How the baby latches on to the breast is one of the most important elements in the breastfeeding relationship. How the baby latches on affects mom and baby. A good latch benefits baby because it enables him/her to suckle effectively, drawing out an adequate amount of milk from the breast. A good latch benefits mom because it helps reduce the risk of sore and chewed nipples, bleeding nipples, raw nipples, and chafed nipples. The first few days of breastfeeding might be tough because some babies are so lazy to latch on. In my case I didn't really deal with any latching on problems. As soon as the baby was laid on my chest she latched on like a pro. However, because she was suckling so vigorously I still had to deal with sore and bleeding nipples (not fun). Because prior to having my baby I read so much on breastfeeding and the common obstacles faced I knew that the hospital provides lanolin to help with cracked nipples. It was then that I learned that the milk itself helps to relief the pain. After every feeding, I would express a small amount of milk and spread it around the entire nipple and areola.
For those mommy's that do suffer from a bad latch, you may ask well how can i get my baby to latch on properly?
Most importantly, a mother should watch for her baby’s feeding cues. When babies are hungry and ready to nurse, they will exhibit many behaviors. There are early, mid, and late feeding cues to watch for. The early feeding cues are wiggling around, moving arms or moving legs, rooting, and sticking hands or fingers in the mouth. Mid-stage hunger cues include becoming fussier, high pitched noises, restless, and intermittent crying. The late-stage of hunger cues include full cries, screaming, and turning red. A mother will want to get the baby to her breast in the early stage of hunger cues. This will make it easier for mom to get the baby on the breast properly.
Refer to picture below for a visual. (I am a visual and hands on learner)
Try not to wait until baby cries to initiate feeding. At this point the baby is aggravated and it will be difficult to try to get him/her to latch on properly. The baby will need time to cool down and relax, and be consoled by the mother, before attempting to nurse again.There are certain ways to know if baby is latch on properly. You should be able to hear the baby swallowing, the baby seems at ease when at the breast and when done the baby will fall off the breast and seem very relaxed. Never rush baby off the breast when they have had enough they will let go themselves.
