During the fourth trimester, after the difficult work of pregnancy and childbirth is complete and you and your baby settle in and get to know one another, there will be ups and downs and hurdles to overcome. One such challenge for breastfeeding parents occurs when baby has trouble latching on and feeding sufficiently. This can be overwhelming and worrisome for parents. To follow are some common latch issues and tips on how to solve them so you and your baby can have a successful and enjoyable breastfeeding experience.
Reasons why baby won't latch
How to help baby latch
A good latch, when breastfeeding, should feel comfortable and relaxed with the nipple resting deep within baby's mouth rather than pursed around their lips. As baby latches on, they'll begin sucking fast but then settle into a rhythm as they suck and swallow at a steady pace.
"A good latch has a lot more tongue action, no dimpling of the cheeks, popping or clicking sounds, and the lips are not tucked in. Head position is important, too, as we need room for the chin and jawline to rock back and forth, as opposed to being tucked," Georgakopoulos explained. "Allowing the head to rest with support at the base of the neck allows proper movement. Avoid pushing the back of the head in, and when latching, aim their nose at the nipple to encourage them to open wider."
Patience is key when baby has trouble latching. When baby does finally feed, expect that they may take longer a little bit longer to get the hang of sucking if they're having difficulty latching on. You can also help out a bit by gently squeezing your breast to encourage the flow of milk into baby's mouth as they're nursing.
If your baby continues to have trouble latching, contact their healthcare provider or seek out the services of a certified lactation consultant to help you and your baby have a successful breastfeeding experience.
Contact your doctor right away if nursing is causing you significant pain and discomfort. If your breasts are swollen or enlarged or your nipples reddened and cracked, you could have mastitis — a breast tissue infection — which is commonly treated with antibiotics.
