungry before breastfeeding. If you breastfeed right after feeding your baby, they may not be hungry enough and they may not latch on as easily.
- Practice breastfeeding at home before you go out in public. This way, you can make sure that everything goes smoothly when you are actually nursing in public.
- Make sure that the breastmilk comes into contact with the infant’s mouth as much as possible. When breastfeeding, don’t use too much pressure – just let the breastmilk flow over the infant’s lips and into their mouth naturally.
- Don’t use pacifiers or bottles during breastfeeding unless explicitly instructed to do so by a doctor or health professional. These devices can interfere with latching on and breastfeeding properly.
Advice On How To Break A Bad Latch
Breastfeeding can be a bonding experience for both mother and baby, but it can also be difficult if the latch isn’t perfect. If the latch isn’t correct, the baby won’t get enough milk and may become dehydrated. Here are some tips on how to break a bad latch:
- Adjust the position of the baby’s head. Try placing them higher up on your breast or leaning back slightly to create more space between your breast and the baby’s head.
- Nurse in tandem with your partner or another person who can help break the latch. This will help you distribute milk evenly to both breasts and also provide support for you during breastfeeding.
- Try using warm water or ice chips to soothe sore nipples. This will help increase milk production and lessen any discomfort caused by a bad latch.
