{"id":83,"date":"2023-03-03T06:14:00","date_gmt":"2023-03-03T06:14:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.floridatongue.com\/blog\/?p=83"},"modified":"2023-04-12T06:18:49","modified_gmt":"2023-04-12T06:18:49","slug":"the-secret-to-getting-a-proper-breastfeeding-latch","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.floridatongue.com\/blog\/2023\/03\/03\/the-secret-to-getting-a-proper-breastfeeding-latch\/","title":{"rendered":"The Secret to Getting a Proper Breastfeeding Latch"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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People often falsely believe that babies are born knowing how to do several things, including breastfeeding properly; however, it often takes a good bit of time and effort for infants to grasp this concept. But as a mother, it\u2019s up to you to carefully guide them and ensure that they latch on correctly. Here\u2019s more from your pediatric dentist about how to go about creating a proper breastfeeding latch, along with some signs that your baby might not be latching properly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

The Importance of a Proper Breastfeeding Latch<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Latching on refers to the way that your baby takes your nipple and areola into their mouth to begin nursing, and it\u2019s the most important aspect of breastfeeding. Without a proper latch, your baby won\u2019t get the milk they need, and your breasts won\u2019t be properly stimulated to produce more. This creates an undesirable and vicious cycle of poor milk demand coupled with poor milk supply\u2014and even worse, your breastfeeding nipples might become cracked and irritated when the latch isn\u2019t correct.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The ideal latch encompasses both the nipple and the surrounding areola, the pinkish-brown flat circle that darkens during pregnancy (which is Mother Nature\u2019s way of giving your newborn a visual cue). Though breast milk comes out of numerous tiny openings in the nipple, your baby\u2019s gums need to compress the areola and the milk sinuses underneath it in order for the milk to begin flowing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Steps for Creating a Proper Breastfeeding Latch<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Here are some detailed steps you can follow to help your baby latch correctly:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

  1. Hold your baby in a good breastfeeding position, cupping your breast with your free hand. Place your thumb above your nipple and areola at the spot where your baby\u2019s nose will touch your breast; your index finger should be in the spot where your baby\u2019s chin will touch your breast. Lightly compress your breast, giving it a shape more closely resembling your baby\u2019s mouth.<\/li>
  2. Bring your baby to your breast, stroke their cheek, and turn their mouth toward it. Tickle their lips with your nipple until their mouth opens wide, similar to a yawn, and then quickly bring them to the breast without pushing or squashing their head into it.<\/li>
  3. Allow them to take your nipple and areola into their mouth; they probably won\u2019t get the entire areola in, especially if yours is large, but that\u2019s perfectly okay. You\u2019ll know the latch is ideal if your baby\u2019s chin and the tip of their nose are touching your breast, and if their lips are flanged out like a fish\u2019s. Once the latch is in place, your little one should fall right into their suckling pattern.<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

    Signs Your Child Isn\u2019t Latching Properly<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    Be mindful of the following, as they might indicate that your baby isn\u2019t latching properly:<\/p>\n\n\n\n